Should a baby learning to walk wear shoes?

Sat, Jul 11, 2009

My almost 8 month old has learned how to pull up and stand and my mother-in-law said I need to keep shoes on him even inside that a bone specialist told her that because it supports the ankles, but I read that it’s better to let a baby go totally barefoot because it helps build the muscles.

ankles, mother in law, muscles, shoes

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19 Comments For This Post

Sin Suit Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

well most babies feel comftrable barefoot or with socks but only if u have a carpet do it barefoot or with socks they still get good feet and muscles like that but if u dont they yes u do need to put shoes on him or her

Sophia Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

It is bad to have a baby wear shoes all the time! If they do wear shoes they need to be very soft soled. Otherwise barefoot is perfect, or socks with the grippers on the bottom. Your mother in law doesn’t know what she is talking about. This link may help: http://lancaster.unl.edu/family/Parenting/shoes_979.shtml

jay.brene Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

For my baby brother, my mom said she was going to put shoes on him to support his ankles.
However, he hated the shoes and kept taking them off.
Eventually, my mom gave up and decided he would be fine without them.

He’s 1.5 years now, and he’s so cute and so much fun.
The shoes aren’t necessary, but they do look adorable for Sunday Church.

mystic_eye_cda Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

A bone specialist when? 30 years ago?

Footware and Foot Development

http://www.babycenter.ca/toddler/caringfor/feet/

A baby who’s just started walking takes 176 steps a minute!

Experts say that the longer a child is allowed to walk without shoes, the better as this will allow their feet to develop naturally. Certainly when your toddler starts learning to walk indoors, let her walk barefoot as long as the floor is clean and safe, as this allows the feet to develop and strengthen without restriction.

Once your baby can take a few steps confidently and may be walking outdoors on rough surfaces, protect her feet with early first shoes made of flexible, lightweight and natural materials, such as soft leather, with flexible soles and non-skid bottoms.

http://happyfeetz.com/category/how_to_choose_shoes/

Shoes are not corrective and the foot does not need support for normal activities. The foot requires mobility to function normally. It has been demonstrated that populations that are predominantly bare foot have better feet than those that wear shoes.

Children�s feet grow and develop rapidly. So choosing an appropriate child’s shoe is a very important task. While at home bare feet are fine.

http://www.footankle.com/pdf/Your_Chilren_s_Shoes.pdf

There is controversy regarding the appropriate shoes for children to wear as their feet grow and develop. Barring such problems as severe flat feet, or excessively flexible feet, it is perfectly appropriate to allow your child to be barefoot much of the time. Certainly while in the home environment, bare feet are fine. The goal of children wearing shoes is primarily to provide a protective covering for the foot. Once protected, the foot can develop into a healthy, functioning structure.

Shoe Recommendations Based on Age:
Crib Age: A loose fitting soft bootie
1�2 years: (toddlers) a flexible booty or shoe with a flat stable sole
2� 3 years: (running age) - a firmer yet still flexible bootie or shoe
3�4 years: a firmer shoe, bootie or possibly an athletic type of shoe.
4+ years: walking or athletic shoes are fine for this age group.

http://www.oxpod.nhs.uk/childrensfeet.asp

Footwear and Shoe Fitting

Children should not wear shoes at all until they can walk, so avoid pram shoes. For babies, avoid tightly wrapped blankets that prevent kicking and leg movement and avoid baby-grows (unless you cut the foot out).

Walking bare foot, where it is safe, is good for feet. Children’s feet are vulnerable to deformity from any ill-fitting footwear/hosiery until the bones are completely formed at about 18 years of age. Fitted socks made from natural materials are much better than stretch-fit socks.

cathrl69 Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

Your mother in law’s information is 30 years out of date. Babies don’t need to wear shoes at all until they are walking outdoors and need them to protect the soles of their feet from sharp things.

Amanda H Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

Barefoot is best, as it helps strengthen the muscles. Use shoes to protect the feet when going outdoors or in public places, and socks if it’s cold…otherwise, barefoot.

Grant Ray came on 12/8/08! Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

My Dr told me the best shoes for baby to learn to walk in are those Robeez…I think thats what they are called.

Juice Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

unless they are from Kentucky, than yes

Isabella S Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

start off regular and then put on shoes and go into the tieing shoes method

Zoe Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

You don’t need shoes unless you going outside its easier to start walking on bare-feet.

daniellem.campbell Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

No, shoes cause more tripping. Let the child get its bearing barefooted at first, so that way it can create a natural arch. baby shoes tend to cause flat footedness

♪♫♪♫ I'm Lovin' It ♪♫♪♫☮ Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

if outside then yea, if inside no…

FaZizzle Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

It’s best to go barefoot - it’s easy for balance and for traction. If going outside, I would put a hard-sole shoe on though, to protect her foot from injury. However, inside I would put the shoes away and have some fun!

diamondpryncs83 Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

if you decide to let him wear shoes, make sure they’re light

Alyssa Long Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

Baby booties are made for a reason and putting real shoes on an infant is a dumb idea. They simply don’t need them.
It’s best if a baby learns to walk bare foot, I mean, it’s natural. If you put booties on a kid, take them off when you want to let them roam and try to walk along things.

nomiscats Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

It is best to leave them bear foot. If you want shoes then only soft souls for them to learn it so that they can keep the flexibility of their feet.

Artie Lange Fan Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

No they learn balance better without shoes when learning to walk.

Your MIL is wrong, we are not talking about long distance running here!

(I am referring to indoors, obviously outdoors they should wear shoes, mostly because of things they could step on).

shorti Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

it’s better to let them wear shoes because their feet aren’t fully developed and they don’t have the ability yet to flatten them out on the ground to balance themselves. If they wear shoes they will still build up muscles but it will also make it easier for them to walk.

Baby Girl Due May 21st! Says:
July 11th, 2009 at 9:40 am

I’d go with what you read. When he has extra weight on his little feet, he will tend to curl his toes up and that can cause discomfort and possibly cause him to walk inward or pigeon toed. With his feet being free, he can stretch out his toes and walk straighter, which is important & will help keep his balance.

Good luck!

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