Do my kids NEED real shoes.

Blessed Momma's post got me thinking....

My girls just started walking this week (11.5 mo--I'm doomed!!)

I have a few pairs of shoes and ugg-like boots for when we go out, but they are in a stroller when we are out, not running around. I don't put shoes on at home. It's fall/winter so we won't be out playing at parks or anything. Do they NEED real walking shoes now or would it be a waste? Should I just wait till spring when they will be walking more and actually walking in public places/park, etc?

Re: Do my kids NEED real shoes.

I have read that it is better for them to start walking without shoes or socks. That being said, I did not buy "real" shoes for DD until she was over a year old, when it started to get warmer out and we were going outside.

Do my kids NEED real shoes.

I have also heard from several people and in my own research that it is better to not put shoes on them when you are at home. If you are out and about and they will be walking then they need shoes.

I didn't buy DD real shoes until she was full time walking and would not sit in the stroller anymore. She only wears shoes out of the house.

Do my kids NEED real shoes.

We just bought DD her 1st pair of real shoes and she's 16 months. I, too, have heard that it's best to let them walk around barefoot, at home. But, we started taking her to the park, so she needed them.

Re: Do my kids NEED real shoes.

OK cool! I just saved $70 lol

I keep them in the stroller at all costs right now. They rarely try getting out (yet). I'll just put their Fuggs in this winter and worry about sneakers in the spring. I never have shoes on them in the house.

Message edited 9/26/2013 1:52:59 PM.

Do my kids NEED real shoes.

DS just started walking and we got him stride rite walking shoes. I like to take him outside and walk with I'm down the block. Also when we go to the park he likes to walk around. If you don't plan on really having them walk outside then save yourself the money! When I went to stride rite a few weeks ago they had a buy one get one 60% off. So I got 2 pairs for $40.

Message edited 9/26/2013 12:20:20 PM.

Re: Do my kids NEED real shoes.

I agree w/ not needing shoes in the house. My DD had a pair of Stride Rite early walking shoes(the not so fashionable white ones) bc my 83 year old grandmother insisted on buying them for her! When she was around 14 months. Otherwise I wouldn't have bothered and she only wore them when we went out. Since then she's had plenty of summer shoes/sandals and some stride rite, some Payless, and always pink cons in her size! Lol.

Now she's 2 and I just bought her stride rite Mary Janes, and New Balance sneakers. I got her measured at Stride Rite but ordered the shoes from Shoes.com bc the prices were better.