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Buying shoes for your child is always tough.  How can I tell if they fit correctly?  Which shoes should I buy for my baby? How will I know I am buying the right size?  How fast will a she outgrow her shoes?  How can I tell it is time for a new pair? Thankfully, there are ways to know if you are buying the right shoes for your little one.

How can I tell if they fit correctly?

A shoe should hug the foot, never dig into it.  There should always be at least a thumbnail’s width of space between the tip of the shoe and your child’s big toe to allow for growth.  Toes should not feel cramped together inside the shoe; if this is the case, your child may need a wider width.

Which shoes should I buy for my baby?

Newborns and infants should wear soft-soled shoes, preferably a style that does not require lacing. Laura Ashley offers stylish silhouettes for baby girls with Velcro closures. This allows for circulation and movement and will not constrict growth or wiggling toes. These shoes can be worn until a child begins to walk.

For toddlers beginning to walk it was once recommended that a child wear a shoe with a sturdy, harder sole that offered support around the ankle.  Nowadays, shoes with a flexible sole that mimic a child’s natural step are suggested.

How will I know I am buying the right size? The right size shoe should fit comfortably around the toes and the heel/ankle.  If one foot is a larger size than the other, purchase the size that fits the bigger foot.  Use sole inserts to adjust the other shoe.  Using inserts can also help if you purchase a shoe that is a tad too big.  This is a good idea if you are planning on buying big.  It will also help prevent blisters on the feet and heel.

How fast will a she outgrow her shoes? 

A child’s feet should be measured on average once every three months.  This is usually a good estimate of how fast a child will outgrow her shoes.

Shoes that fit perfectly are a good sign you need to purchase a new pair in a bigger size (even if it’s been less than three months since her last fitting).  Some children grow faster than others and sudden growth spurts can happen at any time!  Another indicator that it’s time for a bigger size is scuff marks on the toe box where toes are pushed against it.

Now you're ready to shop! Click here for a listing retailers carrying Laura Ashley children's shoes.