How did those of you who have toddlers get shoes on your kids? My 17 month old curls her feet and toes up so much that I can't even try them on to see what size shoe she is. She's not walking yet; however, but when she finally does (she was a preemie and is in weekly therapy), I would like to be able to pick up a pair of shoes for her without having to try numerous pairs on and having her have a fit in the store. Any suggestions??
2007-01-09 07:18:25 · 8 answers · asked by Mom of One in Wisconsin 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
For young toddlers, one trick is to tickle the bottom of her foot just as you are holding the shoe ready to put it on with the other hand. Touching the bottom of the foot causes an unconscious reflex that makes the toes go out. This is how I was able to get shoes on my baby when she'd curl her toes. The key is being fast- the reflex doesn't last but a second or two, so you have to keep the shoe posed over her foot and then do it. You can also put the shoes on while she is standing (if she is able to support her own weight), since this requires that the foot be flat. This is also the best way to measure shoe size accurately, so take her to a Payless shoes or StrideRite and have her stand (put pressure) on her feet on the measuring device they have. For a while, you'll have to continue to try shoes on... their feet grow so fast and the difference in sizes between shoe makers can be quite a lot. So, unless she kind of stalls out in one size for a while, or you stick to one particular manufacturer, you'll probably still have to have her try them on to make sure they fit right.
2007-01-09 10:47:11 · answer #1 · answered by dolphin mama 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to take a piece of paper and a pencil and while the baby was in her high chair and distracted wtih a cookie or something, I would press the paper against her foot and quickly make a mark at the toe, heel, and sides. Then I would cut that strip out and take it with me when shoe shopping--I could put it inside potential purchases and get a ballpark idea of whether they would fit.
2007-01-09 15:46:08 · answer #2 · answered by toomanycommercials 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as she isn't walking anyway, can you put a little moisturizer or even food-coloring in water on her feet and stand her on a piece of brown paper bag to get a footprint? You could then at least measure it.
You could also just ask her therapist to measure her foot. Sometimes they have "ways".
2007-01-09 15:31:55 · answer #3 · answered by WhiteLilac1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to Striderite or any other childrens shoe store and have them measure her feet. You'll be amazed how cooperative children can be when someone else is putting their shoes on.
2007-01-09 17:05:22 · answer #4 · answered by Lori 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make a fun activity of tracing her feet - we were suprised that our kids feet were wide. Stride rite and payless carry wide.
We also liked robeez - or the target look alikes - when our kids were first walking. THey're the soft soled ones.
2007-01-09 15:30:06 · answer #5 · answered by lillilou 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use a measuring tape, then when you go to buy you can look at those foot measuring things to see where your measuring tape falls and it will have the shoe size beside that.
2007-01-09 15:22:57 · answer #6 · answered by lilmama 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try rubbing the top of her foot from the toes to the ankles and back again. It will relax the reflexes.
Good luck!!!
2007-01-09 16:53:33 · answer #7 · answered by Jean R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should not let her wacth a TV show or play with a toy she likes until she stops but it is good that you have her in therapy like i was saying before if she continues to do that if she wants something don't give it to her!
2007-01-09 15:44:28 · answer #8 · answered by aJ rOcKs 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