Baby

Any parent of an active toddler has asked thissoles.
question: “When should my child start wearing* Get shoes your child likes. Pip Squeakers shoes
shoes?”make a pleasing “squeak” that children enjoy. “It
There is no clear consensus. Some parents buy shoesencourages them to move, walk and explore their
as soon as their baby pulls herself into a first tentativesurroundings,” says Wells, who adds that children
stand; others wait as long as possible, preferring not toenjoy creating the amusing sounds with each step. An
constrict their children’s feet.added benefit is safety: the sound allows parents to
“As a general rule, kids will need shoes when theymore easily track the movements of their toddler and
are ready to start walking around outdoors,” sayskeep them within a close radius.
Peggy Wells, who is both a mother and president of* Safe closures. Make sure that your baby’s
Pip Squeakers, a children’s shoe company.shoes fasten well. Double-knot laces so that they are
“You will want something that protects yourless likely to come undone and make sure buckle
baby’s feet but still allows for some flexibility,”straps are secure without being too tight. Velcro
she explains.fasteners are the easiest option.
For parents contemplating purchasing their* It is normal to have a slight discrepancy in foot size
baby’s first shoes, here are some suggestionsbetween the two feet; you want to make sure to go
for things to consider from the experts at andwith the shoe size that fits the larger foot. Allow about
pipsqueakers.com:one-half inch of space at the end of the longest toe to
* Make sure you get the proper fit. Shoes that are toothe end of the shoe. The toes should be able to wiggle
tight or too loose could be painful or cause blisters, andfreely, and the heel should not slip with normal walking.
may even hamper walking. Have your pediatrician* Get the shoe that is most comfortable for your child,
measure your child’s feet, during the regulareven if it is not the same size that the measurement
check-ups. This will provide you with an accuratedevice indicates. Be aware that sizing differs with each
measurement when you refer to a shoeshoe company, so refer to their respective sizing
company’s sizing chart.charts. It is advisable to inspect the shoe fit every
* Avoid stiff, high-top leather shoes; there is nocouple of weeks, to insure the continuing comfort of
evidence that they help babies walk. Instead, look foryour child’s feet.
something soft and flexible that allows your baby toBecause of their unique ability to make sounds, Pip
use the movement of his feet to maintain balance andSqueakers shoes may be of interest to parents of
to walk. They should be made from canvas or somechildren with disabilities who may have vision or mobility
other breathable material, and have flat, flexible, non-slipproblems.