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Why Sacrifice Fashion for Function when it comes to Baby Diaper Bags?

We have all seen them . . . those overly-baby diaper bags with pink bunnies or blue cars on them that just scream, "I carry dirty diapers in this bag." Fortunately today's diaper bags are much more hip for both mom and dad. They not only have a compartment for every baby item you might want to have handy, but also come in a variety of styles and fabrics to suit your adult needs and style preferences.


This stylish bag only $64

Many retailers are starting to realize that parents would much rather carry their essential baby items in a ergonomic backpack, stylish hobo bag, dual purpose stroller bags or a hip messenger bag in more contemporary fabrics. No one has to know its a diaper bag anymore!

Check out all the new styles of diaper bags that will suit your adult fashion senses no matter what budget you have to spend.

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Baby Shoes: What if Your Infant Needs Wide Widths?


If you've ever spent time contemplating your baby's wiggling little toes, you may have noticed that baby feet don't have the same proportion as adult feet. Newborn's feet are nearly square, with a wide breadth and a high instep, requiring wide baby shoes. The foot lengthens while your child grows and begins to use her feet for standing and walking, but baby feet are for crawling and kicking: they don't need to be long at first!
 

Why many infant need wide widths

Before your child starts to walk, her feet will be nearly as long as they are wide, and that's perfectly normal. In fact, 85% of baby's feet tend to be classified as wide or extra wide when it comes to fitting shoes. The problem is that many shoe companies don't take babies' feet into consideration when sizing their baby shoes. If you've noticed that your infant's shoes aren't fitting properly, buy wide baby shoes right away: even shoes worn in the pre-walking stage can impact the growth of your child's feet.

Proper Sizing of Baby Shoes

Buy baby shoes that give your child plenty of room: some shoe stores say to expect your baby to outgrow shoes every month or two, so don't plan on spending a lot on a single pair of shoes during the first year unless you plan to bronze them! Make sure they are long enough, that they fit closely enough at the heel so there is no slipping or blistering, and that the toe box is deep and wide enough so your child's toes can wiggle freely. Once your child becomes a toddler, you'll also want to make sure there's plenty of room inside the shoes: ill-fitting shoes can affect a child's balance and impact walking.

Why Infant Need Supportive Shoes Before Walking

Babies need shoes even when they haven't started walking yet, primarily to protect tiny, delicate feet and toes from the dangers of everyday life. Even crawling can posed hazards to unprotected feet as your infant may come into contact with furniture, rough flooring or things in the carpet that can cause injury. Choose soft soled wide baby shoes for your infant in arms, or pre walking shoes for your crawling baby: once your boy or girl can pull themselves to their feet, you will want a hard bottom shoe, also called a toddler shoe. You probably won't find many baby shoes in half sizes, simply because infants' feet grow so fast that before you know it, you'd need the next size up anyway.

You can find wide baby shoes for your newborn, preemie or infant that range from being little more than thick socks to the best designer kid leather. Hot pink sneakers aren't out of the question; classic baby picture white oxfords are also still around and as cute as they were when you wore them. Pediatrician recommended brands like Stride Rite make wide baby shoes, as do stores like Carters and Robeez.

Lace-up Shoes May Be Labor Intensive for Mom – Try Velcro!

If you're new to dressing a baby, you'll find that putting on lace up baby shoes is a long, sweaty struggle. If the shoes are leather and have much structure at all, you'll find yourself trying to gently cram your baby's foot into the shoe—a nearly impossible task. Babies don't help much, either: they curl their toes, wave their legs around, then get bored and start to cry. If you find your child's toes are curling up when you get her shoes on, hold her in a standing position rather than lying down: standing straightens the toes. You may need assistance with this, since you'll have to hold your child with one hand and get the shoe on with another. To avoid frustration, look for baby shoes with wide openings, Velcro closures and soft fabrics. Make sure to switch to a toddler shoe when your baby starts walking to provide her with more ankle support and a stronger surface on which to walk.

Continue reading more baby information about Baby Blankets

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