The comfort, activity, and even proper development of the child’s legs depend on how well the child’s shoes are chosen. That is why questions about its correct selection and size selection are among the most common.
In modern children's stores, consultants can help with choosing a size. But often parents are simply lost, because boots of the same size can have completely different numbers on the soles. Later in the article we will look at how best to choose shoes for a baby, and we will pay special attention to determining the size of the feet.
Choosing the right shoes is an opportunity to avoid problems in the future
A child's first shoes are booties. It would be a stretch to call them that, because they are used primarily for beauty and to keep feet warm. They are worn until the baby begins to stand up.
Decide for yourself how much booties you need. They will be convenient for a walk so that the baby does not sit in the stroller wearing only socks. If you decide to buy them, then give preference to lace-up products. The Velcro does not stick so tightly and a little fidget can easily remove them.
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Buying our first real shoes
You need to buy it when the child begins to walk. This allows you to firmly fix the baby’s leg, giving it the correct position. At the same time, the child can be in it not only outdoors, but also indoors.
Many mothers strive to put their child in real shoes as soon as he begins to stand, holding onto support. They motivate this by the fact that in shoes the baby will stand on his heels faster. But orthopedists do not recommend doing this until the child still walks. The exception is children with identified musculoskeletal disorders. In this case, orthopedic shoes are used.
On average, a child begins to walk from nine months to 1.2 years. It is during this period that you should buy your first shoes.
The following requirements apply to it:
- It is desirable that it be made only from natural materials, both outside and inside;
- Choose a high model so that it securely fixes the ankle. An excellent option would be lace-up boots, because they are the ones that can secure the foot well;
- The backdrop should be solid, rigid with a rounded top. This will protect the baby’s foot from rubbing;
- Shoes should have low heels;
- The toe is chosen to be round, wide and slightly raised;
- The shoe should be about 1 cm larger than the foot, no more. Otherwise, your leg will simply dangle in it;
- If you plan to buy shoes with arch supports, consult your doctor first.
When purchasing, be sure to ensure that the instep does not put pressure on your foot. It is desirable that the sole be made of soft material.
Determining the correct size of your baby's feet
To ensure maximum comfort of the leg, it is necessary to determine its size correctly. This often causes some difficulties for parents, and some of them do it completely wrong.
Scheme for correct measurement of a child’s leg
So, what not to do when choosing:
- You should not be interested in the child’s opinion about whether the shoe is too tight or not. A child's foot adapts slowly to new conditions. Therefore, even small shoes may seem just right. In addition, the child may really like sandals or boots, so he may say anything to get them. There are also the opposite cases when the child does not like the color or style at all;
- Do not place the shoe on your baby's foot to find out the size. The size of the sole is rarely the same as the size of the inner insole;
- Don't check the gap between your child's toes and sock by sticking your finger behind his heel. The baby may instinctively curl his toes, causing a false decision to be made that the shoes are too small.
Most often, parents use a size chart that corresponds to the length of the child’s feet and his age.
Table 1. Correspondence table for shoe sizes in different systems
| Age | Foot length, cm | Size USA | European size | English size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 months | 9,5 | 0-2 | 16-17 | 0,5-1 |
| 3-6 months | 10,5 | 2,5-3,5 | 17-18 | 1,5-2 |
| 6-12 months | 11,7 | 4-4,5 | 19 | 3 |
| 12-18 months | 12,5 | 5-5,5 | 20 | 4 |
| 18-24 months | 13,4 | 6-6,5 | 21-22 | 4,5-5,5 |
| 2-2.5 years | 14,3 | 7-8 | 23-24 | 6-7 |
| 2.5-3 years | 15,2 | 8-8,5 | 25 | 8 |
| 3-3.5 years | 16 | 9-9,5 | 26 | 10 |
| 4 years | 17,5 | 10-10,5 | 27 | 10,5 |
| 4-4.5 years | 18 | 11-11,5 | 28 | 11 |
| 5 years | 18,5 | 12-12,5 | 29 | 11-12 |
| 6 years | 19,5 | 13-13,5 | 30 | 12,5 |
| 7 years | 20-20,3 | 1-1,5 | 31 | 13 |
| 8 years | 20,5 | 2 | 32 | 13,5 |
| 8-9 years | 21 | 2,5 | 33 | 1-1,5 |
| 9 years | 21,5-22 | 3-3,5 | 34 | 2-2,5 |
| 10 years | 22,2-22,9 | 4-4,5 | 35 | 3-3,5 |
| - | 23-23,5 | 5-5,5 | 36 | 4-4,5 |
| - | 24-24,5 | 6-6,5 | 37 | 5-5,5 |
| - | 25 | 7 | 38 | 6 |
| - | 25,5 | 7,5-8 | 39 | 6,5 |
| - | 26 | 8-8,5 | 40 | 7 |
| - | 26,5 | 9-9,5 | 41 | 7,5 |
| - | 27-27,5 | 10-10,5 | 42 | 8-8,5 |
| - | 28-28,5 | 11-11,5 | 43 | 9-9,5 |
| - | 29-29,5 | 12-12,5 | 44 | 10-10,5 |
| - | 30 | 13 | 45 | 11 |
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The size of the child's foot is measured from the outermost point of the heel to the protruding big toe. This size chart is general. It may differ for some manufacturers. Therefore, it is better to buy shoes for a child only after preliminary fitting.
