Evening star., 1942-11-20
Infants First
Shoes Must
Be Sturdy
Hard Soles, Soft
Ubbers Offer
Support
By Leffice Lee Street,

Dear Mrs. Street,: We have the
cutest baby boy and he has started
to walk at 1872 months. I bought
him a pair of shoes but a frienc
of mine told me that they were not
right because the soles are soft
They have kid soles like the tops
thought this would be good fol
the baby's feet because it would be
the closest thing to being bare
footed. But now I am in doubt
about my decision since my friends
remarks. Will you be so kind as te
tell me what really is the proper
first shoe for a baby?
MRS. A. S. r.
Yours is very intelligent ques-
ton, and hope my reply will help
fully answer this query which may
be present also in the minds of many
young mothers like yourself Some
people just do not seem to under
stand how much there is to learn
about a baby, but every mother
does! There are many, many ques-
tions she should not answer on
guess-work, but to which she should
seek and discover the true solutions
Correct shoes for all ages is one care
that no mother should pass over
lightly.
Babies vary a great deal as to
when they start pulling themselves
up to a standing position in their
cribs or play pens, when they start
to creep, or to propel themselves
along with their little hands and
feet while they are in a sitting
position, and when they finally
stand unsupported and attempt
those exciting first steps. Girls are
likely to crawl and walk sooner
than boys.
At 9 to 10 months most babies
will stand holding on to a chair or
to their crib side, and by the 18th
month they are staggering along
on fat, uncertain legs for a few
hazardous steps alone.
During all of this procedure the
feet, ankles and legs are getting
exercise, and the muscles are de-
veloping. Please do not urge or force
your baby to walk.
1t Is too bad, but still true, that
not all infants are born with perfect
feet. The complex and delicate
structure of the foot is just as liable
to inherited or congenital weak
nesses as any other part of the
body. But, through proper care a
mother may certainly strengthen
her baby's feet and thus lessen the
possibility of foot ailments in later
years.
Planning for foot health in tiniest
infanthood. a mother should let her
baby'S feet be unconfned, he needs
plenty of kicking room. His little
socks should be amply long so he
can Wiggle his toes with comfort.
Even slight pressure. if constantly
eXerted, can affect the soft bones
of baby's foot.
When he is creeping, little shoes
such as you described, Mrs. A. S. R.,
are quite all right for him to wear,
and are protection against
splinters. But when, at eight or
nine months a little child stands up,
he needs a shoe of heavier construc-
ton.
The first real shoes baby wears
should have hard soles, as these give
more purchase against the floor
They should be wide across the toe
with a straight inner line so that
his toes will not be pinched inward
but will be allowed to flare out as
nature intended.
Some doctors think that a low
shoe is best as this gives free play
to the ankle, while others think that
a soft upper part to the shoe lends
support and still allows the ankle
ample freedom. Personally, prefer
firm soles and soft uppers.
Be most cautious that both shoes
and socks are big enough.