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How to Buy the Best Baby & Toddler Shoes: From Crib to Walking | Sophias Style

The moment to choose your baby’s first shoes is here. It's a wonderful phase of your life as a parent, but it can also become a hard one. You need to decide what shoes are the best to protect, support , fit well & be comfortable for your baby. And why not, look cute!

Of course, you're after the perfect experience for your baby’s first steps. And for that, you need to pick the right shoes.

Keep on reading & learn which baby shoes are the best for each of your baby’s phase and age: for when he’s in the crib, to crawling, learning to walk, and finally, walking and running around like a little bee!


should-babies-use-shoes
Should babies use shoes?

 

Should a baby wear shoes?

Does your baby really need shoes? How important are they? This is the most common question asked by parents.

Although getting your baby first pair of shoes could be exciting, don’t hurry to go shopping. Even though baby shoes are important in protecting the baby’s feet, they are not necessary for the early months when the baby is in the crib or the stroller. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies' feet can develop well without shoes.

Baby shoes are not bad for babies - just not completely necessary in the beginning of their development. When your little one still crawling, leaving him barefoot and feeling the floor will help develop his balance, strength, and coordination.

should-babies-be-barefoot-or-wear-shoes


Babies will need their first pair of shoes when they will start walking. Until then, you should just put your baby a pair of socks to keep feet clean and warm when needed. However, when you take your baby out in the world, you can give him a pair of soft soles for extra protection!

 

Types of Baby Shoes: What Are They Called?

You’re used to booties, sandals, sneakers, but chances are, if you’re a new parent, you don’t know the baby shoes "lingo", like pram or cruisers. They can come with names you’re not yet familiar with, however it’s all down to the stage the baby will be needing them: whether it's being protected inside the crib, or for when the baby starts to crawl,  stand up and learn how to walk, and finally when the toddler walks & runs freely.

There are a lot of babies shoes out there, one cuter than the other. But what types of shoes can babies actually wear?

Depending on the baby's age, here's a list of shoe types, so you will know exactly what kind of shoes are the best each period of your baby's feet growth:

    1. Crib shoes or pram shoes
    2. Pre walking shoes
    3. Walking & running shoes
    4. Soft soles shoes
    5. Hard soles shoes


what-baby-shoes-are-good


A pair of good baby shoes will always be made out of comfortable and quality materials that are breathable, and so worth buying for your little one's feet.

 

What age can babies start wearing shoes?

You can start putting shoes on newborns even from the moment you bring them home from the hospital. Here are the main recommendations for each age group:

Baby Crib Shoes: for 0 to 9 months

It’s necessary for my baby to wear shoes as a newborn? This is the most common question asked by parents.  In the first months of life, it’s best to keep your baby barefoot. But sometimes, in the colder periods or when your baby is outside, crib or pram shoes and booties are a good choice.

do-babies-need-shoes


Crib and pram shoes are almost the same kind of shoes. They are both newborn shoes, made of a soft bottom and they are meant to keep the babies’ feet warm and not touching the ground. Also, they are seen as a fashionable thing since babies still can’t walk. The pram shoes are usually worn when a newborn is out in a pram or chair walker.

crib-shoes-for-babies


If you find these shoes necessary or if you like them, pick a pair that is as comfy and light as possible. Also, look for crib or pram shoes to have elastic around the opening to be easier to get on and more likely to stay like that.

For your baby girl or boy, you can choose a pair of soft sole shoes or booties for newborn. These shoes are soft and light, crafted to offer comfort and freedom to your baby’s feet.

An alternative could be soft leather shoes or crocheted shoes. Both are comfortable and will successfully complete baby’ pure look.

baby-girl-toddler-shoes

 

Crib Shoes for Baby Girls T-strap - Available here!

baby-boy-shoes-white-easter-lace

 

Crib Shoes for Baby Boys and Girls - Available here!