Correspondence of shoe sizes in different systems
The most common sizes are European. They are measured by the length of the insole. In this case, the unit of measurement is the pin, which is equivalent to 6.7 mm. In children's shoes, the insole is approximately 10-15 mm longer than the actual size of the child's foot.
If you are accustomed to the domestic system of measurements, then everything is easy. European sizes differ from them by one unit upward. Those. European size 21 will correspond to our 20.
With the American system the situation is more complicated. There are several categories, each of which has certain dimensions:
- Infant – for the little ones;
- Kids - children's;
- Youth - teenage.
That is, if you see size 8 in the American system, then it will be different for each category. Therefore, it is worth asking the seller what category of American shoes the option you have chosen belongs to.
Is it worth buying shoes “for growth”?
There must be enough free space in the shoe so that the foot can stretch in width and length. But it shouldn’t be too free either! In such shoes, even a child’s gait becomes shuffling. This is inconvenient and very harmful. If you wear it constantly, the child will eventually get used to this condition and will constantly pull his legs.
There are also other reasons not to take shoes “for growth”:
- If the foot walks freely on the shoe, the baby will constantly rub calluses on himself;
- If the little one is just starting to walk, then in such shoes he will constantly stumble, since the leg is not securely fixed.
The same applies to shoes with arch supports. If the size is not selected correctly, the baby’s leg may be deformed.
As you can see, you need to take the choice of the size of the shoes you buy very seriously. After all, the baby’s comfort comes first, and then the decorative qualities of boots, sandals, etc. When purchasing orthopedic shoes, be sure to consult with your doctor about the advisability of such a purchase. If everything is done properly, the leg will develop correctly!
The article describes the main criteria for choosing a child’s first shoes, explains how to correctly measure a child’s feet and choose shoes that fit.
How to choose the right first shoes for a child? Toddler Shoe Size Chart
Parents treat each new achievement of their child with trepidation and a sense of pride. As soon as the child leaves the exclusively horizontal plane and begins to strive upward, balancing on his fragile legs, the number of worries for caring parents increases by at least one: choosing the first shoes.
I want to approach many things that concern a child for the first time as responsibly as possible. The choice of the first shoes undoubtedly belongs to this number.
IMPORTANT: You should seriously think about the first pair of shoes when the baby begins to balance on his feet without support. On average, a baby enjoys such successes between the ninth month and one year of age.
How to choose orthopedic children's shoes for babies under one year old?
- The term “orthopedic shoes” is now quite common among not only young mothers, but everywhere where shoes are discussed. Subconsciously, people prefer models labeled “orthopedic”
- It is not surprising that when choosing the first sandals for your child, the thought immediately comes to mind: they must be orthopedic, as they are the best, of high quality, and most importantly, with which the baby is not at risk of flat feet
- Orthopedic in the original sense of the word means shoes made specifically for a specific child using plaster casts. Such shoes are made in cases prescribed by an orthopedist for the purpose of treating existing disorders in the child’s musculoskeletal system.
- A wide range of shoes presented in stores, pharmacies, specialized shoe stores, as well as those positioning themselves as lines of orthopedic shoes of famous brands, in reality, simply cannot be such
- Most likely, we are talking about the compliance of such shoes with the requirements for the prevention of flat feet and about higher quality. It follows that when choosing the first shoes you should pay attention not to the presence of the “orthopedic” marking, but to the following criteria:
This applies to the sole, as well as the side walls and top of the shoes. Shoes should not restrict movement. In hard shoes, the load is distributed incorrectly; in fact, such shoes interfere with the natural work of the necessary muscles of the arch of the foot, and they weaken.
IMPORTANT: When the child walks, flexion marks should be visible at the base of the toes.
heel
A low heel (about 3 to 8 mm) promotes active work and development of the foot muscles. The raised heel prevents the baby from falling onto his back.
Hard back
Necessary for proper heel fixation. A backdrop that is not rigid enough may begin to fly off the leg over time. It would be good if there was a small soft cushion inside the back to prevent the occurrence of calluses.
