First shoes

Babies normally have flat feet until the age of about three. The arch takes shape as the muscles develop. Letting your baby go barefoot in the house and outside in the summer about half the time is excellent for his feet. There’s no need for shoes before your baby takes his first steps.

It’s best to take your baby to the store with you when buying him shoes. The shoes should fit properly at the heel and be about 1.25 cm (½ inch) longer than your baby’s feet. Have your baby stand up so that you can measure the space between his longest toe and the tip of the shoe. You can also measure the inside of the shoe with a measuring tape and compare this measurement with the length of your baby’s foot when he’s standing.

Your baby’s first shoes should have a semi-rigid sole. You should be able to bend the front of the sole with slight pressure. Shoes protect the feet and keep them warm. Ankle-high boots offer unnecessary support and are harder to take off. Socks should not squish the toes together.

When your child is between the ages of 12 and 36 months, check his shoes regularly to make sure they still fit properly.