Watching your baby learn to walk is an exciting milestone. You can prepare your little one to explore their suddenly much larger world by stocking up on a variety of baby walking shoes designed with their comfort and development in mind. Choosing well-fitting baby training shoes can make a huge difference for baby as they begin to explore the world around them.
When it comes to choosing baby’s beginner walking shoes, there are a number of options. Understanding the difference between first walker baby shoes, baby pre-walker shoes and baby crib shoes can help you make the best selection for your little one.
Baby Crib Shoes
Because babies often walk best barefoot, baby pre-walking shoes are only necessary for protecting your baby’s feet while they’re outdoors — although in cold weather, pre-walkers are certainly beneficial for keeping your baby’s feet warm. If you do want to put shoes on your little one, look for flexible, soft-sole shoes and socks with non-skid soles.
First Walker Baby Shoes
When your baby begins to show an interest in mobility, it’s time to look at walking shoes. These baby training shoes are designed to protect your baby’s feet. They should fit well, not change the way your child walks and should also have a wide enough toe box for wiggly toes. Most baby shoes have a flexible fit that allows for movement while providing stability.
Baby walking shoes should be lightweight and fit well for your baby’s feet. Here’s what to look for in first walking shoes for your baby girl or first walking shoes for your baby boy:
Slip-resistant soles
Easy-on and easy-off designs
Flexibility
Breathable materials
How to know if your little one is ready for walking shoes
You might be wondering if your baby is ready for walking shoes. Around four to seven months of age, you’ll probably start to notice changes in baby’s mobility and desire to get around. Look for more milestones as they get older. Is your baby reaching for furniture, crawling on all fours or attempting to stand? Motor development and increased independence is a good sign that your baby may be ready for their first pair of shoes.
Baby Pre-Walker Shoes
If your baby’s still content to do most of their exploring on all fours but has started to stand and take a couple of steps, baby training shoes aren’t usually necessary. Instead, keeping their little toes toasty while encouraging natural movement is the name of the game. Some great options for this stage are fuzzy and super soft gender-neutral booties or socks with non-skid soles, which are perfect for mobile boys and girls.
Even so, there will be times when you’ll want to dress your little one up — for a special outing, perhaps. For these occasions, try lightweight crib shoes or baby crawler shoes, like soft-soled Mary Janes or sneakers.
Babies On-the-Go Indoors
As the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends, barefoot is the way to go during this stage. That way, your baby will develop the right muscles for walking and learn to rely on their feet for stability. But when your child is exploring places where there’s heavy foot traffic, shoes are necessary to protect their little feet. In this case, choose baby training shoes for walking that are made from lightweight, breathable materials that allow for natural movement.
Baby Outdoor Play
With plenty of uneven terrain and the potential to step on rough objects, outdoor play means shoes are an absolute must, especially when your toddler starts to run. Shoes that have sturdy soles, traction and flexibility (such as Carter’s athletic shoes) are ideal for the new runner in your life.
Baby Dress Shoes
When the dress code calls for something a bit fancier, like for holidays, birthdays and other special events, having the right footwear can make or break an outfit. Thankfully, you don’t have to choose between baby shoes that are fashionable and ones that are comfortable. Your baby boy will look handsome in a pair of adorable slip-on boat shoes or dress shoes. For your baby girl, choose a pair of flats with a strap and sweet details like flowers or embroidery.
Seasonal Baby Footwear
Making snow angels in the wintertime, splashing around in puddles in the spring, building sandcastles in the summer and jumping into tall, leafy piles in the fall — these are all can’t-miss adventures for every little one.
In general, there will be times throughout the year when your toddler will need special footwear to keep their little feet protected from the elements. Make sure they’re ready to take on the world by picking up a pair of boots for rainy or snowy weather, and sandals or beach-ready flip flops for summer!
Your little one’s first steps mark the beginning of a new and exciting stage of their development. It’s a game-changer for you as a parent, too, one that you’re probably equal parts excited and anxious about.
At Carter's®, we want to be there for you through every milestone and adventure, whether it's finding just the right pair for first steps, running around the playground or dressing up to meet new family and friends. Show our full lineup of baby shoes here.
