Does it really matter? Can they learn to walk in their sandals or the support is not enough?
2007-07-26 05:42:05 · 18 answers · asked by Crash 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Babies should be out of shoes as much as possible--the best way to learn is barefooted, because they really feel their feet and learn proper balance.
Keep your child out of shoes as often as you can. There's no reason for non-walkers to be in shoes at all--people just do it because it looks "cute."
2007-07-26 05:47:32 · answer #1 · answered by Cheesy 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I did all the research when my little boy started pulling up. At Stride Rite they have stages shoes....if you prefer to have shoes. They still recommend that as much as possible a baby go barefoot, but the stages shoes have VERY flexible soles to support your baby's feet but not restrict their walking. Also, the thing I like about Stride Rite as a company is they do research on babies every two years to see how they are walking and where the pressure points are at different ages and design their shoes around that. Yes, they are more expensive, but in my opinion they are a much higher quality shoe. But, in answer to the question: no, they don't have to have walking shoes, and barefoot is actually better.
2007-07-26 06:00:02 · answer #2 · answered by Brandy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try allowing the baby to walk in walking shoes and sandals while observing how well the baby walks in these two kinds of shoes. Every baby is different, there is not one rule of thumb which applies to every one. Some babies walk barefoot and do very well. Some walking shoes hurt the feet of other babies while some do well in walking shoes.
Observe the baby as he or she walks .... you can tell by their progress and the way they place their feet.
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2007-07-26 05:48:07 · answer #3 · answered by Lu 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Both my daughters learn to walk without shoes; one at 9 mons and the other at 7.5 mons. (unusual, to say the least)
The youngest one, a little over a year of age, showed signs of pigeoned toe and my doctor had me cut the toes off her tennis shoes and she wore them on the opposite feet for about a year. Much cheaper than walking shoes or correctional shoes. He never said anything about either of the girls learning to walk barefooted.
2007-07-26 05:59:56 · answer #4 · answered by Sandie B 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As the mother of seven children I ask--What are walking shoes??
Amazingly all mine learned to walk between 10 months and 13 months and I never had to buy any kind of special shoes.
I did think it was awful darn cute when they used tip-toe when they walked.
Babies learn to walk when they decide the time is right. Making sure they have a safe place to learn and some loving arms to catch them is all that is really needed!
2007-07-26 05:50:40 · answer #5 · answered by Rebecca W 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
a baby should learn how to walk with bare feet as their feet are still developing and they also need to feel what their feet are doing (If it's a safe place for bare feet).Imagine walking on nice soft grass or sand with shoes on, doesn't feel the same. Especially don't force them to walk before they are ready or strong enough, all children learn to walk at different ages.
2007-07-26 05:50:45 · answer #6 · answered by min 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Your child will learn to walk with or without "walking shoes". Having "walking shoes" is not a big deal anymore like it was in previous times...
I buy my son "walking shoes" for church on Sundays because I think they're adorable & it's hard to find church shoes for boys...
*My son walked @ 10 months~ he wore shoes some days (walking shoes & other shoes)....he didn't wear shoes in the house.
2007-07-26 05:46:00 · answer #7 · answered by Proud mother! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Until my son started really walking, I mean really walking, he was either barefoot or in socks. That's the best way for the feet to develop normally.
Once he started walking with a purpose, we got him some good sneakers.
2007-07-26 09:06:53 · answer #8 · answered by skydivemommy 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My kids both learned to walk barefoot. No special shoes. My first son walked at 11 months no problems and my other one year. I dont see why anyone would waste money on special shoes.
2007-07-26 05:45:48 · answer #9 · answered by Indiana Raven 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
My mother bought shoes for my firstborn and it didn't make a difference-in fact she was delayed in walking and we ended up having to put her in children's physical therapy. Now w/ my secondborn (he just turned 1) I let him walk around barefoot and he's almost walking by himself now :) If you do buy shoes make sure they have good arch support for your child's feet.
2007-07-26 06:03:57 · answer #10 · answered by ~lattemom~ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