IMPORTANT: To test the backdrop for stiffness, squeeze it with two fingers (thumb and forefinger). It shouldn't be too soft.
Non-slip sole
The baby is just learning to control the movements of his legs, which is often accompanied by falls. You should not provoke them with the slippery soles of your shoes.
Natural materials
Shoes should allow air to pass through, and the feet should not “sweat.” To do this, it is better to prefer products made from genuine leather, thick canvas fabric, and avoid “non-breathable” synthetics. The sole, depending on the type of shoe, can be leather, rubber or another flexible material.
Soft insole-support
The insole should support the arch of the foot and protect it from falling inward.
How to determine a child's shoe size?
Correctly sized shoes double your chances of making a successful purchase. It is best to try on boots on their future owner directly in the store. If this is not possible, you should carefully measure the baby’s leg at home, observing the following rules:
- The child should stand, not sit. In a standing position, due to the load of the entire body weight on the legs, the length of the foot will be greater
- It is better to take measurements in the evening. During an active day, your baby's legs naturally swell and become larger.
- It's better to put your baby's socks on. To ensure that the shoes do not turn out to be small after the child puts on socks under them, it is wiser to immediately take measurements with them
- Both legs need to be measured. One foot may be longer than the other. In this case, the shoe size is determined by the leg whose foot length is greater
IMPORTANT: The parameters of the foot when stationary and when walking are not the same. The inside dimensions of the boots should be slightly larger than the measurements you received for your child's feet.
To determine your shoe size:
- Place the baby with both legs on thick cardboard. It is desirable that the load be distributed evenly between the legs. If you can’t hold the baby in this position, measure the legs one by one.
- Carefully outline both feet with a pencil, trying to hold the pencil vertically and press it firmly against the foot
- Then cut out the resulting cardboard insoles. With such a blank, it is easy to choose the necessary shoes in the store by inserting paper insoles inside the model you like
OR - Measure the distance between your longest toe and your heel using a ruler
5. Add 0.5-1 cm to the result obtained for reserve. Determine your child's shoe size using the chart below.
Toddler Shoe Size Chart
For example, the length of the foot is 9.8 cm plus a margin of 0.5 cm, which means you need to choose size 17.
Toddler shoe size by age
The given values of shoe sizes depending on age are quite arbitrary and calculated on the basis of average data. Each child is different and the meanings for them may vary.
IMPORTANT: A child under the age of two grows out of shoes on average every three months.
Therefore, you should periodically check whether your child’s shoes are too tight. Signs that it's time to change your shoes:
- the appearance of calluses, abrasions, or indentations on the feet
- heel displacement when walking
- no distance of 1-1.5 cm between the biggest toe and the toe of the shoe
How to choose the first winter warm shoes for a child?
In addition to the general requirements for winter shoes, a special condition is imposed: the foot should not freeze in it. Leather, felt, cloth and nubuck are perfect for the top of boots. Particular attention should be paid to the insulation of winter boots:
- sheepskin fur
- membrane
- Thinsulate
The warmest option would be natural fur. The membrane is perfect for wet winters without severe frosts, as it does not allow moisture to pass through. Thinsulate is a modern synthetic insulation that is of high quality, waterproof and can compete with fur in retaining heat in severe frosts.
IMPORTANT: Unlike summer shoes, for which a margin of 0.5 cm is usually provided, when choosing winter shoes, an increase in the margin of up to 1.5 cm is allowed for a warm sock.
If your baby will only be 6-8 months old in winter, there is no point in buying winter boots. Postpone the purchase of boots until spring, when the baby begins to take his first steps. To prevent your feet from freezing in winter, it is better to purchase leather slippers with fur or knitted booties if the child wears one-piece warm overalls.
How to choose soft knitted shoes for a baby?
In order for the child to gradually get used to the feeling of shoes on his feet, there is a so-called transitional option - soft booties.
Even newborns wear knitted booties to keep their feet warm. But when a child begins to sit and crawl, especially in the cold season, it’s definitely time to get booties, if you haven’t already. When choosing knitted booties, consider the following:
- Slippers should be knitted from natural hypoallergenic threads. The yarn should not irritate the baby's delicate skin. In stores you can find special threads for knitting children's clothes.
- Booties should not contain small parts (beads, fasteners, buttons, etc.), or they should be securely sewn on. Otherwise, the child can easily tear them off and swallow them.
- Knitted shoes should not come off easily. A small child is very mobile and will lose booties if they do not fit well on the leg.
DIY shoes for kids
If you have basic knitting or cutting and sewing skills, give your baby his first pair of soft shoes, made with his own hands. This will bring pleasure to both you and your baby, since the shoes will be made individually to fit the size of the foot, with a unique design, and most importantly, with love for the baby.
