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IS IT TIME TO BUY MY BABY'S FIRST SHOES?
They may be itty bitty feet, but deciding when to buy your baby their first pair of shoes is undoubtedly a big step - so what time's the right time? A lot goes on when baby’s growing up. For starters, those chubby heels and square toes have no bones in them - Zilch. Nada. They’re completely made up of cartilage and eventually, that cartilage will form the strong bones that’ll carry your child around for the rest of their life. With such a workload on the horizon, your baby’s feet need freedom and support early on so when they’re all grown up, they’ve got a set of healthy, strong stompers ready to take on the world.
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Do Babies Need Shoes?
Babies do not necessarily need shoes during their early months of life. In fact, pediatricians often recommend keeping babies barefoot or in socks to allow their feet to develop naturally. Babies feet are soft and malleable, and going without shoes helps them develop strength and flexibility as they learn to kick, crawl, and eventually walk.
However, in situations where the baby is exposed to harsh weather or uneven surfaces, it might be appropriate to use shoes earlier. However, for indoor activities and controlled environments, allowing babies to explore barefoot or in socks can be beneficial for their overall foot development.
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SOFT-SOLED SHOES FOR PRE-WALKERS
Despite our passion for making the best baby shoes in the world for growing feet, we at Bobux are advocates for bare-footedness. Going barefoot isn’t always practical, however, so once baby starts using their feet to crawl it might be time to get them their first pair of soft-soled shoes. Soft soles act as a second layer on those tiny little feet, protecting them from the environment while allowing for unrestricted movement. Feet are free to move the way they’re meant to, so kids are given the best possible start to their long-term foot development.
SHOP SOFT-SOLED SHOES AT BOBUX
Bobux has an extensive and fashion-forward range of Soft Soles, all made from premium, breathable soft leather. An elastic collar ensures a secure fit, while the designs are colourful and creative to spark baby’s imagination. Barefoot is best, but when they need protection, crawlers need their first shoes to be the best, too.
WHEN DO BABIES NEED SHOES?: THEIR FIRST PAIR OF REAL SHOES
Once your child takes those memorable first steps, they’ll soon be curiously exploring the outdoors and cruising to their little heart’s desire. Whether they take those first ambitious steps at seven months, or if they dabble in crawling until they’re two, it’s important to remember: stage not age. So no matter how old, once they’re confidently toddling, that’s when it’s time to get bub into their first pair of real shoes.
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WHAT PARENTS SHOULD LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING BABY SHOES
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Picking out their first pair of shoes shouldn’t be a matter of what looks the best (although Bobux’s Step Up range is a treat to the feet and eyes), the decision should be based on what’s best for bub’s foot health. It’s important to make sure your child is fitted correctly either by a podiatrist, an in store expert-fitter, or using an accurate sizing guide. Avoid rigid, heavy shoes as these can impede your child’s foot development. Instead, look for lightweight, flexible shoes such as Bobux Xplorers which - while being durable enough to withstand the activities their wearer might put them through - allow for better ground connection, spatial awareness and balance. Kids learn a lot through their feet as they develop, so keeping them connected to the surface they’re learning to walk on is crucial.
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Perhaps the most important thing to remember: Your baby’s first pair of shoes won’t be their last. Kids’ feet grow fast, so measuring their feet as frequently as every two weeks is critical to making sure their toes aren’t cramped, and they’ve still got room to flex and grip freely.
SHOP ALL BABY SHOES ONLINE AT BOBUX
Is it time to get your baby into their first pair of shoes? Bobux has a range of podiatrist-endorsed kicks to make every step count towards baby’s foot development. Shop the entire Bobux range today!
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FAQs ON FIRST BABY SHOES
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WHAT SIZE SHOULD MY BABIES FIRST SHOE BE?
For your baby's first shoes, measure their feet and choose a size that provides about a half-inch of space between the longest toe and the shoe's end. This allows room for growth without being too tight. Opt for a wide toe box and a flexible sole to promote natural foot movement. Keep in mind that brands vary in sizing, so refer to specific sizing charts. Babies' feet grow quickly, so regular measurements are essential.
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WHAT TYPES OF SHOES DO BABIES NEED FIRST?
For initial shoes, babies benefit from soft-soled, flexible options. Look for shoes with a wide toe box and lightweight, breathable materials. Soft leather or fabric shoes with non-slip soles are ideal. These shoes support natural foot development and provide protection as babies begin walking. Velcro or elastic closures make them easy to put on and take off.
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