Signs It’s Time To Upgrade To New Baby Shoes

Baby shoes are the foundation for heaps of first adventures. That’s why savvy parents like you should find out if you need to get your little one a new pair (maybe even a couple). If you want to know if you’re taking a step in the right direction, feel free to check out the following telltale signs:

Sign #1: Toddler shoes are too tight

Baby’s toes are positioned against the shoe frame

First, take a look at whether or not their toes are pressed against the front of the baby sneakers or baby sandals. If so, this is a clear red flag showing that the shoes are constrictive since tight shoes can lead to discomfort and potentially interfere with proper foot development. 

It’s crucial to ensure there’s a thumb’s width of room at the front of the shoe to allow for natural movement and growth.

Visible marks or red spots on the feet after wearing

These marks or redness, particularly around the toes or ankles, suggest that the shoes are causing pressure on these sensitive areas. Pesky persistent marks can lead to long-term discomfort or even skin damage, highlighting the need for a speedy size upgrade to alleviate these stress points.

Difficulty in putting the shoes on or taking them off

If it is not easy to put on baby shoes or take them off your baby’s feet, it suggests that these kids shoes are too small and tightly fitted.

Firm and stiff motions when putting on or taking off baby footwear can cause discomfort and may even lead to pain, making your little one hesitant to wear shoes. Just like baby hats and other apparel, baby shoes should be easy to wear, which means a larger size is needed if there’s resistance.

Sign #2: Worn-out soles

Uneven wear patterns, especially on the heels

Keep an eye on those heels! If you start to see more wear on the base compared to other parts of the baby shoes, it’s a heads-up that your ball of sunshine isn’t getting the support they need anymore.

Uneven wear can mean the shoes are starting to give out where it matters most, which might change how your little one trots around. It’s crucial for those tiny feet to have the right backing to keep every step comfy, safe, and filled with excitement.

Lack of grip, leading to slips or falls

Is your toddler sliding around more than usual? When hard or soft sole shoes wear down, they lose their grip, turning smooth floors into slippery slopes. This can be a bit of a slide show, especially for babies who are just getting the hang of walking. 

With this in mind, good traction is super important for keeping your adventurous tot upright and on track during their daily activities. After all, you want them to be able to wear stylish baby headwear when they’re out and about, not a bulky helmet. 

Sign #3: Damage or fraying 

Tears or rips in the fabric or leather

Babies are tough on their gear, and damaged shoes can quickly become uncomfortable or even unsafe.

Regular inspections for any deterioration are key, particularly as your little one starts moving more each day. Keep in mind that if the fabric shows signs of tearing, it’s more than just a cosmetic issue – it could expose delicate feet to rough edges, leading to discomfort or injury.

Loose stitching or detached parts

Unlike baby bows that sit tightly near your little one’s body, stray threads and detached parts in baby or infant shoes are not just minor annoyances. Baby shoes that start to fall apart can pose a tripping hazard and also fail to provide the necessary support. Check the stitching regularly, including the ones along the seams and around the sole. 

Visible wear on the toe box or around the ankle

Scratches, scuffs, and flattening at the toe box show that the shoe is losing its shape and protective qualities. Fraying or material degradation around the ankle also reveals a loss of support, which is crucial for stability as your child experiences the wonderful environment around them.

At the end of the day, watching for all these wear-and-tear tales is key to keeping your little traveller safe and snug in their small steps. Baby shoes should be sturdy playmates that handle all the running, jumping, and playing without missing a beat.

So, whether they’re baby athletic shoes or baby booties, make sure those kicks are up to the challenge and ready to support your child’s next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the right age to start putting shoes on my baby?

Hold off on the shoes until those little feet are ready to walk! Babies typically don’t need shoes until they start walking around, usually somewhere between eight and 18 months.

Until then, barefoot is great indoors since it helps with grip and lets those tiny toes develop naturally. If you’re keen, you can check out baby accessories at this time. Then, once your little one starts standing or cruising along furniture, it’s time to look for their first pair of baby shoes here at Best&Less.

How do I measure my baby’s feet for shoes?

If you want to make sure those new shoes fit, here’s how to measure those teeny stompers at home:

1. Have your baby place their feet on a piece of paper and trace around each foot. Standing ensures you get the full size as their feet spread under weight.
2. Use a ruler to measure from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe. Don’t just eyeball things since each cm counts when they’re this small.
3. Measure across the widest part of the foot to ensure those new kicks won’t squeeze those chubby feet. This is important since width tends to vary for each baby.
4. Lastly, match these measurements against a baby shoe size chart, which can easily be found in the listings when you shop for affordable baby shoes online at Best&Less.

What are the differences between soft-soled and hard-soled baby shoes?

Choosing the right type of shoe is all about where your little one is on their walking adventure, so here’s the distinct difference:

• Soft-soled shoes. Suitable for pre-walkers and early walkers. These shoes are super flexible and mimic being barefoot, which helps with balance and sensory development.
• Hard-soled shoes. Once your kiddo is walking confidently and venturing outdoors, it’s time to upgrade to something sturdier. Hard-soled shoes offer more protection and support for those adventurous little ones.

Shop at Best&Less to enjoy our promises

On top of the baby shoes from all sorts of brands, we at Best&Less also have a wide range of baby beanies, tops, bottoms, and so much more. 

Regardless of what you’re looking for, you can keep coming back to us since we have stringent safety and quality assurance. In line with this, we champion ethical sourcing practices and are deeply devoted to animal welfare. This means we avoid products with real fur and are all for cruelty-free testing. 

Last but not least, if any of the items you buy don’t quite live up to your expectations or if you’ve simply had a change of mind, feel free to maximise our 100 Day Quality Guarantee for returns and refunds.

Get started with Best&Less and enjoy quality products at unbeatable prices!