Depending on your desires and abilities, you can sew leather slippers, felt shoes, or choose a simple pattern for knitting booties.
Pattern of shoes (booties) for a baby with dimensions
In order to get a pattern of the size you need, trace the baby’s foot, cut out a paper insole and attach it to the “sole” part on the pattern, change the scale of the pattern until the insole matches the pattern. Print the pattern and cut out the pieces. Cut out the felt product, sew the pieces together and decorate the resulting booties using all your imagination.
In order for the first shoes not only to captivate with their appearance, but to be comfortable and not interfere with the correct formation of the child’s foot, you should listen to the following tips:
- Give preference to well-known manufacturers of high-quality children's shoes
- Do not buy narrow, tight shoes or shoes for your child to grow into. Boots must fit exactly
- Buy shoes from stores that specialize in selling children's shoes.
- Shoes should be flexible, with a stable heel and a wide toe
- Quality shoes can't be too cheap
- It is advisable to have two pairs of shoes in a child’s wardrobe for the season.
By following these requirements, you can easily choose the right shoes for your child and be sure that his first steps will be taken without harm to his health.
Video: How to choose your child's first shoes. Komarovsky
Choosing boots for your baby is quite simple. You just need to know what you should pay special attention to, and what little details are important not to miss. If you are just thinking aboutwhat shoes to buy for a child, we will try to help you.
First, let's try to answer the question at what age should you buy your baby's first shoes. A newborn baby spends all his time in socks. During walks, parents wear thicker and warmer socks and knitted booties in winter, but it’s too early to buy boots.
When the baby starts walking, it’s time to buy the first shoes in his life. The child will wear these shoes outside while walking. At home, doctors recommend that children go barefoot. This is an excellent prevention of flat feet. But if you have cold floors at home, for example, you will have to buy a second pair of indoor shoes for your child. There is nothing wrong with this, but only if the shoes are chosen correctly. Let me make a reservation right away that house slippers and rubber slippers are not suitable for a child! Under no circumstances buy cheap Chinese slippers for him, no matter how bright they are, and no matter how funny they squeak when walking. You will ruin your child's foot. For both street and indoor shoes, there are uniform selection rules that must be strictly adhered to.
How to choose the right shoes for your child
There are several basic requirements for children's shoes. You must remember them and be guided by them when choosing shoes for your child.
Requirement #1
Children's shoes should be made only from natural material. This is due to the fact that the heat exchange system in the child’s body works poorly, and synthetic materials lead to the baby’s feet constantly sweating, and the child feels discomfort when walking. Heat exchange is normalized only at the age of 13-14 years. Then you can start allowing your child to wear shoes made of synthetic materials. But it is still advisable to abandon it altogether.
If you cannot afford to constantly buy shoes made of genuine leather for your child, do not forget that textiles and knitwear are also natural materials. Therefore, in the warm season, shoes made of durable fabric with rubber soles and a leather insole can be perfect for your baby.
Requirement #2
Children's shoes should be stable, light and fit well on the foot.How to choose shoes for your child, corresponding to such parameters? To comply with these requirements, choose shoes with a hard toe and heel, small heels and flexible soles. Never buy flip-flops or flat-soled sneakers. Also, avoid shoes with tapered toes. They absolutely do not fit the shape of a child's foot.
Requirement #3
Children's shoes must be of high quality and always new. Shoes in a pair must have the exact same shape, without distortions, folds or wrinkles. The insole should not fidget, it should be glued. The same applies to the lining of shoes; it must be completely stitched.
Do not put previously used shoes on your baby. This can lead to the appearance of flat feet, even if before this he did not have any problems with the shape and arch of the foot. Shoes should fit perfectly on the foot and gradually take on the shape of the foot during use.
Requirement #4
Children's shoes should not be too big. Of course, the child grows quickly, and parents try to buy shoes as they grow. This is absolutely true. But in pursuit of savings, you shouldn’t “go too far” by buying shoes 2-3 sizes larger than the baby’s feet.
In such huge shoes, the child will constantly rub calluses, shuffle, get tired when walking and periodically even fall. An inappropriately sized arch support can cause flat feet in a child.
It is better to take sandals or shoes with Velcro, which allow you to slightly adjust the fullness of your feet. And leave a little free space, about a centimeter on the toes and near the heel. To do this, when your child tries on shoes, lightly press on the toe of the shoe. You should feel a half-centimeter free there. And from behind, try to insert your finger near the baby’s heel. In total, this will be the very necessary supply that will allow the child to wear shoes for a full season. Maximum, second. Don't even count on more. But don’t worry, you can save money, for example, if you use children’s sandals at home in the winter from summer.
