Baby Shoes

Of all the tiny garments for babies, perhaps the most charming and endearing are baby shoes. Baby shoes are so tiny it is hard to believe that baby shoes can actually fit a little foot. Even though there is no need for them in infancy, everyone yields to the temptation to buy or make baby shoes. Loving grandmothers knit and crochet baby shoes. Doting mothers buy tiny silk and satin baby shoes. Loving friends and relatives give baby shoes and other garments as gifts for the newborn.

Baby shoes are so endearing and evocative of a beloved infant that baby shoes are often cast in bronze to keep as loving reminders. One can see bronzed baby shoes on many a desk or dresser in homes everywhere. One never, however, sees a bronze beat-up sneaker from a teen-ager!. Only baby shoes arouse such sentiment.

On the practical side, in infancy there is no need for baby shoes except perhaps for occasions when the infant is dressed up and taken out to be shown off Little feet are kept warm in tiny socks or just in a blanket, and left free to kick and squirm in comfort minus baby shoes. As the infant grows older, perhaps knitted or soft baby shoes will insure that feet are warm and cozy, though baby shoes are often simply kicked off or pulled off by a growing baby. The baby may prefer to chew on baby shoes than keep them on his or her tiny feet.

As a child begins to crawl and walk, baby shoes take on more importance. At these stages, soft shoes which are tied or buttoned on offer some protection. One needs to be careful, however, of buttons or decorations that might be pulled off by the baby and accidentally swallowed. There is some difference of opinion about how soon shoes should become a standard item of dress for a baby or young child. It is certain, however, that baby shoes should be designed and purchased with careful thought to the tiny feet, still forming, and having soft bones. There should always be plenty of room for toes, and no areas to rub or pinch small feet. Never sacrifice fit and comfort for cuteness when buying baby shoes

As a baby begins to walk and evolve from infancy to toddler to early childhood, more and more care should be taken in the purchase of baby shoes. While the litle feet should not be restricted or squeezed in any way, baby shoes need to provide some protection and support as walking becomes fully developed. It is wise to purchase baby shoes from a reliable shoe or department store which offers quality products. Soon one will not be using the term " baby shoes" , but children's shoes. At this point shoes are critically important to support developing feet. From infancy to young adulthood, parents should take care that shoes are appropriate for every age.

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