If you prefer for yout baby to be more free, an alternative will be soft sole shoes for newborn. Soft sole shoes are not only soft and comfortable but are also perfect for photo shoots, parties and for any type of occasion.

baby-girl-crib-shoe-pink

 

Crib Daisy Shoes for Baby Girls - Available here!

Whatever crib shoes you choose for your baby, they usually cost between $15 and $40.

Choosing the right shoe size for infant babies

Choosing the right size of your baby’s first pair of shoes could be tricky. Keep in mind that a good shoe should not be uncomfortable or restrict the baby natural feet stretches and toes. So pay attention to the average size between 0-9 months old baby:

Us/Canada Europe UK Inches CM  Age
0 Baby 16 0 3.25" 8.26 Baby Infant: 0 to 9 Months
1 Baby 16 0.5 3.5" 8.89
1.5 Baby 17 1 3.625" 9.21
2 Baby 17 1 3.75" 9.53
2.5 Baby 18 1.5 4" 10.16
3 Baby 18 2 4.125" 10.48

 

Pre Walker Baby Shoes: 9 - 12 months

Between 9-12 months your baby will start crawling around. He will try to explore the surroundings outside the parent’s arms. Some babies will also try to make some shy steps around 9 months.

shoes-for-crawling-babies

 

What are Baby Cruiser Shoes?


In this period you need to know that there aren't any shoes that can help your baby stand or walk. Though, the protection and traction of the feet are really important. So the perfect shoes are the pre-walkers, or baby cruisers.

Baby cruisers are best for crawling - they are made out of soft materials and have a bendy sole, with an elastic around the ankle that makes them easy to take off. You can find this kind of shoes between $20 and $50.

baby-boy-toddler-shoes-leather

 

White Leather Shoes for Pre-walkers - Available here!

baby-shoes-moccasins-dark-brown-leather

 

Moccasins for Baby Boys - Available here!

baby-girl-shoes-leather-white

 

White Leather Shoes for Pre Walkers Girls - Available here!

When there are no obstacles in your baby’s feet way, let him stay barefoot or just wearing some socks, for as long as possible. This way the feet can properly breathe and stretch.

When buying baby shoes, keep in mind that the average shoe size for a pre walker is the following:

Us/Canada Europe UK Inches CM Baby Age
Baby 9, 10, 11 or 12 months
3.5 Baby 19 2.5 4.25" 10.8
4 Baby 19 3 4.5" 11.43
4.5 Baby 20 3.5 4.625" 11.75

 

How can I help my baby learn to walk?

Usually, babies start to walk between 10 and 15 months. But every child is different. Do not worry if your little one will make his first step sooner than 10 months, around 18 months or even later. Give your baby the support he needs every step of the way and lots of encouragement. His first steps depend on genetics, his ambition and also his own weight. So just be patient and your baby’s walking will come naturally!

Be sure your house is child-proof for your little walker and you are around all the time. This way you will prevent any accident from happening.

Here is a list of steps to help your baby start walking on his own:

    • Step 1: Sitting

When your baby starts to pull himself up it's time to help him sit. At this stage, your baby develops his back & leg muscles. To help him do that, you can start by bouncing him on your lap with his feet on your legs. You can also place his favorite toys in near areas where he will need to sit to reach them.

Another good option for teaching your baby sit is buying him a bouncy chair. When you baby will start kicking with his legs, this chair will satisfy your baby’s desire for movement.

    • Step 2: Standing

In the beginning of the standing phase, your baby will still crawl. He will need your arm or some furniture support and later on, just your fingers. When learning to stand, it's important for your baby to understand how to bend his knees. This will help ease his fall when he starts walking. So support your baby to stand up and then teach him how to bend his knees to get back down.

Be sure you encourage and cheer for him with every progress! This will boost his desire to pass to the next level: cruising.

    • Step 3: Cruising

When cruising, help your baby gain balance by placing him in a standing position. Support him to take a few steps by holding hands together. Then, let your little one try walking by himself. Do that as much as possible and don’t forget to praise him for every attempt. This will encourage him to take more steps on his own and become more confident.

