When does a child need to wear shoes? The best manufacturers of children's shoes - which company to choose. The main question: when to buy shoes for a child

Your baby has taken his first step. This day will forever remain in your memory. When the baby begins to walk and run with his legs, the question arises of choosing shoes for the child. It is better to know in advance how to choose it correctly, given modern tendencies.

When choosing, first of all, it is important to remember the features of the formation of the foot. The formation of the foot in babies occurs before the age of four. During this period, the child's legs experience considerable stress. In order for the foot to form correctly, it is very important to choose convenient and comfortable shoes. What else can be affected by shoes?

Shoes have a significant impact on the formation of:

• Child's walks.
• It affects the circulation in the legs.
• It forms the child's spine.

What should be the first shoes for the baby

The first shoe of a child is popularly considered to be shoes or boots. But in fact it is not so. The first can be called booties. It is a mistake to believe that baby booties are just a cute decoration for a baby's foot. Booties prepare the child's legs for real shoes in our understanding. Therefore, it is extremely important to take the choice of booties seriously. The booties you choose must necessarily cover the ankle joints of the baby and the ankle. Appearance is a secondary factor on which concentrate. Only with such a prioritization of the acquired booties will contribute to the health of the child.

Basic requirements for children's shoes

Are shoes necessary when a child starts walking? Certainly. Here are some conditions and rules that parents need to follow when choosing children's shoes or boots:

• Material. Shoes for babies from 1 year old, experts recommend buying from genuine leather. It is important that an arch support was present. Under these conditions, the baby's foot will quickly get used to the required position. And just as important, learning to walk won't take too long. Pediatricians are advised to refuse synthetics. In this case, the baby's leg should breathe freely.
• Safety. Boots or shoes must be safe. A toddler who is learning to walk has rather unsteady steps. Therefore, in order to avoid unpleasant and dangerous situations choose safe shoes.
• The presence of a small heel is also welcome. The heel gives the position of the baby's body a kind of slight forward tilt, which, in turn, will protect the child from falling in the opposite direction. The height of the heel should not exceed 1.5 cm.
• Sole. The sole should not be too smooth. When buying shoes for your child, be sure to test the sole for flexibility. The better the sole bends, the more it fits the baby. But the adhesion to the floor helps the baby more confident feel on your feet and gives more stability.
• Back. Don't forget to pay attention to the back. So that this part of children's sneakers or shoes does not wrinkle when worn, it must be strong and hard. It is also important that the back can well fix the foot baby. Only if these rules are followed, the shoes will normally stay on the crumbs leg and will not fall off.
• Free movement. Do not buy heavy shoes or sandals for the baby. It is recommended to take a closer look at light species. Also, the shoes or sandals you buy should be neither too wide nor too narrow. Do not buy boots for growth. Children's feet should be comfortable. Shoes or boots should never impede traffic child and limit his attempts to walk independently.
• The presence of an insole. Inside there should be an insole, which, if necessary, can be easily removed. Choose shoes with soft insoles.
• Tapered socks. It is highly undesirable to buy shoes with narrowed socks for a baby. While the child's foot is being formed, the sock should be the correct and regular shape. Also make sure that inside the shoes the baby can free wiggle your toes.

Can children wear the shoes of their older brothers and sisters?

Nowadays, many young mothers pass on the clothes of older children to younger children in order to save money. Is it possible to give shoes or sneakers of grown children to younger offspring? Orthopedists do not recommend doing this. The baby's foot is just being formed and gradually begins to take on its unique, individual shape. Used shoes, sneakers always preserve contours feet of the previous owner. Wearing them will bring discord in the process of the formation of the baby's foot and adversely affect the child's gait. There may be a muscle disorder. To avoid this series of problems, buy only new shoes or boots for your baby.

How to choose the right shoes for a child in size? To do this, when buying, be sure to take your baby with you. Try everything on the spot. It is not recommended to buy children's shoes by eye. The first children's shoes are chosen strictly according to size.

How many pairs to buy for a baby

For the first time, it will be enough to purchase 2 types of shoes. One of them is used for street walks, the other will be worn at home.

