As parents, we love dressing our little ones in the cutest outfits, and nothing completes a look like a pair of adorable baby shoes. A question most parents ask themselves is, when do babies need their first pair of shoes? But when is the right time for your baby to start wearing shoes? Understanding the right stage to introduce baby girl shoes and baby boy shoes is crucial for their foot health and development because you don’t want to be putting shoes on too early.
The Right Time for Baby First Shoes
Before babies start walking, they don’t actually need shoes. We recommend keeping children barefoot as long as possible, but we understand when your child is outside shoes are needed. Soft socks or booties are enough to keep their feet warm and protected. However, once your little one starts taking their first steps, it's time to consider getting their first walkers.
Typically, babies begin walking between 12 and 18 months, but every child is different. The key is to ensure their baby walking shoes support their natural movement without restricting their growing feet.
What to Look for in Baby First Walking Shoes
When choosing baby first walking shoes, look for the following features to ensure comfort and support development:
1. Soft and flexible soles - Babies need to feel the ground beneath their feet to develop balance and coordination. A lightweight, flexible sole mimics barefoot walking.
2. Breathable materials - Opt for baby boy shoes and baby girl shoes made from natural materials like leather or mesh to allow airflow and keep little feet comfortable.
3. Secure fit- Shoes should have adjustable fastenings such as rip tape or buckles to ensure they stay on without being too tight.
4. Room to grow: It is crucial there should be enough space between the toes and the front of the shoe to allow for natural growth. All PRENTA shoes come with a ‘Happy Toe Zone’ insole. This feature takes the guesswork out of checking if your child’s shoes are still the correct fit. If your child’s toe falls within our ‘Happy Toe Zone’, you have the perfect fit. Once their toe reaches beyond the zone, it’s time to move up a size.
When to Replace Your Baby’s Shoes?
Babies’ feet grow quickly, so it’s essential to check their shoes regularly. If their first walkers show signs of wear, feel tight, or their toes seem cramped, or your child is complaining when wearing shoes. We recommend checking the fit every 6 to 8 weeks to ensure growing feet have the space they need.
Introducing shoes at the right time is an important step in your baby’s walking journey. When choosing baby walking shoes, prioritise flexibility, breathability, and a secure fit to support healthy foot development. Whether you’re shopping for baby girl shoes or baby boy shoes, always opt for high-quality first walkers that ensure comfort support and protection.
Looking for the perfect pair for your little one? Explore our PRENTA collection of babies first shoes designed with foot health in mind.