When Should Babies Start Wearing Shoes, and What Type Should They Wear?

Lookout, they’re on the move! From crawling and cruising to taking those first wobbly steps, your little adventurer is about to get very busy. Whatever stage of movement your baby is at, as a parent, all you want is to keep their little feet healthy and happy. Read on to find out all about when babies should start wearing shoes, including at what age you should get your baby’s first shoes and what a baby’s first shoes should be.

When should you get your baby’s first shoes?

From the day they’re born right through until they’re old enough to drive, your child’s feet will grow, change, and develop. Each stage is as important as the next, which means well-fitted shoes are vital in helping feet develop healthily.

As a parent, you’re constantly receiving well-meaning advice from others-but when it comes down to it, it’s totally up to you when you decide to buy your child’s first pair of shoes. Some mums and dads choose to buy their baby’s first pair of tiny (and precious) booties from the newborn stages onwards, while others wait until their baby can walk.

What should a baby's first shoes be?

The choice is totally up to you for when you should get your baby’s first shoes, but whenever you decide to take the leap, try to find shoes that are not only adorable, but are also comfortable and supportive with enough room for little feet to grow in. Each stage of development is unique, so keep on reading to find out what the best shoes are for each stage:

Crawling shoes

That moment when you pop and make a cuppa and come back to find them on the other side of the room – clever little explorers. Once they get the knack of crawling, they’ll be off like a whippet! With that being said, some babies don’t crawl at all. Instead, they shuffle along on their bottom, wiggle sideways like a crab, or slide on their tummy. Each technique is fine, not to mention as equally adorable as the other.

At this stage, the bones in your baby’s feet are soft and they have a protective layer of puppy fat to cushion the developing bones. Going barefoot is important at this stage, as feeling the ground beneath their feet will help them learn to walk. However, your baby will be crawling and cruising every way they can, so barefoot isn’t always safe. When choosing a pair of shoes, opt for some in a soft material that provide comfort and protection while giving extra grip for safer steps.

Cruising shoes

Cruising is when your baby uses anything they can to pull themselves up and walk themselves around the room, such as the sofa and TV unit, or – if they’re best buds – the dog! Once your baby’s legs are strong enough to stand, the puppy fat layer on their feet keeps the soft bones safe until they fuse together later in childhood.

You can help support them in taking their first steps with shoes designed to build their confidence. Choose cruising shoes that are both comfortable and supportive, with a flexible sole to provide your baby with only the necessary support they need to explore their surroundings.

Walking shoes

Learning how to walk is much like learning to ride a bike without stabilisers. There will be many brave attempts followed by many ups and downs. First steps are often all stiff legs, slayed feet and zombie-style arms. Opt for walking shoes with good grip and lots of support, in order to enhance the natural walking motion of growing feet, providing unbeatable comfort every step of the way.

What are pram shoes?

Pram shoes are soft leather or cloth booties worn by newborn babies. They’re an adorable accessory to any outfit, though they aren’t actually a necessity. Some people choose to use pram shoes or pram trainers in winter to keep little toes nice and snug. The key is to find shoes that are comfortable and not restricting. Generally speaking, a baby can’t walk in pram shoes, since they won’t be at the right walking age.

Whenever you decide to buy your baby their first pair of shoes, make sure it’s the right pair for them. Our baby shoes are designed to comfort and support every step of your baby’s natural walking development… they’re also super-duper cute!