Buying shoes for DD

[Rockett]

I need some advice on buying shoes for one year old DD....I 'd like to get her a pair or 2 for autumn/winter,but I don't know what size to get .Size 4 seems to fit ok now with a bit of room near the toe,I tried a size 5 and there was a gap of about half an inch near the toe.They looked massive on her though.
Is that too much room to have in a baby's shoe? I don't want her to trip.
I could wait until it starts to get cooler,but I've found some really nice ones that I want to get now.
Also wondering how long I can expect whatever size I buy to last for in regards to growth spurts.:)

[tyler's mum]

tyler is 6months and most of her shoes are size 2,,, so maybe a 4 will fit her:confused:

[Mamaduke]

At the end of October last year I had Lucas (then 16mths) fitted for a pair of sandals...he was a size 6 and a very wide fit (the widest Clarks makes).
About a month ago I had him fitted again and he is now in a size 8 and his foot isn't as wide now.
I would hold off and get your child properly fitted when the time comes...I was quite surprised at the difference in length and width over 3months.

[SassyMummy]

My little one isn't yet in shoes, or even walking...but I am VERY eagerly awaiting the day that she does (they're so gorgeous!)...and have had a little read up on when to get them, and what types and whatnot.

What I have read, is that it's best to get a shoe that is
not high ankled (I'm not sure why?)
has a soft sole (so bub can learn how to walk properly)
has one adults thumb width at the toe-end

Going from those...I think buying a size that's a little "big" is probably a good idea. Providing babies and kids grow so fast especially..

I'd also recommend natural fibres for the shoes...they breathe and feel so much more comfortable than synthetic fibres!

[tickle]

If she is walking I would go to a good kids shoe shop and get her sized and fitted. The ladies at the shoe shops are really good at giving you an idea of what they wear.
As an example, I got my DS a pair of size 4's from Betts Kids after he started walking (14months) and he will be in them for a long time to come. He still has lots of growing room at 19 months. But he's a little boy too.
Have fun choosing shoes!:thumbsup:

[ThomasMum]

Best simple advice would be; take DD to the shoes shops and ask for their advice. General thumb rule is that if your baby is starting to take a few steps, it's time. The shoes should be soft and flexible, non-slip and offer traction, most importantly steer clear of extra-thick soles that might trip baby up :thumbsup:

Happy shopping! :)

[Rockett]

Thanks ladies :thumbsup:
To be on the safe side I will take DD to get fitted. :)

[MrsMiggins]

I know you already have a few answers on this one, but just wanted to chime in! :)

I used to fit shoes & have done quite a few courses on fitting children's shoes - there's rather a lot to know about it!

Firstly, don't even think about putting your children into shoes before they are walking more than they are crawling. Shoes (no matter how soft) are very restrictive & can cause growth problems if your child is wearing them a lot when they are crawling. (If you buy them for special ocassions when they won't be wearing them crawling around a great deal, this is fine) This is the reason shoes high around the ankle are not reccommended for first shoes.

Next, be sure that the person who is fitting the shoes is qualified. Look for someone who is confident & just generally looks as though they know what they are doing & talking about - go to a reputable shoe shop. Better yet, many stores have qualified children's fitters. Clarke's have regular courses they invite shoe sales people to attend.

The person who is fitting the shoe should never, ever press down on the toe cap to see if the shoe fits! This is a popular misconception! Someone who really knows what they are doing will never do this as not only is it pointless in seeing if the shoe fits correctly, but it also damages the shoe! You can see if a shoe fits correctly by feeling gently around the sides and looking for slip in the heel & movement in the shoe when the child walks in them. Shoes should be checked for fit with the child standing, then walking - not sitting.

The other thing you need to know is that you should never, ever buy shoes too big thinking that your child will "grow into them". Poorly fitted shoes are a huge factor in so many foot & leg problems later in life. Buy a size with enough room for movement & a reasonable amount of growth, but that fits correctly now. You are far better off buying shoes as your child grows than paying for podiatrists, chiropractors etc down the track.

An interesting point to note is that the bones in children's feet are not fully formed until around 8 years of age, so you need to be particularly careful up until this age.

I hope this helps!!! :)

[MumsieMel]

Hi Emerald,

Are you in Sydney?

My DD is 18mths and is a size 4, but every shoe sizing in shops is different, so i just tend to try them on her, and i have bought her 2 good pairs on shoes and the rest are cheap, but they are gorgeous and she loves them! Plus it wont worry me when she grows out of them in 3 mnths!!!

Ifyou are in syd i know some places that have them cheap. Let me know ok. :)

[Rockett]

Hi Fiona_T
Wow,I didn't realise how many things there are to consider when buying shoes!
I will definitley take her to get properly fitted.Thanks for the info:thumbsup:


Mummsiemel,no I'm not in Sydney,but thanks for the offer of help.:)