How to choose a child's shoe size
The size of the foot can be easily determined by placing the child's foot on cardboard and tracing it with a pencil. After this, use a ruler to measure the distance between the most protruding points of the heel and toe. The distance in centimeters will be the size of children's shoes you need. So you need to measure both legs and choose the larger value. In this size you can purchase shoes from European manufacturers. In Russia, a slightly different sizing system is used, the mass size system. The size is taken as the length of the child’s foot in units, considering that one unit is equal to 2/3 cm.
But it is best, of course, to try on shoes on the baby’s feet to avoid inaccuracy. If your child is not particularly enthusiastic about shopping, you should cut out the baby’s foot print outlined in pencil from cardboard, and you can put it in any shoes he likes, so that the child does not have to try on the entire store, but only needs to try a few of the most successful options.
Personal fitting is also important in order to find a pair of shoes that best suits your foot size. After all, some children have fuller feet, and because of this, shoes of their size may not fit them. Don't wear shoes that put too much pressure on your feet in hopes that your child will wear them out. This will most likely lead to deformation of the weak bones of his foot.
How to choose winter shoes for a child
It's winter outside, and many parents are involved in the selection of winter children's shoes. What recommendations can you give them?
Give preference to shoes made of genuine leather, with natural wool inside. In these boots, your baby's feet will sweat less. The size of winter shoes must be exactly right for the child, since both large and too small boots will quickly freeze the feet.
And most importantly, do not forget about the most key requirements - a wide toe, a comfortable last, a hard heel and a small heel.
Many mothers and fathers sincerely believe that the first shoes should not be anything special. It is enough to choose soft slippers, shoes or boots. They are inexpensive, and the baby will grow quickly, so why spend extra money. This is exactly the phrase that orthopedists often hear from young parents who come with their babies for an appointment. But experts dispute this statement, because the health of a child’s feet depends on correctly selected shoes.
When should you think about buying your first shoes?
Doctors explain that the bones of a child in the first year of life are just forming, so under the influence of negative factors they can easily become deformed. But you have to spend a lot of time on your feet, so it is very important to create all the conditions for the proper development of children's feet. To answer one of the most frequently asked questions: “When should I buy my baby’s first shoes?” orthopedists give a clear answer: how the baby begins to walk independently, i.e. not earlier than nine to twelve months.
Many parents buy shoes for children as young as six months old. There is no need to do this: the baby is just learning to sit, crawl and stand up against a support, so ordinary socks or booties will be quite enough.
Before buying your first shoes, consult with an orthopedist: the doctor will give useful recommendations on choosing
In some cases, if a child has problems with the formation of his feet, the doctor may recommend buying the first shoes when the little one learns to stand on his feet. But if the baby is developing according to normal standards, being at home barefoot or wearing socks is the best option before walking. As soon as the first steps are taken, you need to make an appointment with an orthopedist. The doctor will conduct an examination and give valuable recommendations on choosing the right shoes, shoes or boots for your baby.
Gallery: types of shoes for different seasons
For convenience, it is recommended to buy your first shoes with Velcro, but laces are also not prohibited. 
Your first summer shoe should not have an open toe. 
It is better to buy boots for a baby from natural materials. Winter boots should have natural fur so that the feet do not freeze or sweat
Video: baby's first shoes
Basic requirements for first shoes: what is most important
Children's stores offer a huge variety of shoes for babies. Experts advise focusing not only on a beautiful appearance, but also on more important criteria. The fact is that the products should help the proper development of the feet, as well as correct minor changes that are often found in toddlers.
Responsible manufacturers adhere to medical requirements. Their models have all the necessary quality certificates so as not to harm the health of the baby or negatively affect the development of the feet.
The right children's shoes are a guarantee of healthy feet for the baby in the future.
Weight and material
The first shoes or sandals should not be heavy. It is necessary for the child to feel comfortable and comfortable while walking. A model that does not restrict movement will allow you to master upright posture without unnecessary problems.
The basic rule is to choose shoes only from natural materials:
- Leather products are considered the best option. They quickly absorb excess moisture, the baby’s foot breathes and does not freeze;
- There are also textile models on sale that have proven themselves on the positive side. For the summer you can buy light fabric shoes;
- If you buy winter boots, make sure that there is real fur inside.
It is worth noting that rubber boots, which are so popular today, should not be worn by children at such an early age. They do not secure the leg while walking, and this can lead to deformation of the feet.
Shape and backdrop
Another important criterion: the product must be loose and not squeeze the tiny leg. You cannot buy shoes with pointed toes, only with wide ones so that the baby can move his toes freely while walking.
