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The Best Time and Type of Shoes to Buy a Baby - Little Love Bug Co.

The Best Time and Type of Shoes to Buy a Baby

by Vincent Iannelli, MD in News

By Vincent Iannelli, MD 

Medically reviewed by a board-certified physician Updated on February 12, 2020

Article from Very Well Family

mother trying shoes on her baby in the aisle of a store

More in Raising Kids

Bronzing your baby's shoes might not be as popular a practice as it once was, but parents are still all too eager to get their baby their first pair of shoes—and sometimes sooner than necessary.

The potential effects that baby shoes could have on developing feet has been debated among pediatricians for decades. Experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics advise against putting shoes on a newborn's feet, and say that babies don't need to wear shoes until they begin to walk.

Once your baby has taken their first steps, your best bet for baby shoes is to make sure they're comfortable and provide some grip on slippery surfaces. They should fit snugly at the heel but still allow room at the toes. Though support won't really stabilize your baby's ankles at this age, shoes with higher ankles will help prevent your little one from taking them off.1

Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's feet or walking, including if toe walking, ingrown toenails, in-toeing or out-toeing, or not walking by 15 months.2

Baby Shoes for Pre-Walkers 

Many parents look for a soft-sole shoe as the first baby shoes they buy. These are more decorative than anything else (and can help keep socks on your baby's feet for warmth). Of course, you could also just dress up your baby in a cute pair of socks until they are walking! While they are cruising and crawling, babies need soft socks with non-skid soles more than shoes. If your infant wears decorative shoes, take them off whenever your baby begins to cruise or walk. This will help with their balance.

What to Look For in First Baby Shoes 

Once your child is walking, consider price, comfort, and style when choosing shoes. Most importantly, however, protect your baby's feet with flexible, non-skid or skid-resistant soles. Also make sure your baby's shoes fit correctly and aren't too small.1

Save that pair of classic high-top, hard-soled baby shoes just for bronzing. Even at this age, your toddler will likely do better in more flexible, soft-soled shoes. Many brands of shoes for kids are made of very soft leather, which has the benefit of being comfortable and washable.

Flexible soles and good fit are key. Skip the added expense of arch supports, special inserts, reinforced heels, or any other added feature, unless your baby's doctor recommends them.3

Baby Shoes to Avoid 

Crocs and flip-flops slip off so easily that you will likely have a hard time keeping them on your kids. This is fine for "barefoot-is-best" families,4 but better shoes can protect your toddler or preschooler from stubbed toes, broken toenails, splinters, and other injuries, even inside the house.

There has also been some concern that Crocs can pose a safety hazard on escalators, as there have been reports of kids wearing Crocs who've gotten their shoes caught and toes injured. If your child has been walking out of their shoes frequently and suffering minor injuries, it's probably wise to graduate them to laced shoes.

Tags: Barefoot/Minimalist Shoe Info Parenting

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Baby Development Milestones: What to Expect From 0–24 Months

Baby Development Milestones: What to Expect From 0–24 Months Watching your baby grow and develop during the first two years of life is one of the most incredible parts of parenthood. From their first smile to their first steps, each milestone marks an exciting stage in your child’s development. Every baby develops at their own pace, but understanding typical milestones can help parents support their child’s growth and feel confident about what’s ahead. This guide walks through key baby development milestones from birth to 24 months, including movement, communication, and walking milestones. Newborn to 3 Months During the first few months, babies are adjusting to life outside the womb and beginning to explore their surroundings. Common milestones include: ✔ lifting their head briefly during tummy time✔ making eye contact✔ recognizing parents’ voices✔ beginning to smile✔ tracking objects with their eyes Tummy time becomes especially important during this stage because it helps babies develop the muscles needed for crawling and eventually walking. 3–6 Months Between three and six months, babies become more curious and interactive with the world around them. You may notice your baby beginning to: ✔ roll from tummy to back✔ reach for toys✔ laugh and make new sounds✔ push up on their arms during tummy time✔ begin sitting with support These movements help babies develop core strength and coordination, which are essential for later milestones like crawling and standing. 6–9 Months This stage is full of exciting changes as babies begin exploring movement. Common milestones include: ✔ sitting independently✔ crawling or scooting✔ transferring objects between hands✔ responding to their name✔ babbling with new sounds Many babies also begin pulling themselves up to stand during this stage by holding onto furniture. 9–12 Months As babies approach their first birthday, they begin developing the confidence needed for walking. Common milestones include: ✔ pulling up to stand✔ cruising along furniture✔ standing without support✔ taking first steps✔ using simple gestures like waving or pointing Some babies take their first steps during this stage, while others may wait a few more months. Both are completely normal. 12–18 Months Most babies begin walking sometime between 12 and 15 months, although some may take a little longer. During this stage you may notice: ✔ walking independently✔ climbing onto furniture✔ pushing toys while walking✔ saying simple words✔ showing more independence Once babies begin walking confidently, they start exploring their environment much more actively. This is often the stage when parents begin looking for first walking shoes for outdoor adventures. 18–24 Months Between 18 and 24 months, toddlers become much more confident in their movements. Common milestones include: ✔ running short distances✔ kicking balls✔ climbing stairs with help✔ building small towers with blocks✔ speaking short phrases At this stage, toddlers are constantly exploring, running, and playing, which means comfortable footwear becomes increasingly important. When Do Babies Start Walking? One of the biggest milestones parents look forward to is their baby’s first steps. Most babies begin walking between 9 and 15 months, with the average age being around 12 months. Before walking, babies often go through several stages: crawling pulling up to stand cruising along furniture standing independently first steps Each stage helps build the strength and coordination needed for walking. Supporting Healthy Movement During the early years, children’s feet are still developing. Experts often recommend letting babies walk barefoot indoors whenever possible because it helps them develop balance and strengthen foot muscles. When babies begin walking outside, shoes should protect their feet without restricting natural movement. Many parents look for shoes that allow their child’s feet to move naturally while still providing protection. Features that support healthy movement include: ✔ wide toe boxes✔ flexible soles✔ lightweight materials✔ zero-drop design These features help toddlers move comfortably as they learn to walk, run, and explore. Every Baby Develops at Their Own Pace It’s important to remember that milestones are guidelines rather than strict rules. Some babies crawl early but walk later. Others skip crawling entirely and go straight to walking. As long as your child continues learning new skills and exploring their environment, small differences in timing are completely normal. If you ever have concerns about your child’s development, your pediatrician can provide guidance and reassurance. The First Two Years Go Fast The first two years of your baby’s life are full of incredible growth and discovery. From their first smile to their first steps, every milestone is part of an amazing journey. Before you know it, those tiny steps will turn into running feet exploring the world around them. And those little feet? They’re just getting started.

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Baby & Toddler Shoe Size Chart by Age (2026 Guide)

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Learn more

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Little feet aren't just tiny adult feet. They're growing, developing and learning how to move — and we think their shoes should let them.

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