• For a street walk, you can buy moccasins, sandals, sneakers or boots. It all depends on the time of year and the climate in your area.
• For home pastime, at first, booties are enough. When the baby learns to walk independently and confidently around the house, booties are replaced with boots or sandals.

Home and outdoor children's shoes are selected in accordance with established rules. Among them are the presence of a small heel, natural material and a hard heel.

Orthopedic shoes: is it necessary?

Some modern mothers acquire only orthopedic shoes or shoes for their children in order to prevent flat feet. However, should all children wear them? No. They are necessary only for those babies who have problems with the formation of the foot. The purchase of such shoes or sandals is made solely in accordance with recommendations of an orthopedist. In most cases, orthopedic shoes are made to order for both the adult generation and children.

In stores, ordinary children's shoes are often given out as orthopedic ones. Simple shoes can indeed meet the basic requirements, but they are incapable of correcting real orthopedic problems in the development of a child's foot.

Some mothers consider orthopedic shoes to be ugly and unfashionable. Modern manufacturers of orthopedic shoes are trying to dispel this stereotype by releasing their products in accordance with established fashion laws. Therefore, even in orthopedic shoes, the baby will look fashionable and stylish.

The development of flat feet. Who is to blame?

Sometimes doctors diagnose a child with flat feet. Upon hearing such a verdict, parents begin to blame themselves. Most adults believe that in young children, flat feet can appear for only one reason - improperly selected shoes. But flat feet can appear for another reason. For example, because of the wrong way of life.

Every newborn baby has a perfectly flat sole. As the child grows, the arch of the foot begins to form. The foot is formed in a certain bend. It is vital for the baby. With it, the baby in the future will be able to freely run, jump and move on different surfaces. A certain group of muscles has a considerable influence on the process of forming a bend.

If during bend formation violations occur, flat feet appear, which must be corrected by wearing orthopedic shoes.

Prevention of flat feet

Since today babies make most of the movements on flat surfaces (laminate, parquet, asphalt), the problem of flat feet is more relevant than ever. Prevention of flat feet consists of the following practical tips:

1. Buy children's shoes or sneakers with arch support. This small insert contributes to the successful formation of the foot.
2. At every opportunity, the baby is recommended to be placed on an uneven surface. Such a surface can be sand on a beach or grass on a lawn.
3. A special orthopedic mat will also help improve the formation of the child's foot. Encourage your little one to stomp on this rug for an hour a day.

Preventive measures to prevent flat feet can be carried out on the street and at home.

There are 4 cartilages in the leg of a newborn baby, which eventually transform into bones. Most of the children have healthy feet from birth, but parents need to remember that cartilage can easily be deformed, their task is to contribute to the formation of a healthy foot for the child. Therefore, the choice of the first shoes for a small person is very important.

The most interesting thing is that the advice of doctors on choosing the first shoes for a baby in Russia and abroad is strikingly different. Our doctors of the old school recommend that all mothers buy “orthopedic” shoes, with a high, hard heel, and an obligatory arch support insole. Given the frugality of many mothers, children as the first pair receive, albeit beautiful, but uncomfortable, at least a size larger than necessary, sandals.

Abroad, for their children, parents choose light, flexible, as soft shoes as possible. But this causes bewilderment among our caring mothers - what about flat feet?

Surprisingly, any child with healthy feet under 2 years of age can be diagnosed with flat feet. But this is functional flat feet, that is, passing. The task of parents during this period, according to Dr. Komarovsky, is to provide the child with sufficient mobility, walking barefoot on uneven surfaces, sand, pebbles, climbing the Swedish wall. Creating a reasonable and natural load on children's legs contributes to the correct formation of his foot, as a result, flat feet will disappear. The arch of the baby's foot arch is created by strengthening the muscles of the legs.

Indeed, orthopedic shoes are made only to order for the characteristics of the child. A healthy child does not need it.

Attention! The so-called "orthopedic" insoles with an arch support can be dangerous for the baby's feet if the shoes are not chosen correctly, or are oversized. Indeed, in this case, the position of the supinator is shifted. It can put pressure on the fragile bones of the baby's legs, causing him pain, and cause deformation of the gait.