If he start walking, you can step to the next shoe category: the walking shoes!

Baby's first walking shoes - 12-18 months

The best walking shoes for babies? When should you get your baby's first walking shoes?

There is no right or wrong answer, as it depends on how your baby develops and starts walking. As a general rule: the baby's first shoes would be best suited for kiddos who already spend some time on their feet. So when your little one will take his first steps, he will need to be protected.

best-walking-shoes-for-babies

 

What are baby walking shoes?

Baby walking shoes are different from the normal newborn crib or cruise shoes, which are often crocheted, or extremely soft, and resemble socks or slippers. This type of shoes will have a a good grip (possible with velcro), a lot of ankle support, but are also flexible, non skid sole (oftentimes made of rubber) and a substantial upper. Their main role is to protect the baby' feet outdoors (and even indoors!) and on any surface that could be dangerous.

The best walking shoes are flexible ones that support the baby’s ankles and encourage natural foot movement. Soft, non-skid soles help beginning walkers feel the floor, move indoors and keep their feet under them. So babies will gain more confidence when walking.

When shopping for the first walking shoes, expect to find prices from $20 up to $60, depending on materials and style.

baby-girl-shoes-floral-sneakers

 

Floral Sneakers for Baby Girls - Available here!

As its name say, Smart Steps shoes from bellow will help your boy walking with confidence. These white leather shoes are ideal for everyday casual wear.

baby-toddler-boy-shoes-lace

 

Smart Step Shoes for Baby Boys - Available here!

Toddler Walking & Running shoes: 18-24 months

Babies are growing fast. So after walking, the running phase is just around the corner. When your little one starts running, you have to buy shoes that are a bit different than his first walking shoes.

best-running-baby-shoes


The most important things at the toddler shoes are the fit and function. So check the length, width, and heel. Be sure that the shoe is not too tight to restrict your toddler’s feet natural movements. Also, the shoe should not be too large, so the walking test will say.

This sizing chart shoe table should help you pick the right size for your toddler:

 

Us/Canada Euro UK Inches CM Approx. Age

 

5 Toddler 20 4 4.75" 12.07 18-24 Months
5.5 Toddler 21 4.5 5" 12.7
6 Toddler 22 5 5.125" 13.02
6.5 Toddler 22 5.5 5.25" 13.34

 


Choose a pair of durable shoes that will provide your baby enough stability when walking or running. Also, you can pick shoes with lights and sounds (squeakers) that could make your toddler’s walk much more fun, so he can become more excited and eager to walk.

You can find walking and running shoes for your baby at $20 but also above $60.

Here you have some good examples of shoes for your little runner:

toddler-shoes-walking-running

 

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Toddler Girls Shoes for Walking - Available here!

toddler-girl-shoes-ivory

 

Toddler Dress Shoes - Available here!

Find out more toddler shoes size from this sizing chart:

Us/Canada Euro UK Inches CM Approx. Age

 

7 Toddler 23 6 5.5" 13.97 2-4 Years
7.5 Toddler 23 6.5 5.625" 14.29
8 Toddler 24 7 5.75" 14.61
8.5 Toddler 25 7.5 6" 15.24
9 Toddler 25 8 6.125" 15.56
9.5 Toddler 26 8.5 6.25" 15.88
10 Toddler 27 9 6.5" 16.51
10.5 Toddler 27 9.5 6.625" 16.83

 

Soft Sole vs Hard Sole Baby Shoes: What to Choose?

Hard sole or soft sole - which one are the best for your baby? If you’re not sure, these clear differences between soft and hard sole will help you figure out:

The soft-soled baby shoe is made of soft, flexible that give comfort, warmth, and protection. This kind of shoes is best for newborns and beginner walkers since the traditional shoes are way heavier. This can be uncomfortable and could hinder your baby’s feet development. So you can continue to give your baby soft-soled shoes until he learns how to walk.

best-walking-shoes-for-toddlers


Babies need to start wearing hard soled when they already walking by their own or running outside. It is more short of protection and helps to prevent slipping and sliding. So you should buy this hard sole shoes when your baby is around 24 months. But of course, it depends on how fast he learns to walk.

