When is your little one ready for their first pair of shoes?
Your little one’s first steps are such an exciting time
and soon those first toddles will turn into little runs and eventually, hops
and jumps!
However, long before then you’ll have the important
task of deciding whether they are ready for that first pair of shoes and which
ones to buy! It’s easy to get excited about this very special
pair of first shoes, but when it comes to this it’s best to walk before
you can run… How do you know when your little one is ready for their first pair
of walking shoes?
At a glance
- Little ones can be up and walking as early as seven months or as late as two years old
- They are ready for first shows when they can walk unaided for much of the day
- It is important to choose shoes specifically for the early walking stage
Children develop the art of walking at different times. It can be as early as seven months or as late as two years old.
Whenever it is, it’s important to give them time to master those steps before thinking about those walking shoes.
You’ll know your little one is ready when they are walking unaided for much of the day inside and outside (with cruiser shoes) - it’s then that those tiny feet need more support and protection.
Which shoes should I pick for my little walker?
We know it’s an emotional moment seeing your child in their first pair of walking shoes, but make sure the shoes you pick have both quality and fit. Just remember that baby feet don’t have bones yet, just soft cartilage which can easily be pushed out of shape by badly fitting shoes.
Even socks that are too tight can damage their feet at this delicate stage!
Another thing worth noting is that your toddler’s nerve endings are not developed yet so they may not notice a painful constriction, and may not be able to complain even if they do.
Choose shoes designed specifically for this stage, like Start-rite’s first walking shoes which are available in whole and half sizes and a variety of width fittings to ensure you get the best possible fit.
Still unsure whether your little one is ready for walking shoes? Try Start-rite’s easy-to-use interactive ready for shoes checker and find out!