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Experts agree that barefoot is best. The reasons for babies to wear foot coverings are for warmth,
to complement an outfit or for foot protection. If babies are to wear shoes, they should be appropriate
for their developmental stage and activity level as below: |
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Crib Stage footwear, for newborns to three months, should be in lightweight and breathable materials.
Crawling Stage footwear, for babies up to 9 months, should be soft and lightweight without hard soles.
Walking Stage footwear, for babies up to 3 years, should be comfortable and lightweight to allow for
natural movement, yet provide support for balance. An important feature should include non-skid flexible outer soles. |
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Footwear should always be comfortable from the start - flexible and fitting properly. No shoes should require "breaking in." |
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As a general rule, foot growth should be measured every month for babies under one year, every 2 months for one to two-year olds and every 3 months for two to three-year olds. |
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It is natural for babies to have flat feet. That's because there is a thick pad of fat in the soles of
their feet. Once muscles begin to strengthen, arches will develop. Arches are not fully developed until
age six or seven. |
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Most children usually outgrow the common foot problems, such as "duck feet" or "pigeon toes" without
any corrective treatments. If you have valid concerns, always consult an expert to ease your mind. |
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Flat outer soled shoes are best for new toddlers. Thick or heavy outer soles can make your toddler
unbalanced and clumsy. Avoid shoes with heels until your child is older. |
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Shoes made of natural fibers (such as cotton) or leather is best for baby feet since they typically
perspire more than adult feet. |
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Do allow some room for growth when buying shoes. The Shoe Size Guide provided within our site has
incorporated growth room in the sizing. |
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