Good parents always try to give their child the best. In childhood, the foundations are laid on which the future health of a little person largely depends. The first shoes for a baby are of great importance. How to choose the best option for your first steps without getting confused by the huge abundance on the market? After all, you can’t choose your first shoes based solely on aesthetic considerations. They must meet safety requirements so that the little leg develops correctly.
Beauty Shoes
When talking about the very first boots or shoes, many people mean booties. When can you put your baby in these shoes for the first time? This is completely unimportant; even upon discharge from the maternity hospital, many parents purchase this cute accessory. But rather, booties can be classified not as shoes, but as socks. They perform a decorative and warming function, because the baby will not run around in it. There are no strict rules regulating the choice. It is advisable that the booties be made from soft natural material that does not irritate delicate skin. Of course, they should not be decorated with elements that the little owner, in a fit of knowledge of the world, will tear off and eat.
The first shoes for beginners to walk are a completely different matter. It is very different from booties, and we will see this now.
Doctors' opinion
Pediatricians pay great attention to such an important moment as the first shoes for a baby. How to choose?
Evgeniy Olegovich Komarovsky, a famous children's doctor, has repeatedly drawn the attention of parents to this topic. A supporter of natural development and minimizing interference in natural processes, Dr. Komarovsky believes that there are not so many rules. The leg should not dangle, shrink excessively, or sag. Moreover, according to the doctor, it is not worth buying orthopedic shoes for a healthy child - they are intended only for those who have problems with the formation of the foot.
Children's flat feet: how to recognize?
There is a common misconception among young parents that they can easily diagnose flat feet on their own using the baby’s footprints. It is enough to wet the feet and let the child walk on the smooth floor - and the material for the home consultation is ready. This often leads to sad consequences, because mothers also try to correct the defect on their own. Often in such cases, shoes are purchased for the little ones, which are completely unsuitable for them.
Remember: you can’t do this. The diagnosis of “flat feet” can only be made by a doctor. By the way, a footprint on which the entire foot is imprinted is not at all an alarming symptom. Up to a certain age, this phenomenon is completely normal. It's all about the fat layer under the skin, which is completely natural for children under one year old.
The main question: when should a child buy shoes?
The answer is simple: when the need arises. And it will arise only at the moment when the baby begins to stomp on the sidewalk. The first steps are not a reason to fly to the store. Especially if it happens in a snowy winter or damp autumn. Remember, the leg grows quickly, experience is gained more slowly. Give your baby the opportunity to learn to walk confidently at home, and only then think about walking.
Main requirements
When going to the store, remember the set of rules that the baby's first shoes must comply with. How to choose the most suitable option? Use this reminder:
- Durable, supportive heel.
- The presence of an instep support.
- Natural materials.
- Convenient fastening clasp.
- Appropriate size.
- Relief sole.
Some features are related to the season. We will look at this in detail below.
Many parents do not advise purchasing shoes with Velcro or other fasteners that the baby can easily unfasten on his own. He will learn to put on and take off his shoes a little later, and at the age of about a year he is more interested in experimenting, which often leads to the elementary loss of a shoe.
How not to
It will not be superfluous to remember some taboos. These include:
- high heel;
- soft sole;
- slippery sole;
- platforms, wedges;
- flip-flops;
- flip-flops;
- shoes that do not match the size and season.
A word about the best
Soft genuine leather, patented systems, patterns perfected over the years - this is important for shoes, so the best manufacturers use all their accumulated experience and the latest technologies to produce them. We will look at the products of some of the most famous brands in more detail.
Cool off-season
The Kickers company has established itself in the market for a long time. Among her trendy products are shoes for little ones. Boots and shoes are made only from calfskin, equipped with a textured polyurethane sole with instep support and good heel support.
The peculiarity of Kickers shoes is the recognizable classic design and different labels with the logo: red on one shoe, green on the other.
When choosing boots for autumn and spring, pay attention to the quality of the seams and the fastening of the sole. These shoes are designed for cool weather, not cold weather and real wetness. Special tightness is not needed here, but there should be no obvious holes.
What is Gore-Tex?
