Pre-walker shoes! Yes or no?

[Shootingstar2289]

My daughter is 18 months and yet to walk (yes I am scheduled to see a HV soon but late walkers seem to run in my family!)

She has never really worn shoes as I always thought that barefoot/socks is best. But she isn't really progressing very much so am thinking of buying her some pre walkers?

I took her to Clarks to get some about a month ago. The shop assistant advised me against it as she said barefoot is best and I will probably be in for 'proper' shoes in the near future. Well it's been a month and no progress... she's 19 months in two weeks.

Pre walkers! Yes or no? Did they help your children to walk?

[JohnLapsleyParlabane]

I don't think they would help encourage walking, no. When DD was crawling and pulling to stand I got her Moccons which have a good grip and were warm on our hard floors. Once DD was cruising round furniture daily I got her a pair of cruiser shoes from Mothercare which may be the sort of thing you're talking about. She still took months to graduate to actually walking independently and grew out of the fucking things and needing shoes of any kind.

[hrfvenia]

I haven't got my own (not born yet anyway!) but work in a baby room of a nursery.

The general consensus is no to shoes until they start 'cruising' - where they hold on to a piece of furniture or a hand and move along.

Shoes before this time are seen to reduce coordination as they child can't feel the floor properly, and so can't learn to balance.

[leccybill]

My DD walked at 15 months. Up until then, she'd been barefoot/in socks. No interest in walking.

I tried a pair of passed-down pre walkers on, she simply took off and was away, sturdy as anything. Make of that what you will, I knew I was going against advice, but turns out she didn't like the feel of the floor in just socks!!

[Anatidae]

No. We've got some of these and they are great. He's just walking now and outside at playgroup so he has shoes. It these are fab for indoors. Tried many other brands but these stay on best

www.polarnopyret.co.uk/baby-toddler-moccasins-60290297-483-5

[kimlo]

dd2 didn't walk until she was 20 months, not walking isn't seen as a cause for concern until they are 2 now.

She did have shoes from about 9 months and pram shoes before that. They didnt help but she only wore them when out and about so in the buggy andthey didn't hinder her either.

[FlabbyFantastic]

I know at 19 months you're keen to help her move on and you'd like to buy her some shoes. But shoes aren't going to help her walk.

I bought my DC her first pair when she was cruising but only because we were visiting family with hard, cold floors. The 2nd got his when he was big enough to be out down to stand up outside ie getting in/out the car.

[2014newme]

No she doesn't need them it's only when they are walking outside they need them.

[ninenicknames]

No - waste of money

My DS didn't walk till his 19.5m, never crawled either. Didn't cruise!

Just one day got up and walked 😂

[Shootingstar2289]

Thank for you for the replies. My mum actually bought her some pre walkers from Mothercare but only wore them a couple times (as a novelty) before outgrown.

For the Mothers who say their children were also late walkers? Did they just do it? She cruises around furniture and climbs very well but no steps as of yet.. she doesn't seem interested.

I've just remembered that I'm sure I kept my now 5yo sons Clarks pre-walkers (yes, I did buy him some and I cannot honestly say if they made a difference or not lol). They were like new as hardly worn and I'm going to dig them out as I'm certain they are the size she is now, just to try tomorrow! Wish me luck! I just want her to walk now!

[MrsPringles]

My DS didn't walk until he was 22 months, 22!
I didn't think he'd ever walk, one day though he just did it and then hasn't stopped.

He's very very tiny. He's 2 & 1/2 now and still fits 12-18 month clothes so I think that played a part.
She'll do it OP, you won't be carrying her around until when she's 14 don't worry

[ClusterFuckTadpole]

My DS is just starting to walk, he struggles with shoes of any kind.

[FlabbyFantastic]

My DD was also cruising for months but couldn't be arsed to let go.

Then one day she spied a big chocolate cake. All of a sudden she managed to toddle the whole length of the house. At speed!!

If your DD is cruising she's obviously capable. She just needs a little incentive to over-come that last hurdle.

[Naty1]

Are you maybe very flexible/hypermobile? If so the shoes could help her by supporting the ankle.
Dd1 started walking the week we got her shoes. It was more comfortable in the park etc