Finding the right footwear for your baby
finding the right footwear for your baby
Even before they find their feet (and start running you off yours) it's important to choose the right footwear for your baby. From birth to the age of four, your little one's feet develop faster than at any other time, going up around two shoe sizes every year. This phase of growth is beautiful to watch, but also means keeping up with constantly changing needs!
at a glance
Choosing the right material and fit for your child's feet is important to help growth while also keeping their tiny toes warm and protected. And, as they start to crawl, stand and walk, their socks and shoes need to be ready for them.
age | consider | material |
---|---|---|
newborns | flexibility, breathability and growth space | soft leather, canvas, fabric |
crawling/first steps | flexibility, wider fit, padded ankle collar and insock | lightweight, slip-resistant soles and covered toes |
confident walker | support, secure fit, comfort, hard-wearing | sturdy soles; most materials should be fine depending on the occasion (remember socks). Should be supportive and not restricting or fighting the foot's natural shape. |
For starters, always use a proper foot gauge to measure your baby’s feet. You can find one of these in all mothercare stores. Then you can choose from:
- a range of footwear from socks and booties to pram shoes and wellies
- Toe Safe baggies – loose threads won't get caught around delicate digits
- crawlers with covered toes
- a First Walker range designed specially for your child's earliest steps
You can also print out your own mothercare shoe sizing guide to measure their feet from the comfort of your own home.
newborns – softly does it
A newborn’s tiny feet are made of soft cartilage that will slowly become bones, so they need footwear with the right support to help them develop.
Paediatricians agree that bare feet are best wherever possible, but there are times when you need to keep them cosy and warm. When choosing socks and shoes for newborns, think about:
to crawling…and beyond
Non-restrictive shapes and materials are still crucial for such active little bodies. They'll also let the feet keep growing while making sure there’s protection against those inevitable trips and slips. When crawling becomes a thing of the past, take a look at our First Walker range with:
- a wider fit to match the shape of your baby's feet
- a removable insole to assist with finding the right size shoe for your child
- lightweight soles that are non-slip but still flexible
- padded ankle collars and insocks for comfort
why mothercare?
- touch and close Velcro fastenings keep shoes on securely and make it easier for little ones to fasten themselves
- our shoes are strength tested for continuous wear
- our back to school shoes are scuff-resistant, with non-marking soles and an anti-bacterial sock and lining
- our First Crawler shoes are designed with flexible slip-resistant soles to help little ones find their feet and extra room for feet to wiggle and grow
- our First Walker shoes have a removable insole to assist with finding the right size shoe for your child