Selecting Shoes For Toddler
Young children have gone barefoot for most of human history, and still do in many parts of the world, so the defivinitive answer to the question, “what is the best shoe for the beginning walker?” is still evolving. Since feet are more flexible, stronger, and healthier in societies where shoes are shunned, most experts believe that no shoe is the best shoe. They recommend that children be allowed to go barefoot even in our society, where wearing shoes is the norm. Of course this is not always practical outdoors, where shoes are usually needed for protection, and in cold weather, when they’re needed for warmth. Nor is it always feasible in drafty or poorly heated homes, where floors are chilly. Slip-proof slipper socks are a good indoor compromise; they allow plenty of free movement while keeping feet warm.
The next best thing to no shoes is a shoe that’s closest to bare feet. Look for:
Just-right fit. Ideally, a shoe should be neither too big nor too small, though a too tight shoe is apt to cause more problems that a too roomy one.
Easy on, easy off. Experts differ about whether high-top or low-cut shoes are preferable. High-tops can be confining and are more difficult for parents to put on and take off. But low-cut shoes come off so easily, a toddler can pull them off at will. What’s more, they tend to slip off on their own. What’s best for your new walker may depend on his or her foot shape as well as on the fit of a particular pair of shoes.
Light weight. Toddlers have a hard enough time putting one bare foot in front of another: the weight of a shoe, especially a heavy one, makes the task even more of a challenge
Flexible soles. You should be able to bend the toe of the shoe up (about 40 degrees) easily
Nonslip, nongrip soles. Soles should be neither so slippery that your toddler slides when trying to walk nor so ground-gripping that it’s hard to lift a foot. Ideally, traction should be similar to that of the bare foot. Look for rubber soles that are grooved, like tire treads. If you buy shoes with smooth, slippery soles (the kind you are likely to find on dress shoes), rough up the soles with sandpaper, or tape a couple of strips of masking tape across then to improve traction
A shape that matches the foot. Choose a high, square toe box rather than a pointed one
Breathable uppers. Uppers of leather or canvas rather than plastic or imitation leather will allow feet to breath and minimize moisture buildup from perspiration
No heels. Even a slightly raised heel can throw a toddler’s posture and balance out of kilter
Stiff heel counters. The backs (or counters) of the shoes should offer firm support. Look for padding along the back edge; this feature will prevent the counters from rubbing and thereby increase comfort
Bright, appealing colors and designs. Appearances may not mean much to the average thirteen-month-old. But they can mean everything to older toddlers – who will often refuse to wear shoes that do not suit their taste. Bold colors and designs are favorites; animal and cartoon appliqués generally score extra points.
Reasonable price. Shoes will probably have to be replaced four or five times – or even more – in the next. So although they should be well made for the sake of comfort and safety, they needn’t be built to last forever.
If you can manage it, purchase two pairs of shoes at a time. Children’s feet perspire a lot, and switching off will allow shoes to dry completely between wearings.
Parting Tips (tips and tactics)
The hardest part of leaving your toddler with a baby-sitter or a caregiver will always be saying good-bye. To make it little easier, try the following:
Get ready in advance, when possible, so you can spend time together before you separate. If your pass the last half hour before the baby-sitter arrives getting showered and dressed, your toddler may feel neglected while you’re still home, and abandoned once you’ve left. Also try to avoid rushing around frantically at the last minute. This will not only leave you feeling frazzled but could transmit a sense of anxiety and upheaval to your toddler. At least fifteen minutes before you leave, sit down with your child and read a story, so a puzzle, or build a house with blocks. If you simply don’t have the time to get ready in advance, get ready together. Set out some toys or dress-up clothes for your toddler to play while you dry your hair and put on clothes
Get your toddler busy before you get going. Set up an engaging activity which your toddler and the baby-sitter can enjoy doing together. Taking this approach may not keep your toddler from crying when you leave, but it will give them something to go back to once you’re gone
Leave your toddler with a reminder of you. Whether it’s your pillow, your afghan, a snapshot of you in a lucite frame, or a lipstick-print kiss on the back of the hand, having a little something of yours to keep close may help your toddler deal with the separation. However, if the babysitter reports that the reminder seems to make your toddler miss you more, skip it
Leave the dramatic farewell scenes to the movies. Keep your exit casual. If you’re harboring feelings of apprehension or guilt, keep them well-hidden. As briefly as possible, explain to your child that you are going out, and that you’ll be back soon – try to use the same lines you used on practice outings to the next room. Promise a favorite activity when you return, if she’ll still be awake (“When I get home, we can read a book”) or for the next morning, if she won’t be, and plan to keep that promise. Choose a light parting phrase on your way out (“See you later, alligator,” is a favorite; eventually, you can teach your toddler to respond, “After a while, crocodile”), and use it every time you leave the house
Have your toddler wave you on your way. If there’s a window in your home that faces the street, the driveway, or the parking lot you’ll be leaving from, have the baby-sitter take your toddler to it so they can wave good bye. Even if there’s a lot of sobbing with the waving or your child refuses to wave at all, smile convincingly, wave enthusiastically, and leave
Arrange for your child and the baby-sitter to leave with you, when feasible. Sometimes that’s easier for a toddler. If your baby-sitter takes your toddler to the park or to a play date at a friend’s house, and they leave the house with you, your child may not feel so deserted. Be sure to make it clear that you’re going out, too. Otherwise, should they get home ahead of you, your toddler may be shocked to find that you’re not there. What’s more, she may become reluctant to leave the house without you in the future.