A special membrane fabric that prevents the foot from getting wet, freezing and sweating is widely used in the production of shoes for professional athletes, the military, and tourists. But it is also widespread “in the world.” Today, Gortex is used by many manufacturers, including Ecco. If you are looking for shoes for boys who want to measure the depth of all the surrounding puddles or play polar explorers, Ekko boots may be the best choice. There is a wide choice of models for little princesses, and the main difference between the entire model range of this company is the use of rich, but not easily soiled colors: purple, swamp green, chocolate, cherry.
When choosing shoes for walking in the cold and damp seasons, remember: inappropriate sizes are unacceptable, but ankle support is highly desirable.
Winter, cold... UGG for the little ones
The first one is not always intended for walking. This is especially true for northern regions and very cold winters. If you're looking for boots that are guaranteed to keep you warm, look no further than Uggs. The original shoes of this manufacturer are made of soft suede and natural sheepskin. It's hard to find a warmer combination.
These boots look very impressive, but you shouldn’t walk in them for a long time - due to insufficient ankle fixation, your legs will get tired. But it’s hard to come up with the best option for traveling on a sled or in a stroller.
Sunny summer
Summer shoes can be either with or without a heel. The main condition is good fixation on the ankle. Summer is the season when even a baby who has just learned to walk can walk along the street. In this regard, sports shoes with soft, flexible soles are very comfortable.
The best manufacturers of sports equipment, for example, Columbia, offer shoes for kids with the ability to adjust the instep - hard Velcro is provided for this. The deep tread prevents slipping.
Beach season
Not all summer shoes are suitable for outdoor activities, so beach shoes are worth mentioning separately. Doctors say that the first shoes for a child should not be made of rubber - the foot wears out in them, and the moving elements can rub. In this case, it is better to pay attention to Crocs products, which are famous for their quality characteristics. It is made of natural rubber, adapts to the shape and individual characteristics of the foot, does not rub, does not float, and dries very quickly.
Design is also important. Bright “Crocs” can be decorated at your discretion with all kinds of jibits, which are securely fixed to the shoes and will not yield to either the fingers or the teeth of the owner.
In addition, Crocs can be worn at home. They do not have an instep support, but thanks to the comfortable ergonomic shape of the sole, they provide reliable support for the arch of the foot.
Shoes for home
It’s worth buying indoor shoes only if it’s cold in the house and it’s uncomfortable for your child to walk in socks alone. A healthy baby does not need to be forced to wear shoes “just in case” - this only harms him. But if you need to buy a pair of shoes for indoors, pay attention to Zetpol textile slippers. Their main advantage is a budget price with quite decent quality. The shoes from this company fully meet all the requirements, wash well and are quite suitable for walking on the street in dry weather. In addition, it is very wear-resistant, just like the first shoes for a baby should be.
How to choose the right pair? First you need to find out the size and do not forget that the size charts of different manufacturers may not match. And now we’ll find out how to do this.
How to find out the size?
The first rule is never try to measure a leg by weight. Firstly, an active baby is unlikely to allow you to calmly concentrate on the process, and secondly, the information received will not be objective. Place the leg on a support with a sheet of paper underneath it. Lower the ruler perpendicular to the floor so that it touches the heel and make a mark. Repeat with your fingers. All that remains is to measure the distance between the two marks.
Some manufacturers, for example Clarks, offer convenient devices for measuring leg size. With their help, you can easily select your baby's first shoes.
How to choose shoes using such an accessory? Just place the foot in the right place, move the slider and look into the round hole - both the length of the foot and the desired size will be marked there. Remember: such a device may not be suitable for selecting shoes from other manufacturers.
Orthopedic shoes
What does this term mean? These are special shoes that are individually selected by an orthopedic surgeon. It is sold in specialized stores and pharmacies. Such shoes are not suitable for boys and girls who do not have foot health problems.
If your child is prescribed to wear it, follow your doctor's recommendations. By the way, if you think that it looks dull and unattractive, modern manufacturers are ready to dispel doubts. For example, the well-known company Bartek produces not only ordinary, but also very beautiful orthopedic shoes for little ones.
For healthy feet
We already know how to choose good shoes and boots, but we shouldn’t forget about preventive measures.
