As the mother of three, I've been through more pairs of shoes than I could possibly count.
The ones that hang in there seem to have a handful of things in common. Look for these five things the next time you shop for toddler shoes, and you'll have a pair that will last.
* First, make sure you find a pair that is well made. Even the cutest shoes will sit in the closet if they don't hold up. Take a look at seams to make sure they are stitched, not glued. Fasteners should be sturdy and capable of lots of hard work. The inner and outer soles should be firmly attached, and the same goes for decorations.
* Second, make sure the shoes are the right size. Measure your child's feet using a sizing chart, and then find the corresponding size. Don't buy a pair that is too big (they'll be uncomfortable and can result in more trips and falls). Beware of poking on the top of the shoes to try to locate your child's toes as a measurement guide -- toddlers tend to curl their toes and this isn't a reliable measurement.
* Third, flexible shoes are the best for toddlers. A thick-soled or hard shoe will not be as comfortable or as safe for your little one. The more flexible, the better and more comfortable they will be.
* Fourth, I recommend that you steer clear of character-related shoes. Your toddler may not like the character forever. Also, unique shoes are much easier to find if your child takes them off (but last year everybody had Cars or Disney Princess shoes). Trust me, your child's daycare provider will love you for this one.
* Fifth, try to find a shoe that your toddler will be able to put on by herself. Toddlers love to be able to do things for themselves -- and parents need every time-saving moment they can get. A shoe that you don't need to tie or buckle will quickly become a favorite.
So next time you shop for shoes, be on the lookout for ones that meet these five criteria. The best toddler shoes are definitely out there, but sometimes it takes a sharp parent to find them!
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