Remember that what we do about shoes has more to do with our own experiences and cultural beliefs than anything else. There are many right ways to do it. Remember that the foot is a strong and complex part of the body, built to carry our body s weight, grip surfaces and balance the rest of our body perfectly. Feet which have had a chance to engage in normal baby movements like crawling, kicking, pushing, flexing, are plenty strong enough to support a newly walking baby. The idea that a normally-developing baby requires shoes for support is not based on a baby s physical needs.
Shoes can provide certain kinds of protection.
Baby s feet are, however, sensitive. They don t have the calluses that adult feet have developed over the years. They are sensitive to heat and other potentially sharp or painful surfaces. If your baby is going to be walking outside in the sun or on rough terrain, shoes provide the necessary protection. Learn how premature babies benefit from contact.