Children's shoes are one of the most important pieces of clothing that every parent should pay attention to. And it's not just about their appearance and matching the child's wardrobe! Well-chosen shoes have a huge impact on the development and health of your little one's feet. So, what should you know before buying footwear for your child? Read on!

When to Buy the First Pair of Shoes for Your Child? Experts unanimously agree – the later a child receives shoes, the better. This is primarily about proper ground sensation and the sensory experiences of a child's feet, which can be limited by shoes. Running barefoot allows for proper muscle exercise and positioning of developing legs.

So, when should you put on the first shoes for your child? When they start walking independently outdoors or when you need to protect the child's foot from the cold. At home or in a familiar yard, feel free to let the child go without shoes (unless it's winter, then maybe not ;) ).

And What About Children Who Are Not Yet Walking? There's a dilemma among parents about shoes for non-walking children. If the first shoes should be put on as late as possible, how do you protect the little one's feet from the cold? There are several solutions:

• Ready-made onesies with covered feet;
• Socks (consider the non-slip option);
• Pre-walker shoes – specially designed footwear for non-walking children. More on this topic is written in THIS ARTICLE.

Why is the Choice of Footwear for Children So Important? A child's foot develops practically until the age of 7. During this time, it undergoes numerous changes, thanks to which the child acquires proper posture. Therefore, it is so important to provide proper conditions for walking. The health and comfort of their life in the future will depend on the correct shape of the feet!

Key Principles When Choosing Shoes for Your Child It seems like the right time has come to buy shoes for your child. So, what should you pay attention to before throwing the first pair into your cart?

Material The foot must breathe! Therefore, choose shoes for your child made of breathable materials. Otherwise, the child's foot will sweat, which can cause unpleasant irritations and abrasions of the skin.

Sole Soft, light, flexible – three most important qualities that a child's shoe should have. It should not overly burden the child's foot while walking. Flexible footwear should also easily twist in every direction, especially where the child's foot bends at the toes.

Wide Toe Box This is about ensuring proper space for the toes to move. Too tight can cause foot deformations, and too loose can lead to the toes curling during walking.

Fastening Laces are the best form of fitting shoes for your child. However, it is important not to just tighten the laces around the ankle, but along the entire length of the shoe.

Velcro shoes are also a pretty good alternative. Although they may not fit the shoe as precisely as laces, they allow for greater independence in dressing for the child.

Choosing the right footwear for a child may seem like a daunting task at first glance. However, do not worry – many stores offer help in selecting the right model for your little one, and you will also develop the right habits over time. Practice makes perfect!

Size The most crucial element in fitting children's footwear is the size – and it's not just about the length of the insole! The width of the foot and its height (the arch) are also important.

Therefore, it's worthwhile to bring your little one along when shopping for children's shoes. However, if this is not possible, you should measure the foot correctly. The best way is to create an outline of the loaded foot on a piece of cardboard. Then, add a few millimeters at the toe area (recommendations suggest 5 to even 15 mm) and it's ready.

On one hand, experts emphasize that shoes for a child must be properly fitted, but on the other, to add up to 1.5 cm in length to the size of the foot. Why is this the case?

It's not about buying children's footwear "for growth," but ensuring proper foot movement while walking and leaving room for the foot to grow.

Remember, your child is growing rapidly, and shoes can become too small overnight! Therefore, measure your little one's feet every 2-3 months to ensure that the footwear you've purchased is still suitable.

Height of Children's Footwear There's a myth among parents that good shoes for a child should reach above the ankle. On the contrary – it's better if the first shoes are not too high, so as not to restrict foot movements while walking.

What about winter shoes, which usually have higher uppers? You don't have to give them up! Just choose models where the upper is reasonably soft and flexible.

Design Currently, the market is full of a variety of children's footwear. So, if your daughter loves, for example, pink accents, you will surely find a model that is both fashionable and comfortable.

Always Buy New Shoes for Your Child! Why is it so important for a child to have new shoes? It's because footwear always adapts to the shape of the little one's foot. Therefore, if you choose a used model, you risk deforming the foot. Always choose new shoes for your child – this way, you'll take care of their proper development.

At first glance, choosing the right footwear for a child seems to be a daunting task. However, do not worry – many stores offer assistance in selecting the appropriate model for your little one, and over time, you will develop the right habits. Practice makes perfect!