When does a child need shoes?

To answer this question, you must first understand - for him, people generally came up with shoes:

• to protect the legs from damage and injury;
• to keep warm from the cold.

Dr. Komarovsky believes that a healthy child will need shoes when it is necessary to warm and / or protect his legs.

While the baby is very small and does not even try to take his first steps, you can put on any shoes / booties on his legs, since they have a more decorative effect (complete the image, warm the legs).

But for the first walks on street asphalt, children's legs need protection.

The first shoes must be:

• correspond to the anatomical features and size of the child's legs;
• be comfortable for the child;
• provide comfortable conditions for the legs;
• do not interfere with the development and growth of the baby's legs.

Advice. To choose the right size for the first shoe for a small child, you should put his foot on thick paper, circle and cut out the template with an increase of 1 mm. When buying children's shoes, the template should be compared with the insole of children's shoes. The insole of the very first shoe of the baby should be 5-8 mm longer than the template, and 1-2 mm wider.

Requirements for the first children's shoes. Selection rules

Dr. Komarovsky announced the following requirements that children's shoes must meet:

• flexible, extremely thin sole;
• natural, soft, breathable material;
• small heel;
• dense, fixing the ankle joint, the back must be present;
• soft, moisture-absorbing, easy-to-remove insole.

The sole is the basis of children's shoes, it should be elastic so as not to interfere with the natural movements of the foot. The sole of the baby's first shoes should be leather or very thin rubber, flexible, and always non-slip.

Children's feet sweat more than adults, so it is especially important for them to use natural materials from which shoes are made, providing a comfortable microclimate inside it. Soft leather or fabric is the best choice. It should not be forgotten that the baby's socks should also be natural.

A small heel (5 mm) is necessary for a baby who is taking his first steps. He will not let an unbalanced child fall back and hit his head.

The heel in the first children's shoes should be moderately hard, moderately high. A tight back provides secure fixation of the ankle joint of the baby's legs, but it should not turn the sandals into "blocks". The baby should be comfortable to move around.

And, finally, the insole in children's shoes up to 2 years old should be soft, cotton or leather, and without an arch support.

So, the first shoes are very important in the life of the baby, and you should choose them, guided not only by the beauty and functionality of the model. Natural material, flexible sole, lack of arch support and soft insole are the main requirements for the first children's shoes. Proper shoes and an active lifestyle will help your baby form beautiful healthy legs, and he will never hear the diagnosis of "flat feet".

How to choose the first shoes for a child - video

The first steps of the crumbs require confidence, which can be ensured by properly selected shoes. No specialist will give an unambiguous answer to the question of what kind of shoes will be of high quality, but any experienced orthopedist will confirm that comfort and safety are important attributes of shoes for babies. How to approach the issue of choosing shoes for toddlers and not make a mistake in this difficult matter? How to know the required size? What materials are suitable for the first shoe? What do doctors advise regarding the heel, arch support and sole? Let's discuss all the nuances of choosing shoes for a child of 1 year.

When to buy the first shoe?

Bones and cartilage in children's legs have not yet fully formed and are plastic, which means that there is a danger of their deformation under the influence of negative external factors. Incorrectly selected shoes can cause deformity of the baby's foot. Shoes are necessary for a child only when he begins to master independent walking. Before this period, doctors recommend wearing only socks. So, the main advice of orthopedists: hard shoes - not earlier than 9-12 months.

Does it make sense to buy orthopedic shoes for a baby when he is just starting to walk? Such specialized shoes are prescribed strictly by an orthopedist. Prophylactic use of orthopedic shoes is not required.

Shoe Features

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Material

• Baby shoes are made from natural materials. In such shoes, the leg will breathe, and the material will adapt to the shape of the foot as much as possible. Leather products are the best option. They are characterized by softness, flexibility, good breathability, the ability to retain heat and absorb excess moisture. Leather is a "smart" material that adapts to the characteristics of a child's foot.