If a baby is learning to walk in the warm season, orthopedists advise choosing sandals or sandals with a closed toe to avoid injuring the fingers of the child, who is still unsure of his steps, may trip and hit himself.
The heel must be rigid and high in order to tightly fix the ankle joint. Only in this case will the toddler put his leg in the correct position. For children under 5–6 years old, experts recommend models with closed heels.
The first shoes must have a wide toe and a closed back
Arch support and insole
The foot of a newborn is flat, and only as it grows older does it form and acquire the necessary curves. A significant role in this is played by the instep support - a small elevation on the insole in the form of a pad. The absence of this detail can lead to the development of flat feet. When choosing, make sure that the inside of the shoe has a membrane, textile or leather insole that allows air to pass through well.
Sometimes orthopedists prescribe special insoles for the child without this pad. But such a decision is made only by the doctor, depending on the diagnosis. Shoes for healthy children must have an instep support - this is an element of high-quality models.
High-quality children's shoes must have an instep support
Heel and sole
The heel should be small; flat-soled shoes are absolutely not suitable for babies, as they lead to disturbances in gait, then posture, and other negative consequences in the development of the musculoskeletal system.
The best solution is the Thomas heel, which manufacturers use for preventive and therapeutic shoes. It has an elongated shape on the inside, which allows you to evenly distribute the load and prevents the foot from falling inward. Its height is forfor babies who are just learning to walk upright, it is no more than 0.5 cm. As it matures, it reaches 1.5 cm.
Buy your baby shoes with Thomas heels to prevent flat feet and other problems with foot development.
In a child's first shoes, the sole is more flexible than in older ones. When purchasing, be sure to check this part, otherwise the little one will not be able to walk normally and will often fall. In high-quality models, porous rubber, natural rubber or polyurethane are used in production.
Another important point is the presence of shock-absorbing inserts (shock absorber). Children constantly run and jump, shock absorption protects the legs from impacts. But the absence of these parts can lead to deformation of the child’s foot.
The right size and the right fasteners
First of all, choose the right size shoes. Everyone knows that for babies it is necessary to buy models with a reserve, because the leg grows every day:
- for summer sandals and sandals 1 cm more;
- for winter and demi-season products - by 1.5 cm.
You need to re-measure your feet every three months, and select the next pair using new standards.
So that your child can quickly fasten his first shoes, give preference to Velcro, they are the most convenient. Of course, shoelaces are not prohibited, but it takes much longer. Before purchasing, be sure to let your little one walk around in the new shoes for a while. If he is capricious, he doesn’t like something, and you see that the baby is uncomfortable, give up this model and try on another one. Even if sandals, shoes or boots meet all the listed parameters, but the baby is uncomfortable, you should not buy such shoes.
If parents buy the right shoes for their baby from an early age, they can avoid many problems with the formation of feet.
Which models to give preference: orthopedic or preventive
All mothers have heard about orthopedic boots, but not many fully understand how they differ from ordinary ones and whether all children must wear orthotics. Experts explain: the right shoes are called preventative. Its objectives for a healthy child who does not have problems with the development of the musculoskeletal system are:
- ensuring comfortable conditions while walking;
- protecting the baby’s feet from injury and cold;
- promoting the correct formation of feet as the baby grows older.
Orthopedic products are special models that are custom-made for children with established diagnoses and only on the direction or recommendation of an orthopedic doctor. Dr. Komarovsky points out that for a healthy toddler, proper preventative footwear is enough.
Orthopedic shoes are considered therapeutic and are prescribed only to those children who have problems with foot formation
Video: Dr. Komarovsky about what the right children's shoes should be
Mistakes when choosing a product for the first steps
A large number of parents neglect the advice of specialists, motivating their choice by the fact that one-year-old children grow very quickly, so it makes no sense at all to spend a decent amount on expensive shoes, because in a month or two they will need to be changed. But do not forget that the health of the feet depends on the decisions of adults.crumbs. The most common mistakes that moms and dads make when buying their first baby models are the following:
- They are not purchasing new shoes. This is a very common practice among relatives and friends: to wear out shoes, sandals or boots for older children. But during wear, the sole wears down, and if the child who wore the product first has deformed feet, a healthy baby’s foot automatically becomes abnormal, repeating the curves of the used model;
- buy with a large reserve. Many parents choose new clothes for several seasons at once. Doctors are against this, because in shoes that are too loose, the foot is not clearly fixed, the load on the ankles increases, which can lead to deformation;
The same goes for wearing tight shoes.
- choose products from non-natural materials. My legs don't breathe, they sweat, they get cold. Due to the lack of breathability, bacteria quickly multiply inside the shoes;
- pay attention only to appearance. Undoubtedly, beautiful shoes look impressive, but it is wrong to take into account only this criterion. In many cases, the original models do not have a rigid back or are too tight. Before purchasing, you should carefully study the product.
