Clarks babies pre-walking shoes hub
Pre-Walking
Did you know our feet make up almost a quarter of the bones in our body? This means your baby's feet will eventually develop 26 bones and 33 joints. So, it's important to make sure their shoes support their current stage of development. For the first six months, little feet kick happily until your baby’s neck and back become strong enough to support them sitting upright. Once they’re sitting comfortably (usually around six months), they won’t stay put for long! There are two stages most babies go through before taking their first steps: crawling and cruising. It’s important their shoes support each stage of development.
What is the cruising stage?
Cruising is when your baby uses anything they can to pull themselves up onto their feet, such as the sofa, your hand or – if they’re best buds – the dog! This is a special stage since it tends to happen right before your baby’s first steps – which is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most precious milestones.
Once your baby’s legs are strong enough to stand, the protective fat layer on their feet keeps the soft bones safe until they fuse later in childhood. Pre-walking is a sign that your tiny cruiser is becoming more independent, and by learning how to shift their weight and balance while taking steps, they’re preparing themselves for the walking stage.
How to help your baby learn to cruise
Stages and milestones are an exciting time, and while our little ones will do everything at their own pace, there are some things you can do to give them more cruising opportunities.
To help your baby move around, try creating a path of safe furniture for them to grab hold of. The last thing we want is for tiny feet to get hurt, so make sure that everything in the room is safe to be grabbed and remove anything that has the potential to topple over. Mirrors and toys are lots of fun and can be an incentive for your little one to start cruising. Try taking a few steps away from your baby and holding out their favourite toy to encourage them to wobble forwards. It’s a trick that works almost every time!
What age does cruising occur?
Generally speaking, cruising will occur between 11- and 13-months – but it’s worth remembering that every baby is unique, and all children develop at their own pace. In fact, it’s totally possible that your little one may even skip the crawling stage and go straight into cruising, so buckle up and expect the unexpected!
What are cruising shoes?
Cruising shoes are the best shoes for babies starting to walk, and since they provide excellent support for the foot, you will be able to relax knowing that your little one’s feet are protected from bumps and scrapes. Pre-walker shoes also help to support your little one’s feet and ankles as they learn how to balance and shift their weight, increasing their confidence. Clarks cruising shoes are designed specifically for tiny feet that are just beginning to take their first steps. From soft suede trainers to cute patent sandals, you'll find a range of styles and designs to suit every little cruiser.
Pre-Walking Shoes
Our First Shoes are inspired by barefoot freedom and movement. They provide growing feet with only the necessary support to develop healthily and happily.
Padded collars for ankle support
Lightweight flexible soles for free movement
Adjustable rip-tape for easy on/off
Breathable leather linings provide a healthy foot environment
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