Moms: What's the deal with baby shoes?

What's the deal wth baby shoes? I was just told that you're not supposed to put babies in shoes until they can start walking. AND when they DO start walking, you can only use those horrible walking shoes until they're really good at it.

Does that apply to crib shoes? If so then why do crib shoes even EXIST? And why would cool baby shoes exist if kids aren't supposed to wear them??

(can you tell I'm in a panic about my kid not being able to wear cool shoes AND WORSE having to wear UGLY shoes?
)

Re: Moms: What's the deal with baby shoes?

Not for nothing but everyone I know, myself included, has put shoes on their children before they started walking!! I know that once they do start walking, you have to put 'walking' shoes on them for the support, etc.

One of my pet peeves is no shoes on kids outside the home and I just wish the Bear Cub would just cooperate with me!!! She kicks off every single thing I put on her feet from socks to slippers to shoes (hence the Christmas picture fiasco) and these cute sneakers my sister bought her!!!

And where exactly do you buy 'crib' shoes?

Re: Moms: What's the deal with baby shoes?

Carters makes these 'crib shoes' which I assume are meant for wearing and not walking.
I don't like the idea of no shoes when outside either and I've already bought 3 pairs of shoes for this kid LOL.
2 are the ones from Carters and one is just a tiny pair of K-Swiss that were too adoreable to pass up. And then I was told that shoes were a no-no

These are the crib shoes. I guess they're softer than normal


And I got these which I'm now hesitant about

Re: Moms: What's the deal with baby shoes?

Oh, I've seen them!! I never knew they were called crib shoes!!!

I say put them on!! I have a pair of sneakers like that for Gianna and I only put them on her when we go out!

I just think they meant that you can't let them wear these kind of shoes once they start walking, but then again I'm no authority, so I could be wrong!!!

Re: Moms: What's the deal with baby shoes?

Im not a mom, but my sisters doctor told her that when my neice started to lift herself up to stand, it was time for 'soft' walking shoes. Yes, they are the sort of ugly white ones, but the certainly help give her ankles support!! Now, she is walking and standing and looks like its time for another pair of shoes!!

Since I was the first one in the family to put my finger in her mouth and find the first tooth, I got to buy the first pair of walking shoes!! that kid hd shoes more expensive that my shoes!! They were $46!!! but I love her and spoil her...so she will wear the $46 shoes!!

Re: Moms: What's the deal with baby shoes?

Susans, that is news to me, kids around me wear cute shoes all the time, they are just softer. You know your baby will be styling none the less

Re: Moms: What's the deal with baby shoes?

None of my friend's kids have worn those ugly white walking shoes, and I didn't even think they made them any more!!

I so don't want Nicky to have to wear them...

Re: Moms: What's the deal with baby shoes?

I am a shoe horse and I'm sure Mia will pick up on that...I love shoes and I do 'try' to put them on her sometimes they stay sometimes they don't.

Susans are you having a boy????? just by looking at the shoes I guessed!

Re: Moms: What's the deal with baby shoes?

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Posted by JennRenee

None of my friend's kids have worn those ugly white walking shoes, and I didn't even think they made them any more!!

I so don't want Nicky to have to wear them...

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Well, you stand corrected b/c THIS friend's son did wear them! :-P Paul DID wear the white 'walking' shoes...however, I personally do not believe they are so 'ugly' as they are being called. They are different from the first walkers that we had when we were babies...they have no-skid soles, not wood.

Personally, I was never a fan of 'crib shoes' b/c they really do not stay on the baby's foot - babies are constantly moving/kicking, and it would have driven me INSANE to have put the shoe back on every time it came off. And Paul was born in the Spring/Summer, so I preferred his little feet in just socks, or bare! However, I don't think it's unsafe to use the crib shoes - you just cannot have your child trying to stand/walk in them b/c there is literally NO ankle or arch support whatsoever.

Re: Moms: What's the deal with baby shoes?

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Posted by Claud2001

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Posted by JennRenee

None of my friend's kids have worn those ugly white walking shoes, and I didn't even think they made them any more!!

I so don't want Nicky to have to wear them...

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Well, you stand corrected b/c THIS friend's son did wear them! :-P .

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OOPS! My mistake! LOL

Re: Moms: What's the deal with baby shoes?

All Ask an Expert

When should my 2-month-old start wearing shoes?

Answered by
Linda Jonides, R.N., C.P.N.P.



Question: When should my 2-month-old baby start wearing shoes? What should a parent look for when buying shoes?

