Shoes 'n Socks
Toddlers don't need to wear shoes except for warmth and protection. Nonskid socks provide traction as well as warmth. Prewalkers have sturdier fabric or soft-leather soles, so they provide protection for walks outdoors. They should fit snugly enough that they don't slip, but the fit is larger than a regular shoe.
When buying regular shoes, however, the fit is very important. Shoes must fit correctly at the outset because soft baby feet can't break them in. It's normal that your child's feet might be slightly different in size. Your child needs a pair that fits the
The heel shouldn't slip. Your pinky finger should fit between the back of the shoe and the child's heel.
There should be enough room for the toes to wiggle, which requires about a half inch of space from the longest toe to the tip of the shoe.
The height should be adequate, so there is room to wiggle the toes up and down. To test, press down on the top of the shoe over the big toe. You should feel space between the shoe and the toe.
When you pinch the side of the shoe at the widest point, you should get a little bit of shoe. If you can't pinch any leather, the shoes are too narrow; if you can get hold of a good-size piece, they're too wide.
After your child walks (or is walked) in the shoes for a few minutes, make sure they haven't left any red marks on your child's feet.
Baby feet can be so sensitive that even the seam of a sock can cause them pain. Stretch socks are the easiest to fit and last the longest. Socks that are too big will wrinkle and bunch up, which can cause blisters; if they're too small, they'll leave red marks and can cause cramping.
