Baby Shoe Buying Tips

If your baby is starting to take a few steps, it is time to shop for some baby shoes to protect his or her sweet little feet from harm. But before you buy there are some important questions you should ask that will ensure you get a pair of baby shoes that help, not hinder, your baby’s walking experience.

What Kind of Baby Shoes Should I Buy?

Baby shoes should be soft and flexible so that baby can use his or her feet properly for balance. The bottoms should be non-slip and have plenty of traction, but steer clear of extra-thick soles that might trip baby up. High-top baby shoes aren’t necessary for ankle support, but if you do choose high-tops, be sure the baby’s ankles can still bend or it may be hard for the baby to walk very well. Look for shoes in a breathable material so baby’s feet can stay cool and comfy.

How Should Baby Shoes Fit?

Babies should not have to break in their shoes. After your baby has toddled around the store in the new shoes for a while, take the shoes off and check the baby’s feet for any signs of chafing or pinching. If the shoes rub or seem to make walking difficult, find another pair. As for sizing, you should be able to put your pinky finger in between the shoe and baby’s foot, and there should be about a thumb width between the baby’s toes and the end of the shoe.

Laces or Velcro?

Laces do need to be re-tied a lot, which may send parents in search of Velcro baby shoes. It’s a matter of personal choice. Lace-up baby shoes are harder for babies to take off, but Velcro is easier to figure out for the young mind, so be prepared for the baby to learn to remove Velcro shoes fairly quickly. Try tying the shoelaces a few times in the store. You’ll be tying and re-tying these shoes a lot, so be sure the laces are long enough and easy to work with. If you choose slip-on baby shoes, put the shoe on a few times in the store to be sure it slips on easily for dressing but doesn’t fall off when the baby walks.

How Often Should I Buy Shoes?

Check the fit of your baby’s shoes at least once a month. All babies grow at different rates, but you can expect to buy shoes in bigger sizes at least every three to six months. Some babies will require bigger shoes almost monthly. Check for signs of wear on the shoes and be ready to replace them if the bottoms crack or if there are holes in the top or sides. Babies and toddlers will find plenty of things to trip over, so be sure their shoes aren’t part of the problem!

Baby Clothing Basics

With a new baby in the house, the last thing you will want to worry about is choosing the right clothes for your new addition. So here are some of the basics of choosing baby clothes. Begin by selecting clothes that will be comfortable for your baby. Look for those made of soft, cotton fabrics that are easy on their very delicate skin and avoid those that are made of stiffer materials. Try and find outfits made with cotton that is hypoallergenic as they will cause fewer allergic reactions. Watch out for thick seams on the inside that can cause itchiness that is very uncomfortable for your baby’s skin. You should also choose clothes that are roomy enough to facilitate your baby’s movement and physical development.

In terms of clothing style, one-piece outfits are the most popular baby garments. These are ideal for active infants, whether they’re fidgeting in the crib or crawling around on the floor. They’re also great for easy diaper changing. New parents should have a half dozen one-piece outfits at the ready when the baby arrives.

Newborns sleep a lot, so pajamas are another critical item to have in your arsenal of baby care for clothes. Flannel is one of the most popular materials, as it’s incredibly soft and warm against the skin. Look for pajamas that come with “footies” attached at the bottom. Built-in footwear helps keep feet warm at night. This helps avoid colds, which can be serious events at very young ages.

Also, try and pick up a few pairs of undershirts. These are excellent to keep on hand for when your baby may need more than just a one-piece. Look for varieties with shoulder snaps for easy removal.

Buy at least eight pairs of socks. Size them carefully to make sure they’re not constricting to the feet. Keep an eye out for socks that have rubberized grips on the soles. This helps to eliminate slipping as your baby begins to stand up and starts to walk.

Finally, look into finding some fancy outfits. There will be times when you will want to take your baby out on the town if only to go to the supermarket. Dressing your tot up in some unbearably cute baby clothes helps promote “going out” as a fun experience for both parent and child alike.