Is My Baby Ready for Shoes?

My baby is 8 months old and already likes to stand with a little help. Is now the right time to get him used to wearing shoes?
– Maria

It's exciting to see your baby getting ready for his first steps, but hold off on that first pair of tiny shoes until he is walking. Shoes are mainly for protecting a baby's feet, especially when walking outdoors. Putting shoes on sooner won't help your baby learn to walk any faster or better. In fact, shoes that have hard, inflexible soles can make it harder for him to learn to walk because they restrict natural foot movement.

For now, barefoot is still best for your baby's foot development. A pair of socks or booties with non-skid soles is also fine for chilly toes. When your baby starts walking, choose shoes that:

• are lightweight and flexible (remember to avoid hard, stiff shoes that restrict foot movement)
• fit well (aren't too loose or too tight)
• have non-skid soles