When Do Babies Need Shoes? A Pediatric Physical Therapist’s Guide
For more resources like this, check out these other Movement Mama posts:
7 Things to Look For in a Toddler Shoe
Shoes for New Walkers: A Pediatric Physical Therapist's Guide
How to Measure A Toddler’s Shoe Size
When should my baby begin wearing shoes?
This is such a common question I see when we start reaching that walking milestone! Thinking about shoes for new walkers can be overwhelming. So, when is the right time to start putting shoes on your baby?
The short answer: Barefoot is best until…
Walking independently in the community (barefoot in grass or sand is still encouraged for sensory processing)
You see signs of excessive flat feet, joint hyper mobility, or delayed standing milestones
The reason we want bare feet, especially in those beginning stages, is to allow the foot and ankle musculature to develop—naturally. Without shoes, your baby is also better able to feel where they are in space when they’re standing, building confidence in this position. Being barefoot also allows your child to experience so many different textures and environments, which is great for sensory processing.
If you do see signs of poor alignment or joint hypermobility that is delaying milestones, the addition of a shoe in moderation when practicing standing and walking can actually be beneficial to improving their stability and overall confidence required to move toward independent walking.
But don’t get caught up, Mama. These are guidelines. Not points to stress about. I want you to feel empowered with the knowledge to make the decision that’s best for your babe but never to feel overwhelmed with striving for perfection
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