Good parents always try to give the child all the best. In childhood, the foundations are laid, on which the future health of a small person largely depends. Of great importance is the first shoes for the baby. How to choose the best option for the first steps without losing the tremendous abundance on the market? After all, the first shoes can not be chosen, proceeding only from aesthetic considerations. They must comply with safety requirements so that the small leg develops correctly.
Shoes for beauty
Speaking of the very first shoes or shoes, many people have in mind booties. When is the first time you can put your baby in these shoes? This is completely unimportant, even for discharge from the hospital many parents purchase this nice accessory. But rather, booties can be attributed not to shoes, but to socks. They perform a decorative and warming function, because the baby will not run in it. There are no strict rules governing selection. It is advisable that the booties be sewn from soft natural material that does not irritate delicate skin. Of course, they should not be decorated with elements that a small owner in a fit of knowledge of the world tear and eat.
A completely different thing - the first shoes for beginners to walk. It is very different from booties, and now we will see this.
The opinion of doctors
Pediatricians pay great attention to such an important moment as the first shoes for the baby. How to choose?
Komarovsky Evgeny Olegovich, a well-known children's doctor, has repeatedly paid attention of parents to this topic. A supporter of natural development and minimizing interference in natural processes, Dr. Komarovsky believes that there are not so many rules. The leg should not hang, excessively tighten, chatter. Moreover, according to the doctor, buying a healthy child orthopedic shoes is not worth it - it is intended only for those who have problems with the formation of the foot.
Children's flat feet: how to recognize?
It is a common misconception among young parents that it is easy to diagnose flat feet on their own using traces of the baby. It is enough to wet the legs and let the child walk on the smooth floor - and the material for the home consultation is ready. This often leads to sad consequences, because mothers also try to fix the defect on their own. Often in such cases, shoes are purchased for the smallest, which is completely not suitable for them.
Remember: this cannot be done. The diagnosis of flat feet can only be made by a doctor. By the way, the footprint on which the entire foot is imprinted is not at all an alarming symptom. Until a certain age, this phenomenon is completely normal. It's all about the fat under the skin, which is completely natural for children up to a year.
The main question: when does a child buy shoes?
The answer is simple: when the need arises. And it will arise only at the moment when the baby begins to stomp along the sidewalk. The first steps are not a reason to fly to the store. Especially if it happens on a snowy winter or a wet fall. Remember, the leg grows fast, experience is gained more slowly. Give your child the opportunity to learn how to walk confidently at home, and only then think about walking.
Main requirements
Going to the store, remember the set of rules that the first shoes for the baby must comply with. How to choose the most suitable option? Use the memo:
- Strong support heel.
- The presence of arch support.
- Natural materials.
- Convenient fixing fastener.
- Appropriate size.
- Embossed sole.
Some features are related to the season. We will consider this in detail below.
Many parents do not recommend purchasing shoes with Velcro or another fastener, which the baby easily unzips. He will learn to shoe and take off his shoes a little later, and at the age of about a year he is more interested in experimenting, which often leads to an elementary loss of the boot.
How not to
It will not be superfluous to remember some taboos. These include:
- high heel;
- soft outsole;
- slippery sole;
- platforms, wedges;
- flip flops;
- heelless slippers;
- shoes that are not suitable for size and season.
A word about the best
The first children's shoes from reputed manufacturers, as a rule, satisfy all the requirements of children's doctors. It is accompanied by the necessary certificates that the seller is always ready to present.
Soft genuine leather, patented systems, honed by years of patterns - this is important for shoes, so the best manufacturers use all the experience and latest technologies for its production. The products of some of the most famous brands we will consider in more detail.
Cool offseason
Kickers has established itself in the market for a long time. Among her trendy products are shoes for the smallest. Shoes and shoes are made only from calfskin, equipped with embossed polyurethane soles with arch support and good heel support.
The peculiarity of Kickers shoes is the recognizable classic design and various labels with the logo: red on one boot and green on the other.
When choosing shoes for autumn and spring, pay attention to the quality of the seams and the mounting of the sole. These shoes are designed for coolness, not for cold weather and real dampness. Special tightness is not needed here, but there should be no obvious gaps.
What is Gore-Tex?
