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Buying shoes for a toddler |
Buying
that first pair of shoes for your child is quite a landmark : it means
he's no longer a baby but a toddler.
| Shoes
aren't needed until your toddler is walking properly as before
this he will not only find it easier to be barefoot but the
foot itself can spread. |
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Most of us
buy shoes for toddlers on our own. We estimate the size needed and rarely
exercise the same trial methods we use for ourselves. But it must be remembered
that a toddler's feet are softer than an adult's, and a badly fitted shoe
can damage the foot permanently.
| The
child can't tell you that he has outgrown his old shoes and
it this age the difference in sizes is marginal so the old shoe
could get uncomfortable without you realizing. |
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- However
tempting, don't buy shoes without your child. Trying it on is essential
for a good fit.
- Stay in
the shop only if the staff shows experience in fitting young children.
If they appear impatient or bored or indifferent - get out of the shop.
- Shop after
a meal or a hearty snack. A hungry child is more likely to be uncooperative
just as a hungry mother is more likely to be impatient.
- Similarly
shop after a good nap. You definitely don't want to shop with a tired
and cranky child.
- Avoid
crowded shops - the longer the wait the more your temper (and hers!)
is going to be tried.
- Take along
toys, books and other distractions.
- Bring
along the same type and thickness of socks that will ordinarily be worn
with the shoes. Try on the shoes with these.
- Try on
both shoes on both feet - sometimes there may be significant differences
between the fitting of the left and right feet.
- Shoes
should always be fitted while your toddler is standing with her weight
on both feet.
- When checking
toe space make sure the toes aren't curled - a common habit amongst
small children.
- Check
with fingertips the toes of the shoe, heel and sides. If there's too
much space its too wide, if you can't feel a space, its too tight.
- Check
the shoes in action.
- When you
take off the shoes, there should be no red pressure marks.
- Don't
buy ahead. Extra large shoes can lead to irritation and blisters, cause
unnecessary falls and interfere with walking.
| Socks
also should fit smoothly without constricting the foot. Socks
that are too large will bunch up and cause irritation and blisters.
Too small a sock can cramp the foot and hinder growth. |
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- Don't
pass down shoes - they will have molded to the feet of the original
wearer and will be unsuitable for the next child.
Checklist
for good shoes
-
Are a good fit
- Can
be easily worn and just as easily taken off.
- Are
light weight.
- Have
flexible soles - you should be able to bend the toe of the
shoe about 40 degrees easily.
- Have
non-slip rubber soles that are grooved. Smooth soled shoes
can be roughed up by rubbing sandpaper on the soles or taping
a couple of strips of marking tape across them to improve
friction.
- Have
adjustable fastenings
- Have
square toes rather than pointed ones.
- Have
breathable uppers of leather or canvas rather than plastic
or imitation leather so as to minimise moisture buildup
from perspiration.
- Have
no heels.
- The
back of the shoe should provide firm support and ideally
should be padded for comfort.
- Has
bright appealing colours and design.
- Reasonable
priced
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