Encourage walking barefoot on soft grass, clean sand, and sea pebbles. Temper your baby regularly. Buy a special rug that you can stomp on during the cold season. Don't forget about preventive massages. These measures and well-chosen shoes will contribute to the health of your baby.
The baby has outgrown his favorite shoes, which means it’s time to buy him new, no less favorite and comfortable shoes.
On the one hand, there is no difficulty in this with today's variety of shoes.
But on the other hand, if you don’t take many factors into account, you can not only lose money on a bad purchase, but also harm your own child.
Selecting shoes always begins with determining the right size. In order for the child to like the shoes from the first minutes and be comfortable for him both for going out and for everyday wear, you need to decide on the size of the baby’s feet. And how to do it? This is a very simple method that any parent can do.
- In the evening, when the legs have been trampled during the day and have acquired their maximum size, it is necessary to measure the length and density of the foot. If you need to buy shoes for the cold season, then measurements are taken by putting on the child the socks he will wear, or similar ones.
- Take a thick sheet of paper. The child stands with both feet on this sheet. The foot should be relaxed, the toes should not clench.
- The feet are outlined and measured.
- Mark the two most extreme points on the circled drawing of the right and left legs. And measure the distance between them. This is the length of the foot. The length of the right foot does not always coincide with the length of the child’s left foot. A longer length is taken as a basis.
- Knowing the length of your child’s feet, you can use the table to determine the shoe size that will fit the foot perfectly.
- You should also pay attention to the fullness of the foot. There are shoes that have different widths for the same size. There are narrow, medium and wide fullness.
Main selection criteria
A little man comes into this world with normal posture, correct feet and good health. But during the course of life, many factors influence the growing and fragile muscle corset and the child’s skeleton. And posture, including gait, changes.
Statistics show disappointing figures. In adulthood, 60% of the population has flat feet. And this means increased stress on the legs and pain. What changes the shape of the leg during childhood? The answer is obvious: wearing the wrong shoes.
It is better to choose shoes made according to GOST
Shoes from expensive manufacturing companies are subject to a number of specific requirements, according to which they are obliged to produce their products that meet the anatomical characteristics of the child’s body.
Shoes that do not comply with GOST are also available for free sale. More often in markets. The price, of course, is lower than the branded one, and this attracts young, not yet very wealthy parents.
But parents should not forget about the formation of the bone and cartilage system in childhood. When constantly wearing the wrong shoes or boots, the bone acquires an incorrect position. As a result, flat feet, cartilaginous growths, curvature of toes, etc.
Tips for choosing shoes for a child:
- Children often do not pay attention to pain and chafing while walking. This is due to the fact that they have a slightly larger fat layer than adults. Therefore, you should not expect complaints from the child; parents should control the comfort of shoes. Correctly sized shoes will not cause discomfort while wearing.
- The materials from which children's shoes are made must necessarily be natural (leather, fabric). Only natural raw materials can “breathe” and absorb moisture. Air circulation in such shoes will occur naturally. This is especially important for shoes that a child wears in the autumn, spring and winter.
- An instep support is one of the main components of good shoes for a baby. Its absence immediately indicates that you should not purchase such shoes. The role of the instep support is the formation of the correct arch of the foot, distributing an even load on the leg.
- An important detail that is worth paying attention to is the sole. It shouldn't be slippery. The best material for the sole is microporous. The sole should not be heavy. The child's mobility should not be hampered by shoes. When choosing boots or sneakers, it is worth checking how easily the sole bends. It is not recommended to purchase shoes with poorly flexible soles for a child.
- The back of children's shoes should be tight. So that it would be difficult to bend. The function of the heel counter is to support the heel. A soft back will not cope with this task, and the child’s leg will turn out.
- Do not buy boots for your child with narrow toes. A child's foot, unlike the feet of adults, is designed so that the place where the toes are located is wider than the foot. If the foot is cramped, the child may constantly clench his toes. And this will become a habit and lead to deformation.
- When choosing shoes, you need to add another 1.5 cm to the length of the foot. This place will allow the leg to grow and feel free while walking.
