Is it true that babies need to wear shoes sometimes so their feet will develop normally?
No, babies don’t need shoes to help their feet develop or to help them stand or walk. Teeny high-tops and Mary Janes are adorable, but they’re more of a hindrance than a help when it comes to practicing walking skills. The only purpose of a real shoe at this age is to protect tiny feet once your child is walking – from hot, rough, sharp, or splintery surfaces, for example. By allowing the feet to feel the floor or ground, going shoeless actually helps kids develop their balance, strength, and coordination. So even after your child starts toddling, you can leave the sturdy shoes at the door while your little one works on walking. If the surface is chilly, have your child walk around in something flexible, thin-soled, and not at all restrictive, such as socks, booties, or soft-soled baby shoes. If it’s warm enough, walking barefoot indoors — or even outdoors, on safe surfaces — can be fun. Your child’s tender tootsies are likely to enjoy the sensation of various surfaces, from soft sand
