Shoes or no shoes?!?

Question

My 10 month old daughter is learning to walk. she has taken lots of short steps, but then falls. I keep hearing that I need to buy her those expensive $42 walking shoes, but she grows so fast. Before I buy them anyone have any experience with the shoes. do they cut down on falls?

Answer 1

At that age, babies really don't need shoes. The shoe will just conform the foot to its shape making walking more difficult. Most pediatricians reccomend letting them learn barefoot because their bones, joints, and ligaments provide them with sufficient support for routine childhood activities. They say that the foot will develop more naturally the longer the child is allowed to be barefoot.

My 13-month old started walking about the same time as your daughter. She fell more when we tried to put shoes on her, we finally gave up and put thick socks with the rubber bottoms (about $6 for 2 pair).

The only reason little ones need anything on their feet at this age is to keep them from stepping on rocks or stubbing their toe on the sidewalk. For her birthday someone generously bought her a pair of Robeez (they're leather mocassin type) and we love them! But its the same idea, a slip-on cover, not a shoe that tries to conform the foot to its shape.

And to answer your final question, shoes won't cut down on falls. Falls are a natural part of learning to walk and putting a pair of hard-soled shoes on a toddling baby is like putting a pair of roller-skates on a cat. Ok, so that's an over exaggeration, but it's a really funny image, isn't it?!? Hope this helps you out!

Answer 2

Kids will learn to walk better without shoes on. So arround the house let her travel barefoot. But you should buy some cheap wal-mart shoes for when you leave the house. Now is the time to start teaching her that you need to wear shoes when you go somewhere away from home. Plus if she is outside she needs something to protect her feet. Just make sure to get her feet measured so that her shoes fit. do not buy shoes that are too big because she will fall more often. Parents often buy shoes that are bigger thinking that they will last longer but they actually wear out faster then kids can outgrow them. But there is no need for shoes that are that expensive.

Answer 3

If she is just starting to walk I would wait till she has it down pat. Babies are gonna fall with or without shoes. Shoes dont keep them from falling. Shoes help support the babys feet when they are walking also people get them if the baby has flat feet or go tippy toe. When you do get shoes make sure they are good shoes that have an arch in them good shoes will help form the babys feet properly so yeah you will probably have to spend $40 on the pair of shoes. Some really good shoes are Stride Rite shoes some towns there are actually Stride Rite stores if not JC Penny sells Stride Rite shoes.

Answer 4

Your daughter doesn't need expensive walking shoes. Let her learn the old fashioned way, yes she's going to fall but thats how she learns to balance. Did your mom buy you 42 dollar walking shoes? I don't think so.

Answer 5

No, look for gripper socks. Thats what I did for my son. His feet were a little squared when he was little and the shoes didn't fit. Even the triple wide 42 dollar shoes. If youcan't find gripper socks, old navy and the gap have writing on the bottom of the socks that kinda works. If you dont have those stores then use puffy paint from the craft sections at walmart. Write on the bottom of the socks where they would make contact with the floor. Be creative and you can make some cute socks. Hope that helps. Good luck.

Answer 6

Well, really there is a reaosn the "walking" shoes cost so much. There is science behind them. Although any tall shoe with ancle support will provide the same effect, you can get them pretty cheap at Wal-Mart. But if your Little one isn't walking around outside, and she is wearing socks around the house (incase she accidentally steps on something with a little prick to it like a plastic something or heaven forbid a piece of glass that got missed in clean up). Then you don't need the shoes.
Chances are she won't like having them on her feet anyway and will end up sitting down and playing with the shoes rather than walking in them.

Answer 7

Absolutely no value to that advice. She's falling because she's learning to walk. (I'm guessing grandma's advice?) The best way for her to learn to walk is to let her learn in what God gave her...feet! It used to be common wisdom to put a child in restricive shoes. We now know that the most natural way is usually best in everything regarding children. Don't buy the shoes unless your dr. specifically tells you to...you'll be wasting time and money. Your daughter will learn to walk when the time is right. With or without the expensive shoes.

Answer 8

You don't need shoes unless she is walking on something that could hurt her. Going barefoot helps strengthen the muscles in your feet. However, there is an exception. If, when she walks, you notice her feet toeing in or out more than seems normal or she is rolling in on her ankles have her checked.
Most babies fall when they start to walk. With practice this will get better,

Answer 9

No shoes help a child learn to walk. Any shoe will hinder the foot and the toes natural ability to aid in learning. They only offer protection for the feet when they may be going someplace that their feet can be injured, such as walking outside in the grass.

Answer 10

In my experience with kids it's best to learn to walk without any shoes....but of course if you are taking her outside you will need a nice supportive pair of shoes, those expensive walking shoes are not necessary. Ask her pediatrician for advise.