Answer: Shoes are not necessary for babies until they start to walk, and even then are really needed only for protection from sharp surfaces. In fact, having small infants wear shoes regularly can interfere with the growth of their feet. As babies start to bear weight, they use their toes to grip and learn to balance better -- much easier with no shoes on. They often slip when wearing shoes. If you want shoes for your baby now, perhaps for a special occasion, just make sure they are not too tight, and don't keep them on very long. Socks are important to keep the feet warm.

Re: Moms: What's the deal with baby shoes?

Thanks for that article.
I've actually been doing some research and it seems that barefoot is best until they start walking. After they start walking there are comflicting stories on whether they should be soft heeled crib shoes like the first 2 pairs, or something more ridgid with more support like the 3rd pair.
Guess I'll ask my pediatician when the time comes.

Here's another good read on it

Sizing Up Baby Shoes
By Nicole Balin

Your little one is upright and taking her first tentative steps. You couldn’t be more excited — you finally get to buy that adorable pair of miniature Baby Jordans. But does she really need them? Well, yes and no. When a baby first begins to toddle — typically between 8 and 18 months — there’s no need for her to wear shoes inside the house. But outside, those tender feet need protection, so putting on a pair of shoes is a good idea.

The trick to finding the right shoe? Make sure it fits. Though a little extra space in the toe is necessary, don’t try to make footwear purchases last longer by buying shoes a few sizes too big. A novice walker has enough trouble without slipping out of her shoes.

When your baby’s trying on shoes, watch her response. If a pair seems to hurt or if she’s having trouble walking, take them off. Avoid such trendy styles as pointed cowboy boots, which can pinch tiny toes and restrict growth, or clogs, which look cute but fall off easily.

Other shopping tips:

WHAT GIVES
Footwear should be porous and flexible. Shoes made entirely of rubber or plastic tend to be stiff and cause excessive sweating. Choose cloth, canvas, or leather, which stretch and allow a shoe to bend.

BUY BOXY
The dimensions of the shoe should approximate the shape of a child’s foot, so choose square or oval shapes.

THUMB TEST
A child’s longest toe should be a thumb’s width (roughly half an inch) from the tip of the shoe.

FEEL THE HEEL
The back of the shoe should be snug but comfortable. If a baby’s heel slides out easily, the shoe is too big; if the shoe pinches the heel, it’s too small.

IT TAKES TWO
Have a salesperson measure both of your child’s feet. Most babies have as much as a half-size difference between feet. Always buy shoes to fit the larger foot.

HIGH STYLE
For babies between the ages of 9 and 18 months, high-top sneakers and soft leather ankle boots will stay on better than low-cut styles.

Re: Moms: What's the deal with baby shoes?

Sue - the other thing to keep in mind is the WIDTH of the baby's foot. You've already purchased 3 pairs of shoes that the baby may never get to use b/c his foot could be too wide for them.

Every single pair of Paul's shoes have been extra wide in width.

Re: Moms: What's the deal with baby shoes?

Definately something to think about Claud. The crib shoes are pretty wide but the K Swiss may be useless when the time comes.
Both DH and I have Flinstone feet so it's pretty much guaranteed that our baby will end up with some pretty wide feet as well.
Oh well. At least they were cheap.

Re: Moms: What's the deal with baby shoes?

I put softie shoes on Luke when he was small, there's nothing wrong with that. They are talking about harder soled shoes. I dont know what the term crib shoes even means.

When Luke started walking I had a pair of sneaks that a friend gave us that he was wearing. In fact, I had a bunch of shoes. I had a 5 on him. My Mom was forced to wear shoes that were too small when she was a kid so she has a major obsession with cheap or ill fitting shoes so she kept on me about getting him a good pair. So I decided to bring him to Stride Rite. They measured him at a 6 wide! Here he was wearing 5's that seemed to fit fine. They gave us a 6 1/2W so he got some use out of them. They said most kids measure wide when they are toddlers. Their feet are thicker when they are young.

My best advice is get one good pair of shoes rather than a few trendy or cheaper shoes. His shoes were $45.00 but they are gorgeous brown suede nubucks and he's been wearing them for 3 months now and they still fit nice. He even wore them to the playground (when it was warmer) He doesnt need 3 pairs at this age and I know his feet are not being squished or damaged from improperly fitted, poor quality shoes.

I know it's got to be harder for Moms with girls, it's so tempting to get her lots of different pairs but it's really important when they're feet are growing to get them the right size and fit. If you can afford more than one pair, more power to you.