Leather is considered one of the best options - comfortable, breathable, wear-resistant

• Textile options, such as linen, matting, jeans, are an excellent competition for leather in terms of their hygienic properties, and they are much lower in price. Lightweight materials are a favorite option for the summer. In the cold season, drape, felt, felt, wool and cloth are used. Progress is not worth the place, and today on sale you can find a number of boots based on polymer materials, as well as combined options from natural and synthetic fabrics. Such innovations allow you to maintain natural air exchange. Rubber boots do not count in this case. Manufacturers confirm that they should definitely be worn with cloth or felt boots / insoles, as well as thin wool socks.

Backdrop

A hard back is a prerequisite for reliable fixation of the child's legs. Thanks to the high and rigid back, the leg will be well fixed and will not slip. It is made from genuine leather, in most cases from tougher than the rest of the areas. You can not use a hard back if your child is already 11 years old. Before this age, it cannot be canceled.

Although this element is small, it is very important at the same time. It is in his power to direct the development of the foot along the right path. The absence of an arch support can lead to the appearance of flat feet. The definition of the latter as a diagnosis will require the appointment of the purchase of insoles with corrective instep supports. They will help the baby learn to walk again, putting the leg in a different way.

The arch support supports the lateral bend of the foot and prevents the development of flat feet

Sole

Pay attention to the sole. The following important conditions must be observed: density, integrity, the ability to bend freely, but at the same time, the absence of excessive softness. A good sole perfectly follows the shape of the foot. Excessive stiffness of the sole will cause the foot to pop out of the boot. The presence of shock-absorbing inserts will provide reliable protection for baby legs when jumping, especially on asphalt.

We list the materials most preferred for use as soles: natural rubber, polyurethane or foam rubber. In no case do not choose shoes with plastic soles. She is very slippery. Usually such footwear is produced in non-specialized companies.

Heel

The flat sole is not suitable for a child. The lack of a heel will lead to a violation of gait and posture. The weight will be evenly distributed on the foot if the upper part of the shoe is slightly raised. With such a rise, the child’s gait will be correct, he will not shuffle and stoop. The heel height should be small: for the first shoe in life - 0.5 cm, for older children - 1.5 cm.

A small heel correctly distributes the load of the child's weight on the feet

Sock

The shape of the baby's foot resembles a fan, so it is wise to opt for a wide toe for shoes. Rounded and spacious, it should give your child a feeling of freedom when walking. In the right shoes, the baby is able to move his toes.

Tapered toe will lead to incorrect formation of the foot. As for the choice between open or closed toe, give preference to the latter, so you will avoid unnecessary injuries to children's fingers.

How to take measurements?

You can understand what size you need to buy by taking measurements, and you should do it like this:

• Lay a sheet of paper on the floor, put a child's foot on it. Using a pencil in a vertical position, outline the foot.
• Note how many centimeters from the beginning of the thumb to the heel you got, and do the same with the second leg. Usually the feet are the same length, but there are cases with a difference of up to 6 mm.
• Consider the fact that the foot lengthens slightly when walking, and the toes move slightly forward, this is due to the pressure of body weight. For comfortable wearing shoes, you need to add another 1.5 cm to the resulting foot length, of which 9 mm goes to lengthening the foot, and 6 mm is a margin for growth. Just one or two months and the baby's leg will just catch up with the full length. Give up the desire to buy your child shoes "back to back".

The metric system, which was originally used in Russia, has now been replaced by the modern shtikhmass system. Previously, the size corresponded to the length of the foot and was measured in centimeters. Now the size is indicated in strokes. So, 1 stitch is equal to 0.66 cm. It is very simple to understand what size you need. For example, the length of a child's foot is 12.7 cm. Add another 1.5 cm to this length for a margin = 14.2 cm. Divide this value by 0.66 and get shoe size 22 (with rounding).

Pediatricians claim that buying shoes for growth with a large margin is a serious mistake of parents

With a precisely known value of the length of the foot, you can determine the desired size from the table. There are similar tables in every children's shoe store:

Cm.	9.5	10.5	11	11.6	12.3	13	13.7	14.3	14.9	15.5	16.2	16.8	17.4	18.1	18.7	19.4	20.1	20.7
Solution	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30	31	32	33

Fitting Features

It is difficult for a child under the age of 5 to adequately determine whether his shoes are tight or not. This is due to the fact that the entire foot of the crumbs is protected up to this age with a fat pad, which allows you not to feel pain. Such an erroneous determination of the appropriate size can lead to bone deformity.

