Guest Blog: Barefoot is Best

Experts have long agreed that barefoot is best for babies as they learn to walk. The reason is that the soles of the feet contain thousands of nerve endings that are more active when barefoot. Those nerve endings provide vital information to your baby’s brain to help them navigate safely. When your child can feel the surface, which is maximized when not wearing foot coverings, they learn more about the world around them.

For example, your baby needs to learn how the sand feels and how much harder it is to walk on. Water is slippery and can cause you to fall. How painful it is to step on something sharp. And, most importantly, how to balance and navigate on all kinds of surfaces without taking a tumble.

Often, parents will let their babies walk in socks, which I strongly advise against. Having treated many tots who slipped and fell walking in socks, I know serious harm can occur, such as head injuries, broken bones, and painful bruises. When a baby gets seriously hurt, it can delay their development, and many kids fear a return of the pain when they walk again.

If your child is starting to walk, let them go barefoot. When temperatures are too cold, and you feel the need for warmth, use socks or footed pajamas with a nonskid sole. Always pad sharp edges and remove glass-top coffee tables while your baby is in this stage of growth.

Babies typically do not need shoes until they are walking outside or require extra ankle support due to low muscle tone or significant delays in walking. In the meantime, barefoot walking is best!

Disclaimer: All information presented is general education and is not intended as specific

prescriptions for your child. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your baby’s development. If your child receives any intervention or therapy, this information is not

intended to be used without their knowledge.

Be on the lookout for Ginny's upcoming book, The New Mom’s Guide: Help and Hope for Baby’s First Year, coming in 2025. She is the mother of two grown sons, married to her college sweetheart, and enjoys hiking, camping, and reading. Connect at ginnycruz.com and subscribe to her blog and newsletter for more developmental tips.