Those tiny Mary Janes and sneakers are adorable, but are they necessary yet? Here we help you understand when to buy and what to look for when shopping around for your baby’s first shoes.
Many parents and gift givers ask: “When to buy shoes?” Well, babies younger than 9 months don’t need them at all. Keep those little feet barefoot or in nonskid socks until your baby starts pulling up and cruising at mach 3.
Another popular question is: “Where to wear them?” Your baby doesn’t need shoes indoors — in fact, bare feet grip the floor better and help him learn to walk faster. Outside, of course, they help protect his feet. Also you probably want to look for flexible, nonskid soles which are essential, whereas ankle or arch supports aren’t yet. Make sure you visit our Spiffy shoes collection for best results.

When its time to leave your baby, who better to trust with your precious little one than your own parents? Grandparents love your children in a way similar to your own love. They enjoy the company of their grandchildren and you know exactly how experienced they are in child rearing. So why would a grandparent not be the ideal babysitting solution?

They Don’t Take Instructions

A lot has changed since you were a child. Babies now sleep on their backs, and we know that breastfeeding is best. Your parents lovingly raised you, and some may not see why they have to change their ways just to conform to the times – no matter how scientifically based the rationale.

A neighborhood teenager, however, presumably has taken a babysitting class and is certified in first aid. They might have a better understanding of current methods and, if nothing else, are working for you. They are receptive to instructions and might be more likely to do as you ask than your own parents who still consider you their little one rather than an informed parent in your own right.

They Aren’t Convenient

Many grandparents don’t live in the same town as their grandchildren. This poses an obvious problem to babysitting. Even those grandparents who live nearby might not be as convenient as bringing in a babysitter from the neighborhood.

Most grandparents prefer to stay in their own homes. You might feel a bit uncomfortable with your mother alone in your house checking up on