It is important to remember the following points:

• Foot length measurements should be taken only when the child is confidently standing on the surface. When the baby is sitting or the leg is on weight, the length will be less.
• Always measure with two feet. Note that a difference of up to 6 mm is possible.
• It is better to measure at home in the evening. At this point, the leg increases slightly in size due to the blood that has rushed during the day.
• It is important to know that each manufacturing country may have its own size range standards.

Dr. Komarovsky in his video program once again reminds all parents: "Never buy a child shoes for growth, as well as those shoes that will be tight for him." All this will negatively affect the formation of the children's foot and the resulting defects will need to be corrected for more than one year. Too big shoes are also better not to buy. The distance between the wall of the shoe and the thumb should be no more than 0.5 cm.

Parents, remember - a child's foot grows very quickly. Remeasure your foot every three months before buying new shoes. Photo tutorials on the Internet will help you do this without mistakes.

Rating of the best manufacturers

Skorokhod

The specialized collection "First Step" is created on the basis of unique lasts developed at the Scientific Center named after. G. A. Albrecht together with the Skorokhod factory. Children's Institute of Orthopedics. G.I. Turner approved these models, as they are equipped with a flexible insole, a small heel on the sole and have comfortable Velcro to fix the legs. Lightweight sandals are adjustable in three positions at once, which allows them to be bought both for a leg with a high rise and for thin feet. Boots, incl. and winter, are made of genuine leather, which is ideal for children's feet. Such correct parameters will make walking toddlers more confident and enjoyable.

Totto

The company has special models for the first trials in walking, which are made taking into account physiological parameters. These shoes will be a great option for crumbs who are just learning to stomp. In each summer and winter model, a rigid heel counter, Thomas heel, as well as an insole with an arch support that follows the curves of the foot are thought out. As a result, the leg in the ankle area is securely fixed, and the baby stands confidently on its feet. Taking into account the anatomical features of the foot allows you to distribute the load correctly, which will prevent bone deformation. The muscles and ligaments of the legs of the little ones are not yet fully strengthened, they need protection. In these models, this is an elastic sole. The wide toe does not squeeze the fingers, does not interfere with their formation.

Kotofey

In the models of the First Steps collection, the sole is made of genuine leather. The presence of a heel of 5-7 mm allows the leg to develop correctly. Some models are equipped with additional TPU inserts, which provide even greater reliability and prevent slipping. The manufacturer recommends bending any model, summer or winter season, from the First Steps baby collection before wearing it several times at the place of the future bend of the leg, then the sole will develop and be flexible enough when walking.

Miniman

A wide range of shoes Miniman presents models for both kids and teenagers. Among others, you will find a line of shoes for children who are just starting to walk. These models are equipped with a rigid back that supports the leg, and the toe of the shoes is slightly raised, which does not allow the crumbs to fall. Shoes for winter and summer days will be a great choice thanks to:

• anti-slip embossed sole;
• the presence of an arch support;
• the existing foam insert, which is responsible for maximum comfort;
• natural calfskin.

Tashi Ortho

The main task of these shoes is to help the child's foot to form correctly and prevent the development of pathologies. Each model is equipped with an orthopedic insole, which is a significant advantage (we recommend reading:). Thanks to this small detail, flat feet are prevented in children, and pain is also relieved when walking.

Experts from different areas confirm the high quality of this brand. The shoes are very comfortable, practical and modern. In addition to the rigid heel counter, there is an insole with an arch support. Boots are securely fixed on the leg with the help of a number of devices. There is a heel, but small, as it should be at this age. The flexible sole does not interfere with the correct formation of the foot and can be considered therapeutic.

Shoes for the first steps must be of high quality, so never chase fashion and beauty. Finding the best is not always easy. First of all, you need to pay attention to the design of the shoe, to how comfortable it will be for the baby to walk in it. Always think about how to keep your child healthy.