Possible problems for a child when choosing the wrong shoes
Many mothers and fathers are faced with defects in the formation of their child’s feet. The diagnosis can only be made by a specialist after an examination. In order to detect the disease in time, it is necessary to undergo routine examinations with the baby by an orthopedic doctor.
Parents themselves notice any changes in the formation of the baby’s foot quite late, when the disease progresses. And the doctor will determine the degree of violations at an early stage and prescribe effective treatment in each specific case.
Is it possible to develop flat feet?
This problem is one of the most common. The fact is that as the child grows up and masters walking skills, the load on the feet increases. Gradually they acquire the necessary bend. The baby should train his feet: walk on uneven surfaces barefoot and with shoes on. To create conditions for normal bone formation, doctors advise purchasing products with small heels, and the insole should have an instep support. If all these conditions are met, the baby will most likely not experience flat feet.
But orthopedists warn that even if the little one constantly walks in the correct preventative shoes and barefoot, but only on a perfectly flat surface, the likelihood of developing flat feet increases many times. Without leg training there will be no positive effect.
Parents should motivate the baby, play with him, engage in physical activity and buy the right shoes to prevent the development of flat feet.
If the doctor makes such a diagnosis for the child, he develops a treatment regimen. It includes exercises, massage and special insoles, which are made to order and placed in regular preventative shoes (and in some cases, orthopedic models are recommended for constant wear for several years). If you follow the advice of an orthopedist, by adolescence the bend takes on the correct shape.
There is such a thing as congenital flat feet. In this case, the baby is already born with an irregular foot shape, and this will not change as he grows older. Such children are recommended to have therapeutic individual orthopedic shoes for life. Or the doctor decides on the advisability of surgical intervention.
Video: children's shoes and flat feet
The baby walks on his toes without stepping on his full foot
Parents look forward to the moment when the baby takes his first steps. And now this day has come. But adults often notice that the baby stands on his tiptoes without resting on the entire foot. The reasons can be very different: perhaps the boy or girl does not like the cold floor, or it is a neurological or orthopedic problem.
Only a specialist can determine why the child began to walk this way. You should not make a diagnosis yourself, this will lead to incorrect treatment and wasted time.
If a neurologist, having examined the baby, concluded that the toddler’s health is in perfect order, then this situation can be solved by choosing the right shoes. As a rule, the orthopedist will explain which model of the first shoes you need to purchase. The main thing is that they are made of natural materials, have a hard back and support the ankle well. But the main point is the hard sole, because in such shoesthe child will not physically be able to rise on his toes, but will be forced to step on his entire foot. Doctors often advise parents that the baby should wear such shoes at home for at least two to three hours a day.
Hallux valgus and varus foot deformity
Also very common problems in young children. There are several reasons, from a lack of calcium, which leads to bone deformation, to wearing the wrong shoes from the first steps. Experts warn: if measures are not taken in time to correct the situation, deterioration can lead to disability. In such cases, exercises and special shoes will not help. There is an option for surgical intervention, but surgery will not give a 100% result.
In many cases, with hallux valgus or varus curvature of the foot, children need to wear custom-made shoes
With hallux valgus, the baby walks relying on the inner arches of the feet. If you look at his legs, they visually resemble the letter X. The consequence of treatment started at the wrong time is often the development of flat feet. What shoes to choose for the baby is decided only by an orthopedist:
- if hallux valgus is at an early stage, preventive models with a hard back, a sole with a Thomas heel and an insole with an instep support are sufficient. In addition, the doctor will tell you what exercises to do and whether an orthopedic mat is needed;
- In case of severe deformation of the feet, the baby is prescribed therapeutic shoes, which will be made to order for the baby.
With varus deformity, the situation is the opposite: the baby walks, relying on the external arches. Visually, it looks like clubfoot, and the legs resemble the letter O. The shoe model also depends on the degree of the disease. There are special preventive anti-virus boots, sandals and shoes on sale. They differ from regular ones in that there is no arch support on the insole so that the baby can rest on the entire foot while walking. But with a large degree of deformation, the doctor will prescribe treatment models.
Doctors all over the world insist that the normal physical development of a child depends on the selection of the right shoes. If a baby has a deformity from an early age, in the future this can lead to changes in gait, problems with the spine and the entire musculoskeletal system. Orthopedists and pediatricians say that there is no need to skimp on shoes, sandals or boots, especially if it concerns products for the baby’s first steps. He is just learning to walk upright, and in the right shoes he will place his feet as needed, which significantly reduces the risk of developing problems with the formation of his feet.
