Ultimate guide to your baby's first shoes

Shoes for newborns?

Newborns do not need shoes. Their tiny feet begin to explore the world through direct contact with the skin and by wiggling their toes with curiosity. Putting shoes on them at this stage can hinder their natural development by restricting movement and exploration. So, in spring and summer, it's best to let them go barefoot! In colder seasons, some warm socks that don't squeeze too tight are more than enough to maintain their temperature.

However, we often find adorable little shoes in smaller sizes, typically starting from size 15 or 16, which roughly corresponds to 3 to 6 months of age. And even though we all know they're mainly for photos, you love them to keep your baby looking cute and coordinated. There are also ideal models for special events or ceremonies!

So, when should I start putting shoes on my baby?

The key moment for your baby to start wearing more functional footwear is when they begin to move around, stand up, and show constant interest in standing, especially if this happens outdoors. Many pediatricians suggest that the average age to start wearing actual shoes is typically around 18 months.

At this age, their curiosity to explore their surroundings vertically makes suitable shoes essential to protect their feet from pebbles and other hazards outdoors. When at home, they can and should still enjoy going barefoot, always mindful of the room and floor temperature, of course! If you're not yet ready for them to wear more structured indoor shoes, you can always opt for socks with non-slip areas on the sole.

Appropriate Shoes for Each Stage

As we mentioned earlier, the proper development of the foot depends largely on the choice of footwear. Our stage-specific recommendations are as follows:

• Newborn: Let little feet breathe! At most, some socks suitable for the outside temperature are more than enough.
• First months before crawling: Continue letting their feet go bare, but if you want to complement their looks with Mary Janes or little shoes, they should be of the "badanitas" type, without soles and with enough width to avoid any pressure on the foot and allow free movement of the toes. A good example would be these soft velvet mary janes.
• Pre-crawling and crawling: This stage usually starts around 8-9 months, but it can extend beyond 12 months of age. The priority here is the flexibility of the shoe, allowing natural movement of the feet and facilitating the necessary grip for crawling. Lightweight models with thin and flexible soles, mimicking the sensation of being barefoot, are the best choice to promote muscle development and balance.
• First steps: Now it's essential to always protect their feet when going outside with shoes that also provide stability and balance. The most suitable shoes for this stage should be made with light, flexible, and breathable materials. A thin sole that allows adapting the step to any surface, such as grass or soil, is good. Current studies support the idea that children who wear flexible shoes in the beginning tend to have better arch development and improved balance and coordination.
• Expert walkers: As your little one becomes an all-terrain explorer, pediatricians still recommend avoiding overly rigid shoes as they could limit the natural movement of the foot. Opt for models with spacious toes that allow free movement of the fingers, promoting healthy development, non-slip rubber soles, and closures suitable for the age of each child to encourage autonomy.

What to Look for When Buying Shoes for My Baby?

There are two essential elements to pay maximum attention to: the fit of the shoe and the areas of foot development.

Importance of proper fit. It not only prevents injuries but also contributes to the correct development of walking and posture. For the little ones, look for adhesive closures that promote independence. The important thing is that they fit well, customized to each type and size of foot.

Important development areas. Key areas include:

• Toes and instep: It's vital that shoes allow enough space for toe movement. Models with spacious tips prevent compression and promote proper development.
• Arch of the foot: Thin and flexible soles contribute to the correct development of foot muscles and, consequently, posture.
• Ankle: Proper support around the ankle, without excessive tightness, is crucial to prevent twists and ensure stable walking.

When Should I Change My Child's Shoe Size?

According to current pediatric trends, it is recommended to measure children's feet every three or four weeks, using the shoe insole and monitoring the space left from the toes.

Additionally, it's essential to understand the growth stages of children's feet to better control the use of the correct size and change it as soon as necessary, as foot growth rates vary depending on the child's age.

We previously discussed changing sizes more extensively in a previous post, but in general, the most obvious signs to look for are redness in a specific area of the foot, especially on the sides of the thumb and little toe, or in the heel area. If there's any discomfort, it's time for a new size!

At Pisamonas, we are experts in children's footwear, and our models always cater to the needs of each child's feet. To facilitate your decision, we provide detailed information on each product page about its features, along with photos and a size guide for you to make the most accurate decision. Additionally, we have a customer service team that will answer any questions you may have, both online and in our physical stores. We are delighted to assist you!