Those precious, faltering first steps are a milestone moment you will hold in your heart forever. Your little one is beginning their fascinating journey from baby to toddler and life as you know it is about the change for you both!

At birth a baby’s tiny foot is predominantly soft, malleable cartilage, which gradually turns to bone and hardens (ossifies) as they grow. This process is not complete until the late teens, highlighting just how vulnerable young feet can be to the persistent pressure of ill-fitting shoes.
At this early stage of walking there really is no rush to put shoes on their feet. The sole of the foot has more nerve-endings per square centimetre than anywhere else on your body. This sensitive surface sends vital information to the brain about the ground underfoot, particularly crucial during these early explorations.

As your child learns about balance and figures out how to align their body, allowing as much direct contact between their foot and the floor, either barefoot or in a pair of socks with grips, will help them develop a good posture.
The time to think about shoes is when your little one wants to be on their feet outside, therefore in need of some protection. A pair of lightweight, super soft and flexible prewalkers, with a water-repellent sole, will be just the job. They will protect and keep the foot warm, while allowing it to move naturally. If your child is doing a combination of crawling and walking, a pair of prewalkers with toe protection will help prevent against scuffs.

The feet are growing pretty rapidly at this age and the fit of their shoes should be checked every 6-8 weeks. It’s unlikely they will need new shoes every time, however, it is vital to be sure their little toes are not being squashed.
Prewalkers are suitable for cruising and the first six weeks of independent, unassisted walking. The time to consider a more structured and supportive shoe, is when they start to move at greater speed, creating more of an impact with each step. At this stage a slightly thicker, but still flexible, sole with more shock-absorbency is appropriate.

Over the years there will be plenty of opportunity to buy a whole range of shoes, now is the time to take it slow and let them find their feet.

About CeCe & Me
My name is Sam and CeCe & Me is my solution to the horror that was taking my toddlers to buy new shoes. I didn’t have a clue but was totally unimpressed by the information I was given and the range of shoes on offer. My aim is to make kids shoe fitting convenient and stress-free for parents and fun and relaxed for children.

I want to help parents to feel confident about the choices they are making about their children’s footwear and am always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Website: www.ceceandme.co.uk
Facebook/Instagram: @ceceandmelondon