Most of the problems that arise when putting shoes on a baby are related to the fit and style of the shoes. If you make sure your baby wears shoes of the right size and style, it will be easier for you to put them on and keep them on his feet.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Size and Style
Step 1. Buy new shoes for the baby instead of wearing used shoes
Second-hand clothes are ideal for babies, as they always grow. However, when it comes to shoes, second-hand shoes can be a real problem. This is because baby's feet are constantly growing and developing, and they need supportive shoes. Secondhand shoes may be torn from being worn by another baby, and they can cause fit and comfort problems for your child.
Step 2. Select flexible and non-slip shoes for the baby
Most doctors agree that it is best for babies to be barefoot, especially when learning to walk. However, when that is not possible due to being outdoors or in a gathering where you feel that bare feet might not be appropriate, opt for shoes that are soft and flexible so as not to negatively affect the growth and development of the feet. of the baby.
- Hard-soled shoes are bad for babies because they are too restrictive on the underdeveloped bones, muscles, and ligaments of the feet.
- If your baby is already walking, opt for soft and flexible shoes, but choose a shoe style with traction at the bottom to avoid slipping and falling.
Step 3. Have a professional measure the baby's foot
Even if you don't buy shoes from an expensive shoe store, it's best to have an employee with the right training and tools tell you which shoe size is best for your baby. You can go to any shoe store that sells children's shoes and ask an employee to measure your baby's foot.
Once you know what the size is, you can shop online or at other stores to find a shoe that is within your price range. This way, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you chose the correct size
Step 4. Choose a shoe that is easy to put on, but difficult to take off
Adjustable velcro straps are great options for baby shoes, as they are easy to put on and adjust, but difficult for a young child to loosen or remove. Your baby will likely remove slip-on shoes as soon as you leave him unsupervised or buckle him up in the car seat.
- Always look for shoes that have adjustable straps so that you can adjust or loosen them as needed, ensuring a perfect fit.
- High-top shoes with laces or buckles are a good idea for babies who always try to take them off.
Step 5. Opt for a breathable material to keep your baby's feet fungus-free
Not only are plastic shoes too stiff to allow feet to grow properly, but they don't perspire and can cause athlete's foot. Look for mesh, cotton, canvas, or leather shoes instead of plastic to keep baby's feet in good shape.
Step 6. Let older babies participate in choosing their own shoes
If you're shopping for shoes for an older baby, let her have a say in selecting her shoes so she can weigh in on color and style. If you can get your child excited about wearing shoes, they will be more likely to continue wearing them when you are not supervising them.
Method 2 of 2: Putting Shoes on Baby's Feet
Step 1. Open the shoes wide enough to slide easily on baby's foot
Loosen any buckles or laces on the shoes, and be sure to fully pull the tongue out before trying to put your baby's feet in the shoes. The wider you open the shoes, the easier it will be to put them on if your baby is fussy or uncooperative.
- For shoes with laces or buckles, pull all the laces a little to make the shoe wider. It is much easier to adjust laces and buckles than to tighten a baby's foot in a closed shoe.
- To widen slip-on shoes, insert the index and middle finger of one hand into the shoe, and spread it as far apart as possible before trying to insert your baby's foot.
Step 2. Tickle the bottom of his foot if he is bending his toes
Sometimes when babies don't understand why you are touching their feet, they will naturally bend their toes and make them stiff. To get your baby to relax and loosen his toes, try tickling the soles of his feet and make it a game.
You can also try gently pressing the top of her foot to relax her toes
Step 3. Slide the baby's feet gently into the shoes
Once the shoes are open and the feet relaxed, it should be easy to slide them gently into the shoes. With the shoe in one hand and the baby's foot in the other, gently slide it into the shoe, toes first.
- If your baby's foot doesn't slide smoothly into the shoe after you've opened it as wide as possible, you may need to reconsider the size or style of shoe you chose. Every baby's foot is different and the most important thing when putting shoes on is that their feet are comfortable and unrestricted.
- You can buy footwear for baby-sized shoes if you're determined to put your baby's foot in a stiff pair of shoes for pictures or Christmas gatherings. Just don't leave the baby's foot in the shoe for too long as it will be uncomfortable for him and bad for his feet.
Step 4. Fasten the shoe and check that it fits well
Once your baby's feet are completely inside the shoes, close the ribs or braces. They should be tight enough so that the shoes don't fall off, but not too tight to hurt the baby.
- Pinch the toe of the shoe to ensure a good fit. There should be a space about the width of the side of the thumb between the tips of the baby's toes and the tip of the shoe.
- If the baby keeps taking off his shoes, check that they fit correctly. If they are too big, it will be easy for the baby to remove them. If they are too small, you may be uncomfortable and take them off. Either way, you want to make sure the baby is comfortable with the fit to increase the chances that they will keep them on.
Advice
- Babies' feet grow quickly, so expect the size to get bigger every 6 to 2 months.
- If you find a pair of shoes that you really like, buy a second pair one size larger so you won't be surprised when the current pair won't fit any more.