When To Buy Baby Shoes

"When do I actually need to buy shoes for my little one?"

ANSWER- Since we are on the topic of shoes this week, I thought it would be a great time to answer this very frequently asked question!

Here's the thing - barefoot is best. Absolutely, but the reality is that your child WILL need to wear shoes at some point, especially as they become more adventurous explorers on a variety of terrains!

So When Is a Good Time to Introduce Shoes to Baby?

My suggestion when it comes to shoes is to introduce them early and often for short spurts once your child is walking. And when I say short, I'm talking like minutes at a time! Put them on, let them move around in them, even if they revert to crawling, it's okay! Introducing them this way makes it so much easier for them to get used to them in a low-pressure setting, so that the first time you NEED them to keep them on, it's not an all-out struggle with tears and refusal!

Again - when it comes to shoes, think early, often, and short spurts when they first start walking.

Hope that helps!

Want more?

For developmental questions, tips and guidance related to milestones about tummy time, rolling & sitting, crawling and walking, check out KC’s developmental Masterclasses linked here.

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KC is a pediatric doctor of physical therapy, wife and mom of three! She has spent her career working with children and young adults of all ability levels, and currently specializes in birth to three years.