Shoes and a new walker..

So after getting opinions from some of you nice girls here, we were more confused so I suggested that my daughter call her ped to see what they suggest. She got a call from one of the drs in the practice and this is what he said. He told my daughter that the baby doesn't need shoes now. He said that her big toe is what balances her and she should be barefoot or in socks with rubber bottoms in the house and she needs to be able to develop and strenthen the muscles in her feet by walking barefoot. He said if she was really running around outside on concrete etc, then she'd definitely need shoes to protect her feet from getting hurt. He said we can buy an inexpensive pair of dress shoes for her b'day and upcoming holidays. also he said to make sure when we do buy shoes, that they have an arch support, that most shoes dont. He said if we buy at Stride Rite and there is no arch support, we may have to pay extra $ to put a support in. totally confusing!! I told my daughter we can get a pair of Smart Fit shoes/sneakers at Payless. She doesn't have to wear them in the house, but if they're outdoors (even if she's not walking outside) she should have shoes on to keep her feet warm.

Message edited 10/13/2011 8:39:50 PM.

Re: Shoes and a new walker..

I do agree with your daughters doctor that barefoot is best. Running around barefoot in the house allows your child to develop the arches, balance and muscles in their feet. I feel that you are doing them a disservice if you have them in hard soled shoes all day long. BUT, I do think that if they are walking at all outside then they do need a shoe that gives them support.
When DD started taking more than 3-4 steps, we went out and bought her a pair of stride right first walking shoes. She does not wear these shoes at all in the house but she does wear them whenever she is outside no matter if she is walking a lot or a little. I feel it is important to give their whole foot good support when they can not be barefoot.

Re: Shoes and a new walker..

Barefoot is best, in the house when dd was learning to walk she was always barefoot, but now that the weather is cool you may want to get soft soled shoes for outdoors. DD wore soft sole shoes for less than 2 months, I got a good pair from stride rite they weren't cheap but they fit her well. I only put them on outdoors but she was more motivated to walk outdoors so it worked out well. As soon as they are walking most of the time than shoes become more important.

Re: Shoes and a new walker..

thanks