- There are many types of fasteners: buttons, zippers, laces, Velcro. When trying on, you should pay attention to how tightly the fastener ensures that the shoe fits tightly to your foot.
- A small heel (up to 1 cm) is desirable on a child’s shoes. It maintains the correct position of the foot when walking.
- The total weight of the shoes should not make it difficult for the baby to walk. If the shoes are too heavy, the child will be capricious during the walk and not like it.
- You should not purchase shoes without trying them on with your child. Careful purchasing will prevent diseases of the baby’s legs and feet.
- You should pay attention to the method by which the sole is attached to the body of the shoe itself.
Comfortable shoes for baby
There are three types:
- Using firmware and glue.
- Using only glue.
- Glue-cast.
Which is the best and which type should you choose? The first one is short-lived, although it has a very beautiful appearance. Through small holes made during stitching, moisture will get inside and the child’s feet will get wet. The second option is more reliable. But it also has some minor drawbacks - a thin sole.
And the third option for the type of sole will be the best for children. Feet in such shoes will always be dry and warm.
Therapeutic orthopedic shoes
If the doctor has already diagnosed the first symptoms of flat feet in a little man, then he must immediately change his shoes into therapeutic orthopedic shoes. You cannot delay this, as this will negatively affect the entire musculoskeletal system.
Parents are not always able to notice the onset of flat feet. This disease does not manifest itself in any way at first. And when a doctor diagnoses advanced flat feet, the improperly formed foot is difficult to correct. But by starting active treatment and changing regular shoes to orthopedic ones, you can achieve positive dynamics in treatment.
Children's winter orthopedic shoes
What are the differences between therapeutic orthopedic shoes and regular ones?
- Shoes are made exclusively from natural materials.
- The inside of the shoes is soft, without rough seams or joints that could injure the baby's skin.
- The heel is located above the ankle (15 mm). Sometimes the backdrop is covered with a soft cushion to prevent chafing.
- Sole with shock-absorbing effect.
- The toe box is wide enough to allow your toes to fit freely into the shoe.
- The presence of an instep support.
- The presence of an insole that absorbs moisture and has antibacterial properties.
- For children under 3 years old, orthopedic shoes with a heel of half a centimeter are recommended; up to 6 years – one centimeter; up to 12 years – two centimeters.
- Fasteners and zippers in such shoes are distinguished by a stronger fixation on the foot.
Errors in sizing
The most common mistake parents make is the desire to buy shoes for their child to grow into. This should never be done. Shoes that are significantly larger than the actual size of the foot are also harmful, as are those that pinch the foot.
Children's shoe sizes
It is a mistake to check if the size is correct by trying to insert a finger between the child's heel and the back. The baby can clench his fingers at this moment.
You should not try on shoes while sitting. When a person gets up and starts walking, the leg becomes a little larger. Feelings may change.
Shoe size chart for children
The table shows the child's foot length, insole length and recommended size.In the column “Foot length” a value is indicated that corresponds to what was obtained after measuring the foot on paper.
The next column indicates the length that will correspond to the insole. It is customary to add another 0.5 cm to the length of the insole. Next, we look at what size the child ultimately needs.
For example, after measuring feet on paper, parents learned that their son's foot was 13 centimeters long. This means that the length of the insole will be 13.5 centimeters. And the size their child needs is 21.
Video on the topic
Look how different a baby's feet are from ours! The fact is that they are not yet fully formed and consist mainly of cartilage tissue. The fatty layer that still remains on the child’s foot reduces sensitivity to pain, and even if the shoe squeezes the child, deforming the foot, the baby does not feel it. The foot “ossifies” by the age of 6 years. Therefore, parents should ensure that their child does not wear shoes that are too small or too large. To do this, it is necessary to measure the child’s foot every 2-3 months.
In addition, it must be remembered that the growth rate of children's feet is different at different ages: at 2 and 3 years of age, the foot increases by approximately 2-3 sizes per year; when a child starts going to kindergarten - by 2 sizes per year, and at school age - by 1-2 sizes per year. These data are impressive, especially considering that the difference between children's shoe sizes is 5 mm.