A special membrane fabric that does not allow the foot to get wet, freeze and sweat is widely used in the manufacture of shoes for professional athletes, military, tourists. But it is also widespread "in the world." Today, Gortex is used by many manufacturers, including Ecco. If you are looking for shoes for boys who are eager to measure the depth of all the surrounding puddles or play polar explorers, Ecco boots may be the best choice. A wide selection of models is also available for little princesses, and the main difference of the entire model range of this company is the use of rich, but not easily soiled colors: purple, marsh green, chocolate, cherry.
When choosing shoes for walking in the cold and damp seasons, remember: improper sizes are unacceptable, and support for the ankle is highly desirable.
Winter, cold ... UGG for the little ones
Not always the first winter shoes are designed for walking. This is especially true for the northern regions and very cold winters. If you are looking for boots that are guaranteed to warm, pay attention to the "Uggs". Original shoes of this manufacturer are made of soft suede and natural sheepskin. It is hard to find a warmer combination.
These boots look very impressive, but it’s not worth going into them for a long time - due to insufficient fixation of the ankle, the legs will get tired. But it’s hard to come up with the best option for sledding or in a wheelchair.
Sunny summer
Summer shoes can be with or without heels. The main condition is a good fixation on the ankle. Summer is a season when even a kid who has just learned to walk can walk on the street on foot. In this regard, very comfortable sports shoes with soft bendable soles.
The best manufacturers of sports equipment, for example, Columbia, offer shoes for babies with the ability to adjust the lift - for this, rigid Velcro is provided. Deep tread prevents slipping.
Beach season
Not all summer shoes are suitable for outdoor activities, because beach shoes should be mentioned separately. Doctors say that the first shoes for a child should not be made of rubber - the leg in it is frayed, and moving elements can rub. In this case, it is better to pay attention to Crocs products, famous for their quality characteristics. It is made of natural rubber, adapts to the shape and individual characteristics of the legs, does not rub, does not soar, dries very quickly.
Design is also important. Bright "crocuses" can be decorated at your discretion with all kinds of jibits that are securely fixed on shoes and do not succumb to either the fingers or the teeth of the owner.
In addition, crocuses can be worn at home. They do not have an arch support, but due to the convenient ergonomic shape of the sole provide reliable support for the arch of the foot.
Shoes for home
It’s worth buying house shoes only if it’s cold in the house, and it’s uncomfortable for the child to walk in socks alone. A healthy baby does not need to be forced to wear shoes “just in case” - this only hurts him. But if you have a need to purchase a pair of shoes for the room, pay attention to Zetpol textile slippers. Their main advantage is the budget price with quite decent quality. The shoes of this company fully meet all the requirements, while being perfectly washed and quite suitable for walking along the street in dry weather. In addition, it is very durable, which should be the first shoes for the baby.
How to choose a suitable pair? First you need to know the size and at the same time do not forget that the dimensional tables of different manufacturers may not match. And how to do this, we will find out now.
How to know the size?
The first rule is never try to measure the foot by weight. Firstly, a moving baby is unlikely to allow you to calmly focus on the process, and secondly, the information received will not be objective. Place the foot on a support with a sheet of paper underneath. Lower the ruler perpendicular to the floor so that it touches the heel, make a mark. Repeat with your fingers. It remains to measure the distance between the two marks.
Some manufacturers, for example, Clarks, offer convenient devices for measuring the size of the legs. With their help, the first shoes for the baby can be easily selected.
How to choose shoes using a similar accessory? Just put the leg in the right place, move the slider and look into the round hole - there will be marked and the length of the foot, and the desired size. Remember: for the selection of shoes from other manufacturers, such a device may not be suitable.
Orthopedic shoes
What does this term mean? These are special shoes that are individually selected by the orthopedic surgeon. It is sold in specialized stores and pharmacies. Such shoes are not suitable for boys and girls who do not have leg health problems.
If your child is prescribed to wear orthopedic shoes, follow the doctor’s recommendations. By the way, if it seems to you that it looks dull and unattractive, modern manufacturers are ready to dispel doubts. For example, the well-known company Bartek produces not only ordinary, but also very beautiful orthopedic shoes for the smallest.
For leg health
We already know how to choose good shoes and boots, but do not forget about preventive measures.
Encourage barefoot walks on soft grass, clean sand, sea pebbles. Temper your baby regularly. Get a special rug on which you can stomp in the cold season. Do not forget about preventive massages. These measures and well-chosen shoes will contribute to the health of your baby.