How to Pick Shoes for Pre-Walkers
Although most stores carry a wide selection of baby-sized shoes, your pre-walker doesn't actually need footwear unless you are taking her outside in cold weather. Clunky shoes will get in the way of your little one crawling, and when she starts to walk, she'll need to feel the ground under her feet to develop strength and coordination. Still, if tiny baby shoes are too cute to pass up, you can pick a pair which won't hinder your baby's development.
Instructions
Shop in the afternoon or evening. Baby feet often swell throughout the day. If you buy shoes in the morning, they may not fit later, according to the Baby Center website. Choose the right material. Shoes for a pre-walker should be soft-soled canvas or leather. Avoid shoes with a thick, plastic sole which will hinder muscle development. You should also skip over plastic and synthetic shoes, which don't breathe and could cause a fungal infection. Select the right size. Baby footwear needs to be roomy. When you have the shoes on your child, you should be able to fit a pinky between her heel and the back of the shoe and a thumb-width between her big toe and the front of the shoe. You should also be able to pinch a little fabric at the top of the shoe, according to Baby Center. Try them on. While you're still at the store, put the shoes on your baby and allow her to crawl for a few minutes. Take the shoes off and check for signs of irritation. If there are any red marks on your baby's feet, the shoes are too tight or the wrong design.
