Kiddie Shoes

Of all the clothing you buy for your children, shoes are the most important.

When they are babies, shoes are a relatively easy buy. You need to ensure that they are not too tight, have a little growing room, and are made of breathable material so the feet can breathe.

Keep their feet warm. This is especially important when out in a pram or pushchair which has no cover over their feet.

Baby and toddler feet are quite soft and will mould to whatever they are put into. This is particularly true when they begin to walk so it's essential to make sure that toddlers shoes are supportive, fit well, have growing room and are checked for size every few months.

The shoes should be wider at the toe than the heel and there should be a strap or fastening over the instep so they don't have to grip and curl their toes to keep the shoes on. Good makes will offer a range of width fittings because not everyone's feet are the same.

Comfort does not have to mean chunky or clunky. Many shoe manufacturers and famous designers create children's shoes which are very fashionable and attractive and still comfortable and practical. However, given the rate at which babies' feet grow, if funds are tight you might want to put practicality above fashion. Having said that, designer baby shoes do not all cost a fortune and you can often pick up bargain at on-line auctions such as eBay.