“Should I buy shoes for children under one year old or not?” – this is a question many young parents ask. After all, the baby doesn’t walk yet, then he doesn’t need boots or shoes at all - many people mistakenly think so. In fact, shoes at this age are intended mainly not to form the correct position of the foot, but to protect the legs from hypothermia or punctures while standing up.
Fabric moccasins with clasps are an excellent shoe option for home and kindergarten
Depending on the time of year and your personal preferences, shoes for newborns up to one year can be of several types:
- Booties are the very first shoes for newborn babies. These are insulated socks with thick soles; most often the sole is made of thick cardboard with rubberized inserts. Any fabric can be used as a finishing material; the booties have no additions or fasteners; they are easy to put on due to the stretchable upper sock;
- moccasins are the choice for the warm season. Such sports shoes are usually low and can be made of fabric, thin leather or rubber. The sole is preferably rubber, which prevents babies up to one year from falling due to unsteady walking;
- slippers - fabric moccasins with fasteners and thicker soles, such models are convenient for home and kindergarten. Due to the compacted sole, the feet do not freeze, and the presence of fasteners will not allow children to remove the slippers on their own;
- shoes are products for children who are already walking. Models made of leather, suede and artificial materials are in demand. To choose the right shoes for a child under one year old, make sure that the product does not squeeze the baby, because otherwise the baby will not wear such uncomfortable shoes;
- rubber boots– an indispensable item for the rainy season. Modern models are equipped with internal inserts, thanks to which the legs do not freeze from dampness outside, and a thick rubber boot prevents leaks. The fabric base can be easily removed and put back, which makes it easy to wash and tidy up your shoes after a street walk;
- fur boots are shoes for children up to one year old who are starting to take their first steps. When choosing such a new item, the main attention should be paid not to the outer covering, but to the internal filling of the boots, because the quality of the fur used depends on the preservation of the warmth of the feet;
- felt boots - can be used for children of any age. The youngest wear felt boots made of fabric, insulated with fur on the inside. For older children, you can choose felt boots with thick soles, which allow you to walk through snowdrifts.
These are the main options for children's shoes for babies up to one year old, there are also combined types that use different materials and use individual elements of different models, but such products are not recommended for use at such an early age. It would be better if your baby’s shoes are somewhat tasteless and rustic, but he will be comfortable and comfortable in them.
It is permissible to buy shoes for children under one year old without their presence
Those who don’t know how to choose shoes for a child should follow these basic tips:
- for the little ones, shoes are bought for a specific season: remember that this is a one-time purchase, so there is no need to choose models “for growth”;
- don't buy too expensive things, since shoes for a newborn will last you several months at most. If these are booties or soft summer slippers, you can use them at home (and not for long), but you will no longer be able to wear autumn boots or spring shoes after the end of the season;
- It’s easier and faster to buy new clothes for children without their presence. Measure the length of your baby's feet and go to the store, leaving your baby under the supervision of your family. A capricious baby will not only make you nervous, but may even prevent you from making a purchase;
- For a child who has already started walking, real children's shoes are suitable. In winter, these can be boots or fur felt boots, but for summer, sandals or light moccasins are useful. Products for cold weather should have a margin of 1-1.5 cm, since the thickness of tights and socks must be taken into account. But for summer, the best option would be a small margin (about 0.5 cm). Don’t buy back-to-back models for a baby under one year old, because his feet are growing by leaps and bounds, which is why newly purchased sandals may be too small in just 1-2 weeks;
- It’s worth focusing separately on the quality of the material, from which boots or shoes are made. Of course, for kids, natural fur or leather will be preferable, as they do not hurt their legs and protect them from moisture and cold. However, modern artificial materials are not inferior to natural ones in quality, and at the same time have a significantly lower cost, so you can choose shoes made of suede or leatherette;
- special attention should be paid to the choice of fasteners– the easiest way is to fasten with Velcro or a zipper, but shoes with laces are not yet suitable for children under one year old. It’s already difficult to get a mobile baby ready to go outside, and laces or additional fastenings on shoes will delay this process even more;
- orthopedic shoes are considered the most suitable for children of any age, but under one year old you should not pay much attention to this criterion. A child’s feet develop before the age of 5, and at the initial stage it is important to choose a convenient and comfortable pair for little feet. Therefore, the shoes that suit you do not have to be orthopedic;
- Key points when buying shoes for children under one year old– this is the presence of a hard back and the absence of raw seams that can rub the delicate baby skin. Otherwise, you can rely on your taste preferences, choosing models from the price range available to you.
The main rule when choosing children's shoes is the convenience of the baby and the environmental safety of his health. Don’t buy a lot of shoes at once; it’s better to change models for your fashionista more often, in which case the appearance and quality of the shoes won’t change much during their short use.