Parenting Forums

Posted: 31 March 2007 at 12:42pm | IP Logged

I know I have out a topic like this on before, but I've just had a bounty update book through the post (which is actually really good and full of information).

Anyway, it says that you shouldn't get them fitted for shoes until they can walk outside (obviously) and to leave it as long as possible before getting them.

Is this right? I thought when they wore shoes, it helped their feet develope properly?

x

Posted: 31 March 2007 at 3:56pm | IP Logged

Clarkes do several ranges of shoes starting with crawlers, which are very soft leather just for crawling round, cruisers which have a bit more too them for when they start to walk and then walkers for when they're fully walking etc.

We got some cruisers when Ella started to walk as she liked to have a go outside - although not for long. The cruisers are sturdy enough to protect the feet outside but aren't as strong as full walkers.

I'd recommend the cruisers as they suport the feet and with Ella, they helped her with her balance and confidence outside.

hth

Posted: 31 March 2007 at 4:09pm | IP Logged

Yup ditto, we got Madeleine the cruiser shoes at about 9 months and she was able to walk across the room unaided and they protected her feet whilst outside more than the soft bootees she was wearing until then. 

I think the general recommendation is that you don't put them into anything other than socks etc until they can do about 19 steps on their own (not holding onto furniture) but don't quote me on that as I can't remember where I gleaned that little titbit of info from.

Until they really start batting about outside I think that cruisers are best as you don't run the risk of restricting the feet as they grow.  However we ended up getting her a pair of Clarkes first shoes when she was 11 months old and bombing about outside, but we had and still have her feet measure every month to ensure that they still fit as her feet have been growing really fast, she is now in a child size 8 and isn't two until the beginning of May.  It really does depend on the individual child and what their own requirements are, very expensive occupation this child business.  

Posted: 31 March 2007 at 4:52pm | IP Logged

Clarkes do do a good pre walking range but with all other shoes its recommended you do not put your child in proper shoes untill they have been walking properly for 6 months.

Wearing shoes too early can damage childrens feet not help them develop properly.  This is because the bones in the childs feet are still soft so they would mould themselves to the shape of the shoe and not grow right.

Love Trudi.  xx