From the moment your child is born, they’re learning to navigate the world in different ways. Independent movement typically starts at around 4 - 6 months with rolling and using arms and legs to push themselves around. This is usually followed by sitting, then crawling or scooting, until finally your child will progress to standing and, eventually, walking!
Supporting them on this journey includes providing the right footwear, starting with pram shoes and progressing to first walkers.
The role of pram shoes vs first walker shoes
Pram shoes (or pre walkers) and first walker shoes are both important for the development and protection of children’s feet, but they play very different roles.
Babies’ feet are exceptionally fragile because they are mainly made from cartilage as opposed to hard bone. They actually continue to develop and fuse together all the way into early adulthood, but the first few years are critical in shaping the future development of feet.
As a result, pram shoes are made simply to protect little feet from the weather and from impact whilst children are in the pram, providing warmth and protection for those feet as they grow rapidly. They’re also exceptionally stylish when made by Prenta of course! Learn all about pre-walker shoes in our full guide.
On the other hand, a lot of first walkers are podiatrist-approved footwear, designed to support children from their first steps onwards. Including features such as toe guards and cushioned ankle collars means first walker shoes promote natural movement patterns and gait, all whilst allowing growing feet to breathe.
Knowing when to switch from pram shoes to first walkers
Making the switch from pram shoes to first walkers needs to be carefully timed in order to make sure your child’s feet are properly protected.
Ideally, you should make this switch a few weeks after your child takes their first steps. Allowing for time barefoot as well as in first walker shoes is perfect, preferably with barefoot walking being around the house, whilst first walker shoes are worn for walking around outdoors, even if only for short periods.
During this transition, it may still be beneficial to use pram shoes when your child will be out in the pram and you’re confident they won’t be walking around at all.
To learn more about the transition from pre-walker shoes to first walker shoes, check out our blog ‘when to move from pre-walker shoes’.
The stages of development of children’s feet
Children’s feet develop rapidly from birth to the point of walking. In this short space of time, the foot transforms from soft cartilage to a more defined, weight-bearing structure.
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Stage 1 - Newborn/Pram: At this stage, the foot is a soft and pliable structure suited for rapid growth. It is made mainly from soft cartilage and there will be no visible arch. Kids’ feet are highly sensitive at this time, which is why barefoot movement or soft pram shoes are often ideal.
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Stage 2 - Pre-walking/Crawling: Foot cartilage begins to harden, turning into bones to prepare for weight bearing. Feet are still very sensitive at this point, providing feedback to the brain about the ground surface. Bare feet indoors are still ideal, and when warmth is needed(such as in the pram), pram shoes are still great.
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Stage 3 - Cruising: The first stage during which the foot takes on some significant weight. Babies begin to stand whilst holding on to other surfaces for stability whilst small muscles in the foot grip the floor. If outdoors, children should wear first walker shoes to support development.
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Stage 4 - Walking: Finally, children take their first steps and begin to move independently. It’s at this stage that, whilst feet are still developing, they are capable of supporting movement. Again, opt for barefoot walking indoors (as it encourages a more natural gait and they can move the feet more freely and feel the ground), pre-walker shoes whilst in the pram if you wish, and first-walker shoes when moving around outdoors.
Why it’s important for your child to wear the correct shoes for their developmental stages
It’s absolutely essential for children to wear the correct shoes which support their development at each stage. This is because, as mentioned, kids’ feet are highly flexible and sensitive. Footwear which is restrictive, at any stage of development, can lead to a whole host of issues further down the line, which can be difficult to reverse. This often causes long term issues with gait or movement, and can essentially lead to minor deformities.
As a result, you need to make sure that your child is wearing the right footwear.This includes owning a reliable pair of pram shoes and first-walker shoes alike.
Check out our collections of baby girls’ pram shoes and baby boys’ pram shoes, as well as baby girl and baby boy first walkers.