Both soft and hard sole shoes are mandatory for your baby for when he is going out or needs protection or warmth. Apart from that, on safe surfaces, you can let your babies foot free.

 

What are the most common baby shoe sizes?

When choosing the best shoes for your baby, knowing the right size from the beginning is crucial. Especially if you don’t have time for stores and you prefer online purchases. Learn how to fast measure your baby’s feet and then match the baby’s feet measurements with the shoe size.

baby-shoes-sizes
How big are baby shoes?

 

How to measure the right size of your baby's feet?

To choose the right size of your baby shoes If you’re wondering how to figure that out, it’s not that hard. Just pick one of the below measuring easy methods.

how-to-measure-your-babys-feet-for-shoes

 

Tape measure method

What will you need:

    • 2 adults
    • Clipboard or straight surface
    • A flexible tape measure
    • A pen or a colored marker


How to measure

    • After gathering all the needed materials, ask the other adult to help the baby stand still on a straight surface.
    • Make sure that the foot is flat on the surface and the toes are not curled.
    • Take the tape measure and put the broad side of it on the outside. To obtain the length, measure from the heel to the longest toe. And for the width, measure the widest part of the foot.
    • Use the colored marker to make a sign on the tape measure that shows you how long your baby's foot is.
    • Do the same process for the other foot.
    • Write down the measurements and make sure you take them with you at shopping. It will be much easier to pick the right shoe size.

Paper and pencil method


What you need

    • Two adults
    • Clipboard or hard surface
    • Two sheets of paper
    • A pencil
    • A scissor
    • Some tape


baby-feet-sizing-measurment


How to measure

 

    • Fix the paper with the tape on a hard surface in a way that will not be moved during the process.
    • Bring your little one and position him on the paper. Ask the second adult to hold the kid still and ensure full weight is exerted on the foot.
    • Pay attention to the foot to not be arched and toes to not be curled. Gently press down on top of the foot and toes of your baby as best as possible.
    • Use the pencil to outline the baby’s foot.
    • Fix the second piece of paper and repeat the same process for the other foot.
    • In the end, cut out the outlines from both sheets of paper. And there you have it - two beautiful outlines of your baby’s feet!
    • Take the outlines with you when shopping. Use them as references at the next buying shoe session.

Shoe fitter method

Besides the two measured methods above, a more professional approach is measuring the baby’s feet by a qualified shoe fitter. You can usually find one in any baby shoe store.

Look for the shop to display a certificate of training or the fitter to wear a badge of merit. When you find one take your baby and go shopping. The qualified shoe fitter should help you measure the baby’s feet. Afterward, he will give you some guidance or recommendations about the shoes. In this way, you can find the shoes that fit properly for your baby.

Checklist for the right fitting

For best results when measuring your baby’s feet take into account the following advice:

    • Be patient, as you will probably need to outline your baby’s feet a couple of time. In the beginning, it’s a little bit hard to make your baby not move at all, even with another person's’ help
    • Keep a pair of socks on if the baby is going to wear the shoes this way.
    • The best time to do the measuring is at the end of the day when your baby’s feet are at their largest.
    • Be aware that one foot may be longer than the other. It is recommended to use the measurement of the longest foot when purchasing the shoes.
    • When shopping, hold each paper outline of your baby’s foot against the bottom of its corresponding shoe. Each outline has to be a little bit smaller than the shoe.

