Should babies wear shoes when learning to walk?

The average baby starts walking around 15 months of age. Some babies walk earlier and some walk later. Before they learn to walk they practice walking. As a mom, I have found that everyone wants to give you advice on everything. As your baby learns to walk people will tell you to either keep shoes on or off of your baby so that your baby can learn to walk. Doctors and specialists go back and forth between the two themselves.

To shoe: If your baby has shoes on it is said to give the baby a little more stability in standing. Shoes have a grip that keeps babies from slipping on the floor. Baby gets used to wearing shoes and gain confidence in his walking. Stride Rite has a walker shoe (that many of your parents may have bronzed because it was your first shoe). It's a cute white shoe (they have an entire line, but the white shoe is what they are known for) that helps the baby get used to wearing shoes as well as giving him grip and stability when walking. These specialty shoes can run about $40, but any sturdy soled shoe can work. It is important to find the right size. Personally, my son felt more comfortable walking in shoes, but didn't like to crawl in them. We did not purchase the Stride Rite shoe, but instead an off-brand sneaker.

Not to shoe: If your baby stays barefoot his little toes can grip the floor. His feet will also develop muscles that give him a little more stability in standing. This is a more natural way of learning since babies are born without shoes.

Socks and footed pajamas: Both of these articles of clothing create a slippery walking environment for your baby. I wouldn't want your baby to fall or to lose confidence.

The verdict: It really doesn't matter; your baby will learn to walk at his or her own pace. Whatever you decide as a parent is what will be best for your child. Next time someone tells you that your child needs shoes or should be barefoot, tell them that research supports both.