When to buy baby shoes

Whether you have just found out that you are expecting a baby or nearing your due date, you’ll no doubt have at least started drawing up a list of items you’ll need, if not purchased a few of them already.

While there are some things you know you’ll need straight away, such as nappies, there are others that can be purchased as your baby grows, at different stages of their life.

This is especially relevant when it comes to their wardrobe – while you’ll be keen to pick up all the dainty outfits and cute shoes that you find, they really don’t need enough clothing to rival your own wardrobe, just yet.

The important thing to remember is that babies grow fast and it’ll feel like they are outgrowing their outfits faster than you can buy them. Which is why it is important to ensure you buy the correct size, at the right time.

Discover when to buy baby shoes

So, how do you know when to buy the first pair of shoes for your new bundle of joy?

Well, you don’t actually need to buy them shoes until they are walking – which will vary but tends to be between 12 and 17 months. However, when to get baby shoes is entirely up to you. You may like to buy newborn baby shoes first. He or she won’t be walking, but it will keep their feet warm, as well as completing their outfit when you head out of the house.

This type of shoe will last them right through the crawling months. Then, as they get older and start lifting themselves on to two feet and learning to walk, you can start to purchase shoes that are specifically designed for their first steps.

You may want to get them used to the shoes but while at home it is actually best if they are barefoot. This will ensure that their feet don’t feel restricted and help with balance and coordination.

Once they are confident with walking, you can start to look at getting your little boy or girl their first proper pair of shoes.

Although it may be tempting to give your little one hand-me-downs from an older sibling or friend’s child, it is best to buy new because your baby won’t get the support they require from second-hand shoes.

How to measure baby feet

It is very important that your baby is wearing the correct size shoe, which is why they need to have their feet measured before you purchase any.

You probably remember getting your own feet measured, before trying on shoes and walking around the shop to ensure that they are comfortable. As we get older and our feet are fully grown, we don’t need to have them measured anymore. But, we will still try shoes on before we buy them to ensure they are the right fit – we don’t want to wear them out for the first time and find they rub.

When you are looking for the right size for your son or daughter’s first pair of shoes, however, they can’t tell you whether they are actually comfortable.

This is why you should go and have their feet measured professionally, especially the first time. As well as finding out their actual shoe size, you can ask any questions you may have.

Children tend to grow around two shoe sizes a year and will regularly need new shoes. Their feet should then be measured every six to eight weeks until the baby is around four years old and every three months after that. Don’t forget, if they need a bigger pair of shoes, they will need larger socks, too.

Can you measure your baby’s feet yourself?

Babies feet grow so quickly, that you might like to be able to measure them yourself at home. That way you can keep a close eye on their size without going into a shop and it is helpful when ordering online – saving you the time and effort of sending back shoes that are far too small or big.

You can print out our footwear size guide or purchase a professional foot scale, to ensure a more accurate measurement.

Don’t forget, you need to make sure that you check both the length and the width.

Which shoes are best for your baby?

Once you know the size of your baby’s feet, you can purchase their first shoes.

Shoes must be made of breathable material, supportive, easy to put on, lightweight, flexible and have a good grip. You may like to consider touch-fastening or slip-on, so they can learn to put these on by themselves, before moving onto lace-ups.

Remember to try new shoes on with socks and that, while they need to fit properly, babies feet grow quickly and you need to allow room for this – around 1cm. Let your baby walk in the shoes – in the same way you would. You don’t want them too tight but they also shouldn’t be so loose that they are slipping off.

Then, make sure you keep an eye on their feet when they first start walking in a new pair of shoes, just to make sure they aren’t giving them blisters.

Now you know when to buy baby shoes, you can look forward to watching your little one take their first steps and learning to walk.

Shop Baby Shoes