Shoes for pre-walker?

[stinkyfeet]

I was at a group playdate yesteday, and one of the moms mentioned that shoes are not good for babies until they start walking because it can interfere with foot development. I was wondering if she is correct. I have one pair of Pedipeds for DS who is 8 months old. I only use them we we go out and about to keep his socks on and feet warm in the winter. Should I wait until DS is walking to use his Pedipeds? Or is my minimal usage ok?

[SnuggleBuggles]

Ideally baby would be barefoot whenever possible so that they can really get the necessary tactile sensations. So, if you are only doing limited shoe time I think you are fine. Pedipeds are much better than traditional shoes too b/c the sole is nice and thin. Robeez might be even better in terms of thin-ness but I think you are fine. Btw, I did limited shoes all the time, even once he started to walk, because I wanted him to get the barefoot benefits.

Beth

[carolinamama]

We have always been really happy with Robeez but I am sure that you are fine with Pedipeds especially if they are in limited use. It is really the hard-sole shoes that you want to be careful about and making sure that they get time barefoot too.

[HIU8]

When DS was a baby and we would go out I had the robeez knockoffs he wore to keep his socks on and his feet warm under his winter bunting. I did do "shoes" on a couple of occasions but mostly as something cute to go with his outfit (a dinner out with family once). Other than that he went barefoot. I would think the occassional use of pedipeds for warmth in the winter when you are out would be ok.

[brittone2]

Barefoot when possible is ideal. Soft soles are great for when you can't have them barefoot.

Shoes can definitely adversely impact a toddler developing balance and walking. Kids need to be able to feel the floor through the soles of their feet. THey need to be able to spread and flex their toes as part of their balance reactions. Shoes impair that ability. Hard soles waaaay more than soft soles. But barefoot time is really great when you can do it

I worked in early intervention as a physical therapist pre-kids so it is a topic near and dear to me But yeah, using them to keep socks on and feet warm this time of the year when out of the house is totally fine

[stinkyfeet]

Thanks for the imput! We tried Robeez, but DS is a chubby baby, and I thought they were too tight on him

[Kestrel]

Thanks for the question, and the answer! That was just what I was coming to ask.
Daycare is demanding that we bring shoes, though DS has never worn them before. (He's ten mo this week.) Should I push back? They take the kids outside for 15-20 min twice a day (DS is only there for one of these times) in the 11 mo - 18 mo room. We only need them to keep his socks on, and his feet warm. Is one brand better? How do I know what size???

[brittone2]

Whatever is flexible and fits well is good. Robeez or similar styles (Target has knockoffs, Shoeszoo on ebay has knockoffs, etc). If you can try at a real life store that is helpful. Many sites have a size chart that you can measure up with how many inches long your DC's foot is.

So daycare just wants the shoes for outside? I'd just bring them for 15-20 mins a day. If they want him to wear them all day you can discuss it more with them. I'm sure some mamas here have some experience w/ dealing with day care insisting on shoes. If they insisted on *hard* soled shoes (some do!), I would *definitely* push back.

You could also do something like the Hanna Mocs or Nowali mocs for indoor use (thin leather sole like robeez, but the top is like a knitted sock. If they wear these outside, it will attract mulch and dirt on the knitted portion though).