The article describes the main criteria for choosing the first shoes for a child, explains how to correctly measure a child's foot and choose shoes by size.

How to choose the first shoes for a child? Toddler shoe size chart

Parents treat each new achievement of their baby with awe and a sense of pride. As soon as the child leaves the exclusively horizontal plane and begins to strive upward, balancing on his weak legs, the amount of trouble for caring parents increases by at least one: to pick up the first shoes.

To much that concerns a child for the first time, I want to approach it as responsibly as possible. The choice of the first slippers undoubtedly belongs to this number.

IMPORTANT: The first pair of shoes should be seriously considered when the baby begins to balance on his feet without support. On average, a baby pleases with such successes between the ninth month and one year of age.

How to choose orthopedic children's shoes for babies up to a year?

• The term "orthopedic shoes" is now quite common among not only young mothers, but everywhere where we are talking about shoes. On the subconscious, people prefer models labeled "orthopedic"
• It is not surprising that when choosing the first sandals for your child, the thought immediately comes to mind: they must be orthopedic, as the best, high-quality, and most importantly, with which the baby is not threatened with flat feet.
• Under the orthopedic in the original sense of the word, they mean shoes made specifically for a particular child according to plaster casts. Such shoes are made in cases of appointment by an orthopedist in order to treat disorders in the child's musculoskeletal system
• A wide range of shoes presented in stores, pharmacies, specialized shoe stores, as well as positioning themselves as lines of orthopedic shoes of well-known brands, in reality, simply cannot be
• Most likely, we are talking about the compliance of such shoes with the requirements for the prevention of flat feet and a higher quality. It follows that when choosing the first shoes, one should pay attention not to the presence of the “orthopedic” marking, but to the following criteria:

This applies to the sole, as well as to the sidewalls and top of the shoes. Shoes should not restrict movement. In hard shoes, the load is not properly distributed, in fact, such shoes interfere with the natural work of the necessary muscles of the arch of the foot, and they weaken.

IMPORTANT: When the child steps, flexion marks at the base of the toes should be visible.

heel

A low heel (about 3 to 8 mm) promotes active work and the development of foot muscles. The raised heel prevents the crumbs from falling onto the back.

Solid back

Necessary for proper heel fixation. An insufficiently rigid heel counter may begin to fly off the leg after the time has elapsed. It is good if there is a small soft roller inside on the back to prevent the occurrence of corns.

IMPORTANT: To test the heel counter for stiffness, squeeze it with two fingers (thumb and forefinger). It shouldn't be too soft.

Non-slip sole

The kid is only learning to control the movements of his legs, which is often accompanied by falls. You should not provoke them with slippery soles of shoes.

natural materials

Shoes should let air through, the leg should not “sweat”. To do this, it is better to prefer products made of genuine leather, thick canvas fabric, to avoid "non-breathing" synthetics. The sole, depending on the type of footwear, can be leather, rubber or other flexible material.

Soft footbed

The insole should support the arch of the foot and protect it from falling inwards.

How to determine the size of a child's shoes?

Properly sized shoes double your chances of a successful purchase. It is best to try on shoes on their future owner directly in the store. If this is not possible, you should carefully measure the leg of the crumbs at home, observing the following rules:

1. The child should stand, not sit. In a standing position, due to the load of the entire body weight on the legs, the length of the foot will be greater
2. Measurements are best taken in the evening. During an active day, the baby's legs naturally swell and become larger.
3. It is better to wear socks for the baby. In order for the shoes not to be small after the child puts on socks under them, it is wiser to immediately take measurements with them
4. Both legs must be measured. One foot may be longer than the other. In this case, the size of the shoe is determined by the leg, the length of the foot is greater than

IMPORTANT: The parameters of the foot in a stationary state and when walking are not the same. The inner dimensions of the shoes should be slightly larger than the measurements you received for the child's foot.