FIRST BOOTS
Pediatricians and pediatric orthopedists are unanimous in the opinion that putting a baby in his first shoes should not happen until he begins to confidently, independently and for a long time stand on his own legs. One of the necessary conditions for choosing shoes for your baby is his direct participation. After all, despite their young age, the legs of different children already differ greatly in fullness, volume, and, of course, size. Therefore, you should not make a surprise out of buying your first shoes, boots or sandals.
Size. If the shoes are too big, then the foot slips when walking and the heel shuffles. But shoes bought just right can also do a disservice to your baby. Therefore, the optimal option is to leave about a centimeter between the toe of the shoe and the child’s toes; “by eye” this is approximately the thickness of an adult’s little finger. Moreover, this applies as
for summer-spring as well as for autumn-winter shoes. The secret is that in the summer the baby's foot swells a little and increases in size, and in the winter there should be empty space in the shoes and boots, creating a warming effect. In addition, do not forget about the necessary reserve for leg movement during walking and foot growth.
Material. When it comes to the health of children's feet, the material from which the shoes are made also plays an important role. From the point of view of hygiene and durability, the first place among materials is rightfully occupied, of course, by genuine leather. It is stretchable, plastic, provides access to air and evaporation of moisture. Currently, many high-quality breathable, reliable, heavy-duty materials that replace leather have been created. They are called HTM - high-tech materials. A special waterproof, breathable membrane located inside the boot lining allows you to regulate the climate inside the shoe. The inner surfaces of shoes should also be made of natural materials, such as lamb leather or sheep's wool. A special innovation of modern high-quality shoes is a moisture-absorbing insole that is easily wrung out and washed.
Sole.
It should be elastic and flexible. Such properties are necessary in order to create the barefoot effect necessary for children. This property can be checked by bending the shoe. In addition, the sole should never be slippery, so it is best to choose shoes with grooved soles. In high-quality children's shoes, the soles are always extremely light. The eternal dilemma: whether to stitch or glue the sole, is solved in a very original way in the most modern models - the sole is simply welded to the upper part of the shoe and is therefore inseparable.
Heel. All experts unanimously say that any children's shoes need a small heel. It participates in the formation of gait and prevents the baby from falling back. On the first boots, its height should not exceed 5-7 mm.
Arch support. The key to the future health of a child’s feet is the mandatory presence of an instep support in any children’s shoes. Such requirements are quite justified - after all, the instep support is involved in the formation of a normal arch of the foot, and its absence can lead to flat feet. The arch support should not be very pronounced, since its excessive size can lead to disturbances in the development of the foot. If there are no special requirements of the orthopedist, the arch support should play a preventive role.
Backdrop. It must be solid without cuts or inserts. Only then will the boot properly fix the baby’s foot. In addition, the backdrop should be quite rigid, with a rounded top. Clasp. Don’t forget that children’s shoes, unlike adults’, should have a wide toe box and an adjustable clasp. WHAT'S HAPPENED
GOOD SHOES?
By length: measured leg size + space for leg displacement during movement + space for leg growth. By width: taking into account different leg fullness. For example, a narrow foot in a shoe that is too wide has no support and is unstable. A narrow shoe is too tight for a wide foot, which deforms the baby’s foot.
Has your baby started to take his first steps? You are certainly happy about this and are in a hurry to buy your child’s first shoes. According to the recommendations of orthopedic doctors, even at home, in the first years of a child’s life, high-quality shoes should be worn.
During the period of intensive growth of the body - at 3 and 6 months, a year, three and five years - differentiation of the shape and structure of bones occurs. Frail bone apparatus, connected by ligaments that are still too extensible, as well as weak muscles, cause significant fluctuations in the height of the longitudinal arches of the foot during loading. This contributes to the occurrence of static foot deformities, which can lead to flat feet.
In young children, when learning to walk, conditions arise for the development of foot deformities, since in order to increase the area of support and keep the body in balance, the child places his legs wide apart, leaning on the inner parts of the foot.
The widespread belief that flat feet in children under 6 years of age is physiological and does not require correction is not entirely correct. It is up to 5-6 years, when the ossification points are not closed, that it is easier to correct and prevent the development of foot deformities and form a correct gait, as well as prevent disruption of the entire musculoskeletal system.
