What to Consider when Buying Toddlers Sneakers

Your little one has finally taken their first steps! This means it’s time to start looking for some good quality toddlers’ sneakers. While there are a variety of different options out there for your little tot, buying toddlers’ sneakers is not as easy and glamorous as it seems. There are many important components of the little one’s new sneakers to consider. (Information credit - https://shooshoos.co.za/collections/toddler-sneakers)

Since your toddler is still in the beginning stages of learning to walk, it’s important that you purchase the right pair of toddlers’ sneakers. To prevent making the common mistakes of some newbie parents, take these factors into consideration on your next toddlers’ sneakers shopping-spree.

The first, and most obvious, factor to consider, before purchasing toddlers’ sneakers, is the design of the sneaker. The sneaker should naturally follow the shape of your toddler’s foot. This means that the toe-box of the toddlers’ sneaker should be relatively wide, with a square or round shape. The materials of the sneaker are also an important factor, as they need to be flexible and breathable. Your toddlers’ sneakers mustn’t be too stiff. This may impede the development of your little one’s foot. In terms of breathable materials, stick to more leather or mesh crafted toddlers’ sneakers. Toddlers’ feet need to breathe just like ours do.

Next, and just as important, the fit. A common mistake often made by newbie parents, is purchasing toddlers’ sneakers bigger than the little one’s foot. If the sneaker is too big, your toddler will not only be uncomfortable, but also more prone to trips and falls. As tempting as it may be to buy toddlers’ sneakers a size bigger, don’t. The little slips and stumbles may lead to ankle damage.

When looking for the perfect fit for the toddlers’ sneakers, you have two options: you can either get them professionally fitted in-store, which is recommended, or you can do the pinkie test at home. This means using your pinkie to measure how much space there is in the toe-box of your toddlers’ sneakers. A pinkie width of room between the tips of the toes and tip of the toddlers’ sneakers means that the sneakers fit well.

Never assume that the toddlers’ sneakers still fit perfectly. Either do the pinkie test or consistently check your toddlers’ feet for any red bumps, marks or indents. These are a sign that your little one needs bigger toddlers’ sneakers.

Finally, while it may be cute to have a matching pair of sneakers for the family, always ensure that the toddlers’ sneaker has been designed specifically for a toddler, and that it isn’t just a ‘smaller version’ of an adult shoe. If toddlers’ sneakers are not specifically crafted for a toddlers’ foot, they may not have the features and benefits required for gait development.

As I mentioned above, there are a variety of different factors to consider before buying your little one their first few pairs of toddlers’ sneakers. If you take these into account, your mind can be at ease knowing you bought the right pair of toddlers’ sneakers for your little tot.

About This Author

Tony Pearson Joined: March 13th, 2019