My wonderful granddaughter started to walk this fall.I have watched her go from rolling to walking in what seems like a blink. Now, I watch with delight as she tootles around the house, up and down stairs and struggles to stay upright while walking in the grass. Truly it has been a blessing to be so close that I get to be present for all of her growth and changes.

When my daughter started to walk and needed her first pair of shoes, there were stores nearby that specialized in children’s shoes and helping new parents make the right purchase. Since there is not a children’s specialty shoe store nearby, my daughter did some Internet research to find out the when and how of making this important first purchase. Here are 3 keys items to consider when purchasing baby’s first shoes.

1.) When is it time to put walking shoes on her little feet? When your baby starts taking those first steps, it is usually inside. Many babies will master the art of staying upright inside their home before they venture outdoors with their new learned skill. It is best for your baby to get the art of walking down before you place shoes on their feet. It is easier for them to walk, stand and maintain their balance if they are barefoot. Allowing them to first learn how to use both their foot and toes muscles unrestricted by shoes provides them with a strong sense of balance. The time to put shoes on their feet is when you decide to take them outside for walking practice.

2.) What materials are best? Baby’s first shoes should be porous enough so that their feet can breath and not become all wet and stinky with sweat. A soft canvas, cloth or leather shoe will allow their feet to breath. Flexibility in baby’s walking shoes is a must. A good test is to see how easily you can roll the shoe up into a ball. It is important that the shoe have enough flex so your baby can continue to use his or her feet properly for balance. Materials that don’t restrict or hinder your child’s movement are best for a first shoe purchase.

3.) How should it fit? Like everything about your baby, their foot size and foot shape will change lightning fast. This is the time to buy shoes that fit property and not something that they will grow into. There is no breaking in period for baby shoes as they are likely to grow out of their first pair of shoes before they wear them out. You should be able to slip the shoes on and off with ease. The shape of the shoe should match the shape of a baby’s foot. When they stand in their new shoes, their longest toe should be about a thumb’s width from the tip of the shoe and the back of the shoe should fit the heel snugly, but it should be comfortable. You don’t want their foot to slide out of the shoe too easily, nor do you want it to pinch when you are putting the shoe on. Try on both shoes, as just like you, one foot will be a little larger & longer than the other.

There are many things to keep in mind when making this first shoe purchase.

Remember to watch your baby’s response as they try on various shoes. This is not the time to be trendy but it is the time to be practical. Purchase the baby shoe that provides for enough free movement and does not hinder your child’s ability to walk easily or restrict their foot’s development.