If you notice that your child is clubbing or puts his feet inward, then he needs to wear orthopedic shoes.
How to choose the right shoes? Shoes should be made from natural materials so that the baby’s feet can “breathe” well. It is very important that the child wears shoes that fit him in size. It is not recommended to wear shoes that have already been worn.
Children's orthopedic shoes should have: a low heel, a high hard heel, a good soft instep support that will support the arch and foot in the correct, level position. The leg should be well secured at the ankle with a clasp. The toes of boots should be round.
When trying on shoes, follow a few rules. Always try on two shoes at once. The child must stand to find out whether the length and width of the shoes are appropriate. The baby must walk around in shoes for at least 10 minutes to find out whether he is comfortable and comfortable in the chosen model. The length of the foot should correspond to the length of the sole of the shoe. Do not buy shoes to grow into, as you are doing your baby a disservice. The child’s foot will dangle in the shoe when walking, which, again, leads to disturbances in the formation of the foot.
Properly selected shoes will help prevent flat feet.
How else can you help the correct formation of the foot? There is a set of exercises for the prevention and treatment of flat feet in preschool children. In the summer, let your child run barefoot more often. It is especially useful to walk on stones. In winter, this exercise can be replaced with a rug with sewn buttons. Walking sideways on a stick or clothesline. Rolling a ball or stick on the floor with your feet. Circular movements of the foot. Walking on the outside of the foot. Grab a pencil from the floor using your toes.
Shoes Superfit for children it is part of parental love and care.
Superfit develops children's shoe models together with famous doctors and orthopedists.
Superfit, when creating shoes, takes the physiological structure of the legs as a basis and promotes their natural development.
Boots from Superfit
have a specially designed and patented insole with an active cushion that helps strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the foot. The active ball of the foot fits against the arch of the foot and causes the foot muscles to contract and move. Pivoting your foot on the active pad imitates walking barefoot - the healthiest and most natural way to walk.
Austrian factory Legero was founded in 1875 in Vienna. Now it is one of the largest shoe companies in Europe, producing 8,700 pairs of shoes per day. Products Legero sold in countries such as Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Slovenia, Poland, Australia, Japan, USA, England, Ireland, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, France, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Hungary, Greece, Ukraine and Russia. Legero is the largest manufacturer of children's shoes in Europe, which it produces under the brand name Superfit.
Italian company for the production of children's shoes, which today is called Primigi(“Primigi”) was founded almost half a century ago - in the 60s of the 20th century. In Italy, this brand has been a leader since 1976, and in Europe since 2001, in other countries Primigi they are also known and loved for the high quality of their products. Russia is no exception.
Shoes for first steps produced by this company are especially popular. There are three main age groups: 9 months - 2 years (first steps), 3-6 years (preschoolers), 7-12 years (schoolchildren). They also produce collections for older children. Shoes for each of these age groups are produced taking into account age-related growth and foot formation.
Under the brand Primigi A wide variety of children's shoes are produced - for any time of year, any weather and any occasion. The styles are also very diverse - from sporty to classic, from elegant ballroom shoes to ultra-modern membrane boots for the cold season.
Each element of the shoe Primigi carefully thought out, nothing escapes the attention of the company’s specialists - insoles and fasteners, uppers and soles - all of this is created in such a way as to ensure maximum reliability, comfort and proper development of the foot.
- The shape of the shoe's toe provides just the right amount of space for your child's toes to accommodate their ever-growing feet.
- Thanks to the fairly wide opening, these shoes are very easy to put on.
- The maximum tight fit of the shoe to the foot is ensured in various ways, for example, using a padded tongue. In this case, there is no excessive pressure on the leg.
- Thanks to the adjustable clasp, Primigi shoes are suitable for those with narrow and thin legs, as well as those with very plump legs.
- All models are very hygienic, thanks to a natural and soft lining that allows the skin of the feet to “breathe” and absorb excess moisture.
- Foot comfort is also ensured by a soft, breathable upper layer of the shoe that does not compress the foot.
During the development and production of Primigi shoes, much attention is paid to the design of the models. Italian designers are especially careful to ensure that the appearance of each new shoe collection corresponds to the latest fashion trends.
