According to a survey, more than 90% of parents let their babies start wearing shoes too early. However, inappropriate shoe-wearing time or shoes will damage the baby’s foot development. Severe cases may even change their correct walking habits, causing bone deformities and foot muscle damage.
Right time to srtat wearing shoes
So, when is the right time for babies to wear shoes? In fact, there is no absolute answer and it depends on many factors. These factors include age, gait development, living environment, and seasonal changes.
0-12 months
12-18 months
Infants in this period have not yet begun to learn to walk and do not need shoes in the true sense. At this time, walking barefoot can not only exercise their foot muscles, but also help babies establish a sense of balance, walking posture, and limb coordination. For them, they only need to consider socks that are warm, breathable, and will not restrict their feet. It is recommended to choose “preparatory walking shoes” made of soft materials such as cloth, wool, plush or soft sheepskin. If you want them to wear shoes when going out, the whole shoe must be soft and without any rigid support. Their upper surface must have a certain degree of elasticity to maintain the feet’ shape.
The time when babies can really wear shoes is when they can walk steadily. This is usually between 12 and 18 months. As babies begin to try to stand and learn to walk, parents can consider gradually introducing toddler shoes. Toddler shoes should have the following characteristics: The upper is high and the shoe face is deep. Such shoes are more hugging and not easy to fall off. At the same time, the sole and upper should be soft and elastic. However, the insole should not be too soft. And the grip of the sole and the muscles of the foot should be exercised. Children spend a lot of energy learning to walk every day. So they should also choose shoes that are light and breathable.
Shortly, the timing of children to start wearing shoes should be based on the development needs of the children themselves. We should correctly understand the basic laws of children’s foot development in order to truly protect the health of children’s feet and accompany them to grow happily.