News
Travelling with Babies and Toddlers: Tips and Tricks for Happy Feet
Baby Sneakers, Runners, Kicks and High Tops - What to consider
Play and learning for babies and toddlers. What is important? What can they do? Where do I start?
Why non-slip baby shoes are worth considering
How do babies develop, when do they learn to walk and when do they need shoes?
The development of a child is an amazing and multi-faceted event. However, for many new parents it is a daunting new and terrifying thing. In our opinion, one of the best things to do is to break it down into several stages of development and milestones as we like to call them. So without further ado, let’s get into it!
There are several important developmental milestones that babies typically reach during their first year of life. Here are some of the main ones:
- Not really moving: For all new parents, this is where it all starts. They are totally helpless at this stage and we constantly worry about them. At this point they can barely control any of their limbs nor move very much.
- Rolling over: Around 4-6 months, babies usually start rolling over from their stomachs to their backs, and vice versa. The first real sign of movement, a real cause for celebration.
- Sitting up: Around 6-8 months, babies can sit up without support. This is when they first start to wave and smile (or scream) at you. What a treat!
- Crawling: Around 8-10 months, babies usually start crawling on their hands and knees. Be prepared for this with suitable barricades, playpens, barriers or fences as they move remarkably quickly at this point. However, as they are very young, they have little sense of self preservation and can quickly get into some dangerous situations.
- Pulling up: Around 9-12 months, babies can pull themselves up to a standing position using furniture or other objects. This also means that they can start grabbing things, toppling them and so do be careful! Sometimes, it is best to take them outdoors where there is space for them to toddle around and not crash into furniture and other hard objects. At this point, it may be prudent to get them some soft soled baby shoes such as the ones in our store.
- Walking: Around 12-18 months, most babies take their first steps, often furniture surfing as they move from place to place.
When babies learn to walk, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure their safety and support their development:
- Provide a safe environment: Make sure the space where your baby is learning to walk is free of hazards such as sharp corners, unstable furniture, and small objects.
- Encourage crawling: Crawling helps babies develop their core muscles and coordination, which can make walking easier.
- Offer support: Hold your baby's hand or provide a walker or other support as they learn to walk.
- Let them practice: Allow your baby to practice walking as much as possible, but don't push them too hard or get frustrated if they struggle.
- Celebrate their progress: As your baby takes their first steps, celebrate their progress and offer lots of encouragement and support.
It is not necessary for babies to wear shoes when they are first learning to walk. In fact, walking barefoot or in socks can be beneficial for their development. When babies walk barefoot, they can grip the floor with their toes and use their foot muscles more, which can help improve their balance and coordination.
However, when outdoors, it tends to be come necessary for babies to wear shoes to protech their soft delicate feet. It is important to choose shoes that are lightweight, flexible, and have a soft sole. The shoes should fit well, but not be too tight, and leave enough room for the baby's feet to move and grow. Avoid shoes with hard soles or high heels (these are a terrible idea for babies!), as they can be difficult for babies to walk in and may interfere with their natural foot development.
In summary, while shoes are not necessary for babies when they are first learning to walk, there may be situations where shoes are needed to protect their feet, such as outdoors or in public places. In these cases, it's important to choose shoes that are appropriate for their age and development, and allow for natural foot movement and growth.
Babies typically need to wear shoes when they start walking regularly outdoors or in public places where their feet may come into contact with rough or dirty surfaces. Here are some situations where babies may need to wear shoes:
- Outdoor walking: If your baby is walking outdoors, they should wear shoes to protect their feet from rough surfaces, sharp objects, and extreme temperatures.
- Public places: If your baby is walking in public places such as malls or parks, shoes can help protect their feet from germs and other hazards.
- Special occasions: If you are attending a special occasion such as a wedding or party, you may want to dress your baby up with shoes that match their outfit.
When choosing shoes for babies, it's important to select shoes that fit properly and allow for natural foot development. Look for shoes that are lightweight, flexible, and have a soft sole. Shoes that are too tight or have a hard sole can be uncomfortable for babies and may interfere with their natural foot development.
Save 10% off your first purchase. Use code WELCOME20
It's important to note that babies do not need to wear shoes all the time, and in fact, walking barefoot or in socks can be beneficial for their foot development. If your baby is indoors or in a safe, clean environment, they can walk barefoot or wear socks to promote natural foot movement and muscle development.
About Kit & Kate
We are a baby shoe brand that offers a variety of stylish, comfortable, high-quality baby shoes that are both comfortable and durable. Our shoes are designed to provide support and protection for growing feet while also being cute, stylish and fashionable. Our lovely shoes come in a range of styles, including sneakers, boots, sandals, and dress shoes. With unique, gender-neutral designs, they are a great option for parents who want to avoid traditional pink and blue color schemes. |
Baby shoe sizing standards. What are they and how do I find the best fit for my child?
What are toddler sandals? Toddler sandal buying guide
What are baby shoes? Baby shoes explained.
What are baby shoes? Can someone please explain to me what they are? Do babies even need shoes? What sort of shoes should I get my 1 year old or two year old? When do children need to start wearing shoes? Are they socks?
We try and answer some of these questions.