Children's shoes Primigi- this is the optimal combination of price and quality. Excellent materials, original design, convenience and maximum attention to every detail - this is the corporate style of this company.
Sky Effect System(Sky Effect System): elastic sole protects against uneven road surfaces and provides natural support all day.
Antibacterial System (Antibacterial System) - antibacterial anatomical insole maintains maximum hygiene and comfort inside the shoes.
The advantages of shoes with Sky Effect System- flexible, breathable, anatomical, “antishock” system in the sole, super-light, antibacterial leather insole.
You will need:
How does a child's body develop?
From six months to nine months, a sharp leap occurs in the baby’s development - the development of movements in an upright position begins. This is a very important stage that influences the development and understanding of speech and orientation in the world around us.
At eight months of age, transitional movements appear that promote the development of independent walking. The child can stand up, sit down, and move from one leg to another.
At ten months, the development of forward movement with some kind of support begins. It is desirable that these are mother’s hands, and not walkers and similar devices.
Usually at eleven months the baby tries to take his first steps.
With normal development, a one-year-old child can walk three to five meters independently without support.
Normal development suggests that 25% of children begin to take their first steps very early, and 20% of children begin to take their first steps with a slight delay.
Sole
A good sole is flexible enough in the arch and toes and rigid in other places. If it bends everywhere or, on the contrary, is too hard, it will always be uncomfortable to walk in it.
High-quality children's shoes include a grooved sole with shock-absorbing inserts, which allows the child to run and jump without negative consequences.
Pay attention to the material. It can be polyurethane, rubber, porous rubber, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic elastomer, but in no case plastic, since it is very slippery. Genuine leather is not durable, but is perfect for up to a year, as it sits comfortably on the leg and provides air circulation.
Arch support
A prerequisite, because it is it that prevents the development of flat feet.
For healthy children, you need to choose shoes with a small, preventative arch support. It is more pronounced only in orthopedic shoes, which should be worn exclusively on the recommendation of a doctor.
In case of clubfoot, the arch support is contraindicated.
heel
Protects the heel from bruising, ensures the foot rolls, evenly distributes weight and increases the wear resistance of the shoe. The absence of a heel or slight elevation invariably leads to disturbances in gait and posture.
Shoes for the first steps should have a heel no more than 0.5 cm high. For preschoolers and in elementary grades, 1.5 cm is enough, for teenagers - up to 4 centimeters.
Clasps
The top fastening can be with Velcro, laces, zippers, or buckles.
It is believed that the best girth is provided, at the same time, Velcro will make it easier to put on a little fidget, and the buckle will securely fix the strap. In this case, the choice is yours.
Material
Natural raw materials are durable, allow you to create an optimal climate inside the shoe, stretch well, taking the shape of the foot and eliminating chafing.
But if you are not ready to buy leather or suede boots every time, you can choose something from modern substitutes, the so-called high-tech materials. They are also distinguished by their quality and reliability, they “breathe”, do not allow moisture to pass through and retain heat.
It is advisable to choose shoes for winter and demi-season with a natural inner surface - leather and wool. Summer shoes and insulation can be made from textiles. Its disadvantage is the lack of a solid heel, so up to 8 years of age it should be alternated with models that securely hold the heel.
As for rubber boots, these are the best option for exploring puddles, but nothing more. Rubber does not allow air to pass through and does not provide normal thermoregulation. Such shoes can be worn with insoles made of cloth or felt and only if necessary.
How to choose shoes by size
Children's legs grow at an amazing rate. Until the age of 3, shoes will have to be changed at least 2-3 times a year, for preschoolers - twice, for schoolchildren 1-2 times.
But if older children say that the shoes have become too tight, then the kids may not even feel it. Their feet consist of cartilage tissue and a fatty layer, which reduce pain, but the leg will begin to deform. Therefore, make it a rule to take measurements once every three months in order to purchase shoes a size larger on time. A child under one year old needs to have his foot measured every month.
At the same time, it is categorically not recommended to take it end-to-end and for growth. In the first case, during movement and when there is swelling in the heat, the shoes will pinch. In the second, it is uncomfortable when walking, increases the risk of injury due to the lack of necessary support and fatigue.
