Baby Boutique

Picking the Perfect First Shoes for Your Baby

When your little one starts taking their first steps, you’ll want to make sure they have the perfect shoes to help them along. There are a few things to consider when picking out the best shoes for a baby’s little feet’ first steps. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most important factors to keep in mind when shopping for your baby’s first shoes. Walker shoes, toddler shoes. We’ll also provide some tips on how to find the perfect pair of shoes for your little one!

As a new parent, there are a lot of “firsts” you’ll experience with your little one. From their first smile to their first steps, every milestone is special. And while it may seem like they don’t need shoes until they start taking those first steps, the truth is that it’s never too early to start thinking about a baby’s first pair of shoes. In fact, most experts recommend starting the shopping process around the six-month mark. 

When to Buy First Shoes for Baby

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually need to wait until your baby starts walking to buy their first pair of shoes. In fact, most experts recommend starting the shopping process around the six-month mark. That said, it’s important to keep in mind that babies’ feet grow quickly, so you may not get a lot of use out of that first pair of shoes. For that reason, many parents prefer to wait until their baby is closer to 12 months old before making the purchase. Choose shoes with the correct fit, and the right footwear for a toddler’s feet.

What to Look for in Baby’s First Shoes 

When you’re shopping for your baby’s first shoes, there are three main things you’ll want to keep in mind: style, fit, and function.

Style: Let’s be honest—one of the best parts about buying baby shoes is that they’re just so darn cute. But resist the urge to go overboard on the cuteness factor and stick to shoes that are classic and timeless. You’ll thank us later when you’re not stuck looking at photos of your child in bright pink sneakers with cartoon characters all over them. Instead, opt for something like a simple pair of white leather Mary Janes or brown loafers. Not only will they never go out of style, but they’ll also match pretty much everything in your child’s wardrobe—which comes in handy when you’re trying to get out the door in a hurry! 

Fit: It might be tempting to buy shoes that are a little bit big so your child can grow into them but resist that urge! Not only will ill-fitting shoes be uncomfortable for your child (and make them more prone to trip and fall), but they can also cause long-term problems like blisters and bunions. When trying on shoes, make sure there’s about a finger’s width of space between the end of the shoe and your child’s toe—any less than that and the shoe is too small; any more and it’s too big.  

Function: Believe it or not, there are different types of shoes designed for different purposes—and those purposes actually matter! If you’re planning on using the shoes for everyday wear (i.e., running errands or going to the playground), look for pairs that have flexible soles and breathable materials like leather or canvas. These features will allow your child’s foot to move naturally and won’t overheat their foot when they’re running around outside.

Size Matters: When it comes to baby shoes, size definitely matters—but not in the way you might think. In fact, most experts recommend that you wait until your baby is at least 12 months old before buying her first pair of shoes. Why? Babies grow rapidly in their first year of life, so chances are good that the shoes you buy today will be too small in just a couple of months. Plus, babies don’t really start walking until they’re around 12 months old, so there’s really no need for shoes before then. 

If you must buy shoes for your baby before her first birthday, make sure to choose a size that’s large enough to allow for plenty of growth. That way, she’ll be able to wear them longer. Another option is to buy shoe inserts that can adjust the size of the shoe as your child grows. These come in handy if you want to buy a pair of sweet little sneakers or Mary Janes that you know your child will grow into eventually—just be sure to remove the inserts when they’re no longer necessary.  

Choose Comfort Over Style

As tempting as it may be to dress your baby in mini-versions of your own favorite shoes, resist the urge. When it comes time to choose your baby’s first pair of shoes, comfort should always come before style. After all, what good is cute shoes if they’re too uncomfortable for your little one to wear? 

When shopping for comfortable baby shoes, look for ones that have plenty of wiggle room for those tiny toes and soft, flexible soles. Steer clear of any shoes with laces or buckles; instead, opt for slip-on or velcro closure shoes that are easy for you (and your baby) to put on and take off. And don’t forget about socks! They may not be the most stylish accessory, but they’ll help keep those precious feet warm and dry—especially important during autumn and winter months. 

Think About Your Baby’s Walking Style 

No two babies walk alike; some scoot around on their bottom while others toddle along upright from day one. And believe it or not, how your baby walks can actually affect which type of shoe is best for her. If she tends to walk flat-footed or on her tiptoes, look for supportive sneakers with good arch support; if she pronates (i.e., walks with her feet turned inward), select sneakers with motion control features; if she supinates (walks with her feet turned outward), gravitate toward sneakers with lots of cushioning.

Baby’s First Walking Shoes

The best first walking shoes are thoughtfully designed to support walking posture, which for babies involves positioning the feet apart with the arms held up.

Symptoms of child’s feet problems

See your doctor or podiatrist if you are worried about your child’s feet or gait. Problematic symptoms may include:

The Children’s Foot Health Register

All Members of the Children’s Foot Health Register are committed to the highest standard of shoe fitting for young, growing feet. Find out why you should choose a CFHR-registered shop when it comes to having your children’s shoes fitted.

Itty Bitty Boutique has the perfect pair of footwear to meet your needs. For boys, girls, babies, and growing children, Itty Bitty has your toes covered.

We have over 100 pairs of baby shoes and baby boots, the majority of them developed specifically for Itty Bitty.

This includes sliders, sandals, runners, cowboy boots, and much more.

Whether you want something perfect for the chilly weather or you’re getting ready for a beach holiday.

If you’re looking for your baby’s first shoes, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, pick a style that is comfortable and easy to put on. Second, choose a shoe that will protect your child’s feet while also being affordable. Third, make sure the shoe is the right size by having your child professionally fitted. And finally, don’t forget to have fun with it! After all, picking out your baby’s first shoes is an exciting milestone.