Walking Shoes

My son has EXTRA wide feet and we used Stride Rite stores, and we started using Pedipeds when he was about 9/10 months old and was cruising by holding onto furniture.

Around the house we always did bare feet, but when we'd go outside and walk around at the store or backyard or park we'd do shoes. My son's Podiatrist said that infants do well when soft shoes are introduced slowly and for short periods of time beginning around the cruising phase.

Check out their website for locations www.striderite.com...or if you feel like an adventure head up to the Camarillo Outlets. I love their staff and we make the trek from Valencia every 2-3 months for new shoes. Plus, there are a lot of other great stores for infants...Carter, Baby Gap.

Good Luck!

Hi K.,
No shoes are best right now. But once he is walking around he'll need shoes for outside - in the house no shoes are best. You want to go with reputable brands. Stride Rite is great because they are a good sturdy shoe and they are not too expensive. You want the shoe to be sturdy but flexible to bend when they walk. If you get down to the SF Valley you can go to Harry Harris in Encino. They are expensive but worth it to keep your kid in good shoes.

Good luck.

Oh my goodness. Whoever told you he needs "walking shoes".
He just needs a little shoe to keep his feet warm in cool weather, and bare foot in summer is fine. Try just little tennies.

Try Robeez, they are soft and flexible. You can find them at Nordstrom.

Hi K., the best thing for a 9 month old, and any child, is bare feet. He will have better grip,and balance with his feet. Shoes can actually be a hinderence to walking this early. Wait until at least 1 yr before putting shoes on him.
K. Smith
Parenting Coach and Sleep Consultant
www.theindependentchild.com

Robeez WERE great for that in-between time and you can find those online anywhere but they are a bit pricey at often $30/piece. I have b/g twins 20 months old and I buy loads of shoes at Babys R Us (I know there's one in Simi) and Target!