Changing Your Way of Thinking About Baby Shoes

Have you given much thought to the type of shoes you purchase for your baby? The reality is that things have changed dramatically since the time you were an infant. In fact, it was only about 20 years ago that experts believed it was best for children to wear stiff shoes that provided a great deal of support while learning to walk. As a result, babies had their feet routinely stuffed into high top, stiff shoes that restricted their feet greatly.

It's All About the Rocking Motion

More recent research, however, has demonstrated that strong, high top shoes may not be as beneficial as we once thought. In a recent study conducted by the Connecticut Children's Medical Center, researchers concluded that babies learn to walk by using the same rocking heel-toe motion used by adults when walking. This was contrary to the previous belief that babies walked in a flat-footed stomping motion. Therefore, shoes with stiff, flat bottoms certainly are not in the best interest of a baby's developing foot.

The Ankles Have It All

The research conducted at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center also found that baby ankles are much stronger than once believed. In the past, shoe manufacturer's assumed baby ankles were weak and wobbly. Therefore, they need high top shoes that would provide them with extra support. Researchers found, however, that baby ankles are actually quite strong and stable from the beginning. Ultimately, the researchers concluded that walking barefooted is actually best when it comes to the development of a baby's foot.

Getting the Best of Both Worlds

Of course, most parents are not interested in letting their children walk around barefooted all the time. After all, walking around barefooted leaves your baby's feet exposed to germs, dirt and grime. Therefore, when purchasing shoes for your baby, be certain to look for those that are made of quality leather in order to provide protection while also having a soft, flexible sole that allows your baby's feet to grow and develop properly.

Shooshoos baby shoes are the best for little growing feet!