You might think that nappies cost a bundle of money, but when children start wearing shoes you start to despair. Brenda Fitzgibbon, owner Little Piggys shoe shop in Ennis, Co. Clare, has given us advice on what to consider when you buy your child's first pair of shoes. Brenda is a member of the Society of Shoe Fitters and an expert in children's shoes.
Should I invest in a pair of shoes before my child walks?
Do not put a structured shoe on a baby who has just learned to stand; it will make it more difficult for him to balance. My tip is barefoot is always best, provided the child is in a safe environment. This will encourage good development and improved grip. Pre-Walkers are a good alternative to a structured shoe as they are soft, flexible, and have a good deep toe box to accommodate children when they are on their toes.
When should I buy my child a first pair of shoes?
The average age for walking ranges from about 10 to 18 months, but it can vary. It is important not to force a child to walk before they are ready. When a child is walking by himself for most of the day and has stopped crawling and is ready to walk outside. This can take a minimum of up to six weeks as it takes time to build up strength and muscle tone in their little feet.
What is the most important thing about buying the first pair of shoes?
Only buy from shops with a fully trained children’s shoe fitter. Never buy shoes without your child being present. The process can take 20-30 minutes. If possible avoid shopping on a Saturday and in school holidays. If the shop is busy, it can be very intimidating for a small child.
My child feet are very sweaty, what type of shoe can I buy?
Leather is a natural material and absorbs moisture. With low-quality synthetics, moisture sits in the shoe, it is like having your foot in a plastic bag and there is no breath ability. Good quality synthetics would let your child’s foot breath.
If a child has very sweaty feet try to choose a shoe with a removable insole that can be lifted out form the shoe and aired overnight, and gives the shoe time to dry out.
My child seems to have flat feet. What can I do?
There are several basic foot shapes, but feet change as they mature. A child’s arch develops between the ages of 2-5 years. A small baby’s arch will not be visible due to the padding on the foot, which is there to protect the child’s cartilage that later will develop to bone. This process is called ossification and will continue until a child reaches approximately 18 years old. Obviously if you have any concerns about your child’s foot development my advice is to consult your GP or podiatrist.
Can I buy a bigger size, so my child can grow into them?
Foot gauges are calibrated to accommodate growth when measured. One manufacture’s last will be different to another. My advice is the shoe should not slip at the heel as this will disrupt your child’s natural gait. Would you wear a pair of shoes that were too big for you?
Can my child wear second-hand shoes?
I don’t recommend that you hand down shoes from one child to another. However if you must use your common sense, make sure that there is no slippage at the heel of the shoe that there is adequate toe room, and that they are neither too tight or too wide in the width.
Other foot health points to consider
Check your child’s shoes regularly – too tight and they will cramp the foot, too big they will bunch up causing pressure points. Watch out for baby grows that are too small in the toe area. Toenails should be kept short and cut straight across. Never cut them in a curve, as this could encourage in-growing toe nails.
Do you have any great tips to share?