Happy Feet

Let your little one put his best foot forward! Follow these tips on taking care of your baby’s walkers

Looking after little feet is just one more part of loving and caring for your baby. To help you get your baby off on the right foot, here are answers to the most common questions parents ask about feet and footwear.

WHEN SHOULD I BUY SHOES FOR MY BABY?

Between nine and 12 months of age, when your baby begins to pull himself up and stand on his own, you should begin thinking seriously about your little one’s footwear needs.

WHY DOES MY BABY NEED SHOES?

Shoes help protect your baby’s tender feet from the rough surfaces, splinters and sharp objects that often lie in wait for the young adventurer. When your baby’s learning to walk, he looks ahead, not down—and those unwary little feet are likely to tread on anything.

WILL SHOES HELP MY BABY WALK?

The flat, even bottoms of a shoe provide stability for a young tenderfoot. Usually, pediatricians advise parents to let their baby take the first few steps barefoot and, once baby’s walking well, make their first trip to the shoe store. A few beginner walkers, however, walk better and stumble less when wearing a well-fitting flexible shoe.

HOW CAN I TELL IF BABY HAS OUTGROWN HIS SHOES?