The margin for children's shoes should be 0.5-1 centimeter, for winter shoes - 1.5 cm, and the arch support should be located exactly under the arch of the foot.
Choosing sandals by size is quite easy. It is much more difficult to choose the right closed shoes. There are several ways to do this.
Method 1
- Trace the leg with a pencil on paper, holding it vertically. The child must stand on a hard surface. For a child under one year old, the foot can be measured with a non-stretchable measuring tape or string.
- If you plan to buy winter shoes, you need to wear warm socks on your feet.
- Be sure to measure both legs; sometimes the difference between them reaches an entire size.
Method 2
Draw a long line in the middle of the sheet. Position the child so that this line runs along the foot through the big toe. Measure the extreme points and measure the resulting segment.
Method 3
You need to stand on a thick sheet, for example cardboard, with wet feet. All you have to do is measure the print.
In addition, you will see the fullness of the foot and notice signs of possible flat feet.
Method 4
Take the insole out of your current shoe and place your foot on it. Measure the length taking into account the protruding part.
To then choose shoes by size, keep in mind that the inner insole should be longer than the leg.
Method 5
Try new shoes on your child right away.
Since few children can withstand long shopping, first visit the store with a foot print cut out of cardboard, checking it with the insole from the model you like. And the next day, go try on the best options.
Try to feel the edge of the toe on the toe and make sure there is a small gap.
Put on both shoes at once and ask your child to walk. If he stumbles and shuffles, the size is too big; if he twists his leg slightly and tries to tuck his fingers in, it’s too tight for him.
Size chart for children's shoes
Unfortunately, you won’t find universal data anywhere. This is due to the fact that different countries use different sizing systems, and most manufacturers leave their own allowance, sometimes reaching 15 mm.
More or less you can navigate by the metric system, equal to the length of the foot in centimeters, and the corresponding mass scale, which is used in Europe and the CIS countries.
In this case, 1 piece = 0.66 cm.
Non-mass system Metric s-ma Insole length 17 10,5 11 18 11 11,5 19 11,5 12,5 20 12,5 13 21 13 13,5 22 13,5 14,5 23 14,5 15 24 15 15,5 25 15,5 16,5 26 16,5 17 27 17 17,5 28 17,5 18,5 29 18,5 19 30 19 19,5 31 19,5 20,5 32 20,5 21 33 21 21,5 34 21,5 22,5 35 22,5 23 36 23 23,5 Fullness and lift
It happens that the size fits perfectly, but calluses appear on the feet, the child constantly stumbles when walking, or the process of putting on shoes turns into real agony, since the foot has to be simply squeezed into the shoe. What's wrong? You didn't take into account the fullness of the foot.
Determining it is quite simple - measure the widest part of the toe with a ruler. This figure should never be greater than the width of the insole.
Often, models for children are universal, with the ability to adjust the fullness with a clasp. In some cases, shoes are produced taking into account three parameters of completeness for each size:
- Narrow with a slight rise - E and F;
- middle – G, H;
- wide with high rise – J.
The difference between each value is 7 mm, and if the Latin S is added to the letter, add another 3.5 mm.
New or used
In families with same-sex children, it is often customary to pass things on “by inheritance.” This can only be done if the shoes have been used only a few times and remain almost in their original form.
The fact is that with prolonged wear, it adapts to a certain type of foot, and your youngest son will be forced to shape his foot to someone else’s parameters, including microflora. Even worse, if the older child had orthopedic problems, they will most likely pass on to the younger one.
In new shoes, pay attention to quality. There should be no distortions, wrinkles, folds, crooked stitches or elongated threads. The insole is necessarily glued, the lining is stitched.
Shoes, regardless of the season, should be light, especially for a one-year-old child, when he has just begun to take his first steps. You also need to give up synthetics; they are only allowed until the age of 13, when heat exchange processes in a teenager’s body normalize.
Don't try to choose shoes blindly following fashion. In such models, manufacturers often narrow the toe or raise the heel, which is harmful for children’s feet.
And don’t buy several pairs at once, because the leg grows quickly. It is better to choose one pair, but from natural material and from a trusted brand.