To determine the size of shoes:

1. Place the baby with both legs on a thick cardboard. It is desirable that the load between the legs is distributed evenly. If you can’t keep the baby in this position, take measurements of the legs one by one
2. Carefully circle both feet with a pencil, trying to hold the pencil vertically and press it firmly against the foot
3. Then cut out the resulting cardboard insoles. With such a blank, it is easy to choose the necessary shoes in the store by putting paper insoles inside the model you like.
   OR
4. Measure the distance between your longest toe and your heel using a ruler

5. Add 0.5-1 cm to the result for a margin. Determine your child's shoe size using the chart below.

Toddler shoe size chart

For example, the length of the foot is 9.8 cm plus a margin of 0.5 cm, so you need to choose size 17.

Toddler shoe size by age

The given values ​​​​of shoe sizes, depending on age, are rather arbitrary and calculated on the basis of average data. Every child is different and the values ​​for him may vary.

IMPORTANT: A child under the age of two grows out of shoes on average every three months.

Therefore, you should periodically check whether the shoes are tight for the child. Signs that it's time to change your shoes:

• the appearance of blisters, scuffs or dents on the feet
• heel shift when walking
• lack of a distance of 1-1.5 cm between the biggest toe and the toe of the boot

How to choose the first warm winter shoes for a child?

In addition to the general requirements for winter shoes, a special condition is imposed: the leg should not freeze in it. For the top of the boots, leather, felt, cloth and nubuck are perfect. Particular attention should be paid to the insulation of winter boots:

• sheepskin fur
• membrane
• thinsulate

The warmest option would be natural fur. The membrane is perfect for a wet winter without severe frosts, as it does not let moisture through. Thinsulate is a modern synthetic insulation that is of high quality, waterproof and can compete with fur in retaining heat during severe frosts.

IMPORTANT: Unlike summer shoes, for which a margin of 0.5 cm is usually provided, when choosing winter shoes, an increase of up to 1.5 cm is allowed for a warm toe.

If your baby is only 6-8 months old in winter, there is no point in buying winter boots. Postpone the purchase of shoes for the spring, when the baby begins to take the first steps. In order for the legs not to freeze in winter, it is better to purchase leather slippers with fur or knitted booties if the child wears a one-piece warm overalls.

How to choose soft knitted shoes for a baby?

In order for the child to gradually get used to the sensations of shoes on legs, there is a so-called transitional option - soft booties.
Knitted booties are worn even by newborns to warm the legs. But when the child begins to sit and crawl, especially in the cold season, get booties, if you have not already done so, it's definitely time. When choosing knitted booties, consider the following:

1. Slippers should be knitted from natural hypoallergenic threads. Yarn should not irritate the baby's delicate skin. In stores you can find special threads for knitting children's things.
2. Booties should not contain small parts (beads, fasteners, buttons, etc.), or they should be securely sewn on. Otherwise, the child can easily tear them off and swallow them.
3. Knitted shoes should not be easily removed. A small child is very mobile and will lose booties if they do not fit well on the leg.

DIY shoes for kids

If you have basic knitting or cutting and sewing skills, give your baby the first pair of soft shoes made by yourself. This will bring pleasure to both you and your baby, as the shoes will be made individually for the size of the legs, with a unique design, and most importantly with love for the baby.
Depending on your desire and abilities, you can sew leather slippers, felt shoes or choose a simple pattern for knitting booties.

Pattern of shoes (booties) for a baby with sizes

In order to get a pattern of the size you need, circle the baby's foot, cut out the paper insole and attach it to the “sole” part on the pattern, zoom in on the pattern until the insole matches the pattern. Print the pattern, cut out the details. Cut out the piece of felt, sew the pieces together and decorate the resulting booties with all your imagination.

In order for the first shoes not only to be touching with their appearance, but also to be comfortable and not interfere with the correct formation of the child's foot, you should listen to the following tips:

1. Give preference to well-known manufacturers of high-quality children's shoes
2. Do not buy your child narrow, tight or oversized shoes. Shoes must fit exactly.
3. Buy shoes in stores that sell children's shoes
4. Shoes should be flexible, with a stable heel and a wide toe
5. Quality shoes can't be too cheap
6. In the wardrobe of a child, it is desirable to have two pairs of shoes for the season.

Following these requirements, you can easily choose the right shoes for your child and be sure that his first steps will be taken without harm to health.

Video: How to choose the first shoes for a child. Komarovsky