Baby Shoes

No. The AAP recommends barefoot or sock-covered feet for pre-walkers indoors. Shoes are needed once babies walk outdoors and need protection from surfaces. Early or stiff footwear can interfere with the natural development of the foot arch and intrinsic foot muscles.

Look for a flexible, thin sole that bends easily at the toe box, a wide toe box allowing full toe splay, a lightweight design, a firm heel counter for support, and a non-slip sole. Avoid stiff-soled shoes or those with elevated heels for first walkers.

Toddler feet grow approximately one shoe size every 2-3 months in the first year of walking, and around every 3-4 months after that. Measure both feet at the end of the day (when feet are slightly larger) and fit to the larger foot. Allow 0.5-1cm of growing room at the toe.