Why is it so important for my child to wear Baby Paws^® baby shoes?

Beginning in 1985, our concern for health, safety and comfort has always been at the forefront of the design and manufacture of Baby Paws shoes. We adhere to internationally accepted standards, and use only top grade safe leather, suede, and other components in our shoes.

Baby Paws shoes are carefully handcrafted by mothers who understand the importance of quality and safety. They share our commitment to ensure that you and your baby get the best product and value for your hard-earned money.

Shoes and the Foot.

As a baby’s foot develops up to early childhood, it is vital for the “soft bone” cartilage, tissue, muscles, and nerves to have enough room to grow safely without restriction. When the infant stands up and takes it’s first tentative steps, the muscles in it’s feet begin to grip the floor and the toes separate to help it develop better balance and control. If the feet are restrained within a rigid or hard soled shoe, the toes cannot function as required. The muscles of the foot and ankle cannot develop the strength and flexibility necessary to support the child, and the vital flow of blood is restricted.

We recognise experts’ opinion that a baby does not need shoes for its foot development. Shoes are worn for protection, comfort and for dressing up.

Our health and safety features are unsurpassed by any footwear manufacturer worldwide.

Fit is critically important.

For safety sake, and for efficient foot development, it is important that shoes can be fastened just tight enough to stay on and to give your child sufficient “wiggle room” without hindering the development of the foot.

You should control the fit of the shoe by adjusting the fastening of the Velcro or the laces.

Your child’s feet are growing all the time. It is extremely important that his or her shoes  can be adjusted for proper fit as the feet grow over the weeks and months that the shoes are worn.

It is unhealthy for a foot to be stuck in the same shoe without adjustment all day. Feet tend to expand a little during the day. They also expand when the temperature is warmer.

Importantly, Baby Paws shoes, except for one style, offer either a Velcro type fastener, or laces. The Velcro type fastener is of the highest quality, and the laces are long enough to allow for a double knot.

Our shoes are designed and constructed as Shoes in the true sense of the word.

We do not market the “slipper” type shoe with an elasticated ankle which is so predominant in the market place. These cheaply made shoes often have differing ankle widths between shoes in the same pair, as well as differing widths and shapes from one pair to another. They cannot be properly adjusted to correctly fit each individual foot.

Correct Sizing.

Because we recognise that feet differ in size and shape, Baby Paws shoes are not only adjustable and easy to fit, but we also have an efficient range of sizes from size 0 for newborns up to size 6 for the 18 to 24 month old toddlers.

Up to 18 months of age, each Baby Paws size accommodates a 3 month age bracket. This ensures that shoes are safe to wear and are never too big and too heavy for the foot.

Some baby shoe manufacturers have a 6 month age bracket for each size. It is inconceivable to believe that a 2 week old and 6 month old baby would wear the same size shoe! From about 18 months, a 6 month size gap is acceptable.

The leather used in Baby Paws shoes is not too thick or too thin, and it has a gently brushed suede surface on the inside of the shoe. This aids comfort and absorption of perspiration and helps to prevent irritation from the movement of the foot. Because the leather “breathes,” it keeps the feet warm in winter and cool in summer. Our Nappa leather is specially made for us to our specifications. Unlike some of our competitors, we do not use offcuts from other applications.

Safe Leather and Components.

Our leather and components are non-toxic and are tested to ensure that they comply with standards such as the British and European Standard EN71-3, ASTM International Standard ASTM F 963-07and ASTM E1645, and also the International Organisation for Standardisation ISO/TS 17226:2003(E) and ISO 17075.

Our products pass the toxicity tests for substances such as Chromium VI,  Formaldehyde, Lead and Nickel content.

Your child's safety is important. Always examine shoes before buying in retail shops. Avoid shoddy made shoes found in packaging that does not show the manufacturer or supplier's physical address and contact details. The sewing and general appearance of the shoes must be neat and consistent, and the country of origin should be known for producing safe products.

Packaging should clearly indicate whether the shoes are made from leather or other material. Packaging and shoes are often clevery designed in order to give the false impression that the shoes are made from leather. If the packaging is unclear, look for a label inside the shoe. If the label inside the shoe is not easy to see - ask yourself why.

Lightweight construction.

Baby Paws shoes are the next best thing to barefoot. The styles have all been designed to ensure that the shoes are as light as possible so that your baby’s feet are comfortable and will not be permanently damaged by carrying unnecessary excess weight during the important formative years.

Baby Paws shoes are recommended by Podiatrists and Paediatricians worldwide.

Let your child’s first steps develop naturally!