Babies first shoes – What's the right age?

When should I buy my baby their first pair of shoes? This question has occurred to most parents at some time or another. The truth of the matter is that babies really only need shoes when they have learnt to walk properly. This usually occurs about a month after they have taken the first tentative steps. This is because babies feet and sense of balance is developing rapidly while they are rolling, crawling and cruising along holding onto furniture.

Putting shoes on at too young an age can make it harder for a baby to develop the skills of standing and walking. That's why experts recommend babies have bare feet as much as possible. However, there might be a few reasons why you'd like your baby to wear shoes for short periods of time. Baby shoes are handy if your baby wants to crawl outside where the surfaces are rough like concrete or paving. Baby shoes also look great for short periods of time during formal occasions such as weddings and christenings.

The type of baby shoes you buy is also very important. Soft sole shoes are the best for babies learning to crawl and walk because these are most akin to having bare feet. The advantage of soft sole shoes is that they allow a natural feeling which flexes and bends with your babies foot movements. The soft sole should also be made from a non-slip surface to try to prevent falls and slips.

So there really is no right age, just a right type of shoe that is only worn for short periods of time.

Bio: Claire is a mom of two young children, a preschool boy and a toddler girl. She runs Spotty Dot Baby Shoes a small business selling soft sole baby shoes.