Match the baby’s feet measurements with the shoe sizes

Now that you measured your baby’s foot length and width, you need to match the measurements with the shoe sizes. If for any reasons, you skip the measurement phase, you can simply follow the age column and you will find out the right shoe size.

best-toddler-running-shoes

 

Baby & toddler shoes Sizing Chart

Us/Canada Euro UK Inches CM Approx. Age
0 Baby 16 0 3.25" 8.26 Baby
(0-12 Months)
1 Baby 16 0.5 3.5" 8.89
1.5 Baby 17 1 3.625" 9.21
2 Baby 17 1 3.75" 9.53
2.5 Baby 18 1.5 4" 10.16
3 Baby 18 2 4.125" 10.48
3.5 Baby 19 2.5 4.25" 10.8
4 Baby 19 3 4.5" 11.43
4.5 Baby 20 3.5 4.625" 11.75
5 Toddler 20 4 4.75" 12.07 12-24 Months
5.5 Toddler 21 4.5 5" 12.7
6 Toddler 22 5 5.125" 13.02
6.5 Toddler 22 5.5 5.25" 13.34
7 Toddler 23 6 5.5" 13.97 2-4 Years
7.5 Toddler 23 6.5 5.625" 14.29
8 Toddler 24 7 5.75" 14.61
8.5 Toddler 25 7.5 6" 15.24
9 Toddler 25 8 6.125" 15.56
9.5 Toddler 26 8.5 6.25" 15.88
10 Toddler 27 9 6.5" 16.51
10.5 Toddler 27 9.5 6.625" 16.83


*Please note that this guide is a general one and the numbers may vary from child to child and from shoes to shoes.

How often should you get your baby’s feet remeasured?

Babies are growing fast, especially their feet. So you have to pay attention to that and re-measure the baby’s feet size to be able to buy him the right shoes or socks. At home or in a shop, it is recommended to measure your baby’s feet by these simple rules:

    • 2-6 weeks, once a month
    • 6-12 weeks, once every two months
    • 12 months and above, once every three months

Functional baby’s shoes are better than the trendy ones. But there are some occasions when you should mix both. In special moments, besides the outfit and his lil’ cute face, give the baby a pair of shoes that are not only comfy but also stylish. And don’t forget about the season!

Baby shoes for girls

Every little princess always needs her pair of shiny shoes. So why not choose the right shoes for the right occasion?

Baby Girl Soft Soles

If your baby girl is still a newborn, but you have to take her at some special events, put her in some cute, but also comfy shoes. Some pinky adorable soft soles with a tutu will melt everybody.

Also, it is a great idea to give your baby a pair of moccasins. For a more fancy look, choose some leopard print soft soles shoes.They are not only soft and comfortable but are also perfect for photo shoots, parties, and all occasions.

baby-girl-shoes-ribbon-tie-crib-shoes

 

Baby Girl Shoes with Ribbon - Available here!

shoes-baby-girl-soft-sole-shoes

 

Leopard Soft Sole Shoes for Baby Girls - Available here!

Baby Girl Boots

Wheter it’s raining, snowing or all sunshine, your baby girl has to be ready. When the colder season approach, choose her a pair of warmth boots. Soft and cute, colorful and stylish, booties fit well with pants but also with a nice skirt.

baby-girl-crochet-boots

 

Crochet Boots for Baby Girls - Available here!

baby-girls-boots

Soft Boots for Baby Girls - Available here!

Baby Girl Sandals

If it’s warm outside, then your baby doll has to shine! Complete her summer outfit with some cute sandals. Tan crochet slip-on will suit perfectly, as well as a pair of leather white sandals. Be sure they have a soft sole, for your baby’s best comfort.

baby-girls-crochet-sandals

 

Crochet Sandals for Baby Girls - Available here!

toddler-girls-sandals

 

Sandals for Toddler Girls - Available here!

Baby Girl Dress Shoes

For a special occasion, your little girl has to look like a star. Of course, the right shoes don’t have to miss. Choose some shoes with a festive bow, a pair of moccasins or a gold patent upper shoes. She will look perfect for any photo shoots.

baby-girl-shoes-moccasin-crib-shoes

 

Moccasin Crib Shoes for Baby Girls - Available here!

baby-girls-shoes-festive-shoes

 

Festive Shoes for Baby Girls - Available here!

baby-girl-shoes-bow-casul-shoes

 

Goldy Baby Girl Shoes - Available here!

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