4 Surprising Benefits of Toddler Shoes

When it comes to toddler’s shoes, we get so attracted to the cuteness and the look of the shoes, that we overlook the functionality. And at times parents or guardians mistake picking beauty over functionality or benefits. Here is this article to show you a practical approach, so that you don’t tempt and buy the wrong shoe for your toddler next time.

While there are a set of benefits of walking barefoot, there are also some benefits to use a shoe. Also, there are a few things that you should keep in mind while buying shoes for your baby.

Why should toddlers wear a shoe?

The toddler’s foot is made up of 35 joints and 26 bones and is held together by the ligaments. It is a complex structure and baby feet are tender, flexible as they are cushioned with fat. Children generally start walking by the age of 8 months to 18 months. When they first learn to walk they mostly have a flat foot or they gravitate towards pulling their feet inward.

The feet send sensory information to the brain, and wearing a shoe will protect your child’s feet from any injury or unwanted objects. When the kids are just learning to walk it will be better if you give them soft-soled toddler shoes, so that they know where they are stepping.

Comfort

While you are going to buy your toddler shoes, keep these benefits and functionalities of shoes in mind, to choose the right pair. Comfort is the utmost important thing you must provide your toddler with. They are generally super active, be it in school, at home, or playground, and if the shoe is not comfortable, they will tend to not wear these.

When purchasing shoes for children, comfort, and support should be your main priority when making a final purchasing decision. Because regardless of age, children just as adults, need proper supportive footwear to maintain correct body alignment, in addition to being comfortable in their daily activities. If you find it hard to find shoes that meet your child’s specific support needs, you can look into adding insoles to help provide the structure that they need.

Moreover, kids generally don’t like wearing shoes, and if it is uncomfortable, forget about them wearing those. Also, many kids don’t understand if the shoe is too tight and is biting them, and when they feel the pain, the damage is done.

Flexibility

The footwear’s sole should be flexible yet not too stiff nor too soft, otherwise, it will hamper the growth of your child. Buy shoes whose soles are strong & thick so that they don’t get hurt or injured from something on the ground. In addition, it should be flexible also, so that the child can bend the feet, too stiff will create pain and problems too otherwise.

While your toddler is not hitting the playground and just on soft ground, wear him something with a soft sole. But when he is playing hard and doing strenuous activity better give him a shoe with a sturdy sole.

Easy use

Toddlers generally don’t know how to tie lace, so shoe companies forego laces most of the time cause parents don’t want that hassle either. Whether it is about the parent tying the lace while going to school, or a child needing help in the mid of play, laces are a hassle.

But laces or some kind of bondage is good for the child’s growth and shape of the feet. That is why shoe companies provide velcro or any other easily tying thing, so that is convenient. Also, lace or velcro ensures that you can make the kid wear the shoe as their feet expand.

Rapid Growth

A toddler’s feet grow too fast especially till 3 years of age. It grows approximately at a rate of half the size every 3 months till the age of 3. And till 6 years of age, it keeps on growing every 6 months. Because of this extensive growth, parents at times buy larger shoes. They think it is better than spending unnecessary money on shoes.

But this is not a good idea considering the health of your child. Oversized shoes can make them stumble and thus they can experience a foot ache or feet rebel.

Suggestions while buying a pair of shoes for your toddler

Keep this in mind while buying pairs of shoes for your little one.

Buy a comfortable pair of shoes with a moderate fit, neither too soft nor too sturdy.
Also, the shoe should fit the length and width of the child’s feet and not be oversized.
Do a sole check while buying a shoe, but don’t think that not all expensive shoes are great shoes.