Tiny, name brand running sneakers. Sparkly dress-up flats. Wee jelly sandals and loafers…baby shoes are really, really cute. It’s almost impossible not to buy them all up! But just because they’re super-adorable, doesn’t necessarily mean your tot needs them. Worse, putting the wrong shoes on a budding walker may hinder their newfound skills. Here, we break down what your baby’s growing feet really need.
Do babies need shoes?
The short answer is no. Your baby does not need shoes until they start walking, according to theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics. The only thing younger babies need on their feet are socks to keep them warm.
Think about it like this: The purpose of shoes (other than to look cute, of course), is to protect the feet. But if your precious nugget is dangling from a baby carrier, relaxing in the stroller, or scooting on their hands and knees, there’s nothing to protect their feet from. If warmth is what you crave for your baby’s tootsies, cozy socks, footed snowsuits, and stroller sacks do the trick.
What’s the harm of baby shoes?
Beyond not needing shoes, putting shoes on babies who are just learning to balance on their growing feet can be a downright hindrance. Shoes with inflexible soles can prevent a baby from learning how to flex and move their feet to walk. That's why pediatricians recommend that babies learn to walk barefoot in a safe space, like on their living room floor. This’ll help strengthen the muscles and tendons in your baby’s feet.
When do babies need shoes?
There is no particular age at which your baby will need shoes, but a good rule of thumb is to wait until they’ve learned to walk and show signs of wanting to be up and about. The general milestone guideline for when a baby begins to walk is:
Between 6 and 13 months: crawling
Between 9 and 12 months: pulling themselves up
Between 8 and 18 months: walking
It is important to remember that not all babies are on the same trajectory. If your child’s progress doesn’t fit neatly in the above timeline, it doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. Don’t hesitate to talk to your pediatrician about any concerns.
Should babies wear shoes when learning to walk?
Babies should wear shoes when walking outside or on uneven surfaces. But indoors, barefoot is best for your baby’s still-developing feet. (Often, babies won't even tolerate shoes while they’re busy trying to master walking!) Again, when your baby’s tootsies are shoe-free, it bolsters their muscle strength, plus it encourages balance, posture, and coordination. If you feel your baby needs a little something-something on their feet, you can use booties or socks with non-skid bottoms to prevent slipping while walking inside.
What should parents look for in baby shoes?
When babies start to walk, and parents are ready to buy their first pair of shoes, it’s essential that fashion takes a back seat to function. But don’t fret too much: There are so many adorable and appropriate, baby shoe options. Just remember that your baby's feet are growing fast, and stability, flexibility, and comfort are musts.
To pick the perfect pair of baby shoes, look for a few key features, like:
Lightweight shoes
Flexible soles: Any shoes with hard, stiff soles can restrict foot movement
Correct fit: Make sure the shoes aren’t too loose or too tight. There should be about a thumb’s width of room in the toe box.
Non-skid soles: This is important to help prevent slips and falls
It’s also a wise idea to consider cost. It’s common for a baby to outgrow a pair of shoes within just two or three months! For this reason, you may not want to splurge on lots of pairs of shoes and instead start with one affordable and easy-to-replace pair.
For more tips and tricks for ushering your sweet one through toddlerhood, check out Happiest Toddler on the Block.
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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.
FAQs
The best time to look for shoes is when your baby starts to explore the outdoors on two feet. That is the correct time to look for more protection. Until then, barefoot is best for healthy development. Baby feet are made up of mainly soft tissue and cartilage which means they are incredibly soft and flexible.
At what age do babies need shoes? ›
There is no particular age at which your baby will need shoes, but a good rule of thumb is to wait until they've learned to walk and show signs of wanting to be up and about. The general milestone guideline for when a baby begins to walk is: Between 6 and 13 months: crawling.
Why can't babies wear shoes before 1 year? ›
Putting shoes on sooner won't help your baby learn to walk any faster or better. In fact, shoes that have hard, inflexible soles can make it harder for him to learn to walk because they restrict natural foot movement. For now, barefoot is still best for your baby's foot development.
What are the AAP recommendations for baby shoes? ›
Shoes should be lightweight and flexible in the forefoot to allow babies' feet to flex side to side and up and down for their natural foot movement. They should also provide stability in the mid-foot for control, and cushioning in the heel for stability and balance.
Should baby wear shoes when learning to walk? ›
When toddlers are learning to walk, they should be in bare feet or a soft soled shoe as much as possible so they can feel what they touch with their feet and develop muscle strength. When toddlers have been walking on their own confidently for a period of time, they can progress to a firmer soled shoe.
Do shoes damage baby's feet? ›
Your baby's bones are soft, and cramping them in a pair of shoes too early can squash her feet and prevent them from growing properly. During your baby's first year, having her feet free will help her to reach milestones, such as crawling, standing and walking.
Is barefoot best for babies? ›
Walking barefoot not only strengthens a child's foot and ankle muscles, it also facilitates proper development of the arches and balance skills while encouraging a natural gait pattern. It is important for a new walker to feel the ground beneath their feet and the differences between carpet, hard floors, grass, etc.
Should baby wear socks all the time? ›
Believe it or not, from a medical standpoint, babies don't always need to wear socks. Sure, they might add a cute touch to your little one's outfit, but they're not just there for looks. Babies have their own unique way of regulating their body temperature. They release heat mainly through their hands, feet, and head.
When should I buy hard bottom shoes for my baby? ›
When should my Child Wear Hard Soled Shoes? In general experts agree that children can start to transition to hard soles shoes approximately 6 weeks after they are confidently walking independently.
Should I size up for baby shoes? ›
We recommend around 0.5-1.0cm for babies and 1.0cm for toddlers. In other words, the right size shoe should measure 1 adult pinkie finger than their longest foot.
Most very young children don't have much running around to do like their toddler counterparts, so if a pair of baby shoes are in good condition and shows no signs of forming to another child's feet, they're probably okay to be hand-me-downs. For toddler shoes, exercise good judgment.
How quickly do babies go through shoe sizes? ›
On average, your baby's feet grow two to three sizes in their first year, then two sizes until they start school, and one size until they're in their late teens. But, of course, every child is different, so it's important to get their shoes checked and feet measured regularly by trained fitters.
What age can you put babies in shoes? ›
If you're starting to think about first shoes, chances are that your baby's begun to master the art of cruising. This usually starts between 10 and 18 months (Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, 2017).
How long does a baby stay in a shoe size? ›
Here's a breakdown: From birth to 12 months, they will grow an average of 5 sizes, (from a 0 to a 5). Then from 12 months to 24 months, the average child will only grow two shoe sizes. From 24 months to 3 years, they will grow another one to two sizes, landing them at an average size 9 by the age of three.
What age should a child put their own shoes on? ›
I would expect children to be doing their own shoes any time between 2.5 and 3.5 depending on the style and fit of the shoes.
What is the difference between pre walkers and first shoes? ›
Pre-walkers typically have soft, flexible soles to mimic the feel of being barefoot while first shoes are firmer to provide stability while walking longer distances.
When should babies roll over? ›
Babies start rolling over as early as 4 months old. They will rock from side to side, a motion that is the foundation for rolling over. They may also roll over from tummy to back. At 6 months old, babies will typically roll over in both directions.
What age do babies start to crawl? ›
Babies usually start crawling between 7 and 12 months old. They are usually able to get into a crawling position on their hands and knees between 6 and 9 months and will probably be rolling around and crawling on their tummies, called 'commando crawling', by around 9 months, though this varies from child to child.
