Some babies enjoy wearing shoes, but others fidget or protest by kicking or crying. Follow the steps below to put shoes on your toddler with minimal resistance.
Measure your child's shoe size
Before you purchase shoes for your one-year-old, it is important to ensure that you have the correct size. Trying to put on shoes of the wrong size may cause your baby to scream or resist during future dressings. If you live near a store for baby shoes and clothes, take the time to have your baby's feet measured every six months.
- Have a professional measure your child's feet. Professional fitters can give the most precise measure of your child's size.
- Print out a foot chart to measure your child's feet. For times in between professional measurements, or when purchasing shoes over the internet, having a printed chart can be essential to purchasing the correct size.
Select shoes your child likes
Some children who refuse to wear shoes may be swayed by footwear that displays a favorite television character or cartoon animal. Choosing a pair of shoes that appeals to your child can make the difference between a peaceful dressing and a bout of crying and screaming.
- Think of your child's tastes in animals and colors. If your child loves alligators or monkeys or ducks, search for a pair of shoes online or in stores that fits his or her tastes. If your child loves sparkly and bright colors, opt for sequined or glittery shoes.
- Take your child with you when you shop for his or her shoes. If your child gravitates toward a particular pair or style of shoe when you are at the store, purchase them. When your child likes what you will be trying to make him or her wear, there may be less resistance to the act; in fact, your child may even enjoy wearing the shoes.
Develop a routine for putting shoes on your child
Babies are more likely to cooperate with wearing shoes if you make the process an unremarkable routine. Establishing a routine will also reduce the time needed to put shoes on your one year old if you are ever in a hurry to get out the door.
- Experiment with positions for you and your baby. Some children prefer to sit or stand while their shoes are put on, while others prefer to be held. Depending on the preferences of your child, you should select a position that is convenient for you and comfortable for your child.
- If you prefer to hold your child, sit with your child facing away from you on your lap.
- Consider the place you put on the shoes. Young children should not typically wear shoes to allow for proper foot development.
- If you will be taking your baby to a public place or would like to protect his or her feet from environmental hazards, consider making a habit of putting on the shoes when your baby is in the stroller or car.
- If you will be taking your baby on a walk outdoors and the weather or environment would not be safe for your child's feet, consider making a habit of putting on the shoes near the door.
- Distract your baby during the process if necessary. Some babies can be entertained easily with a stuffed animal, blanket, song, hat, or toy while you slip on the shoes.
- Practice makes perfect with infants; if your child resists significantly with your first few tries, wait 15 minutes and try again, or bring them with you to put on before you set your child on his or her feet in public.
Edit Warnings
- Put shoes on your child only when necessary or for special occasions. Otherwise, allow him or her to be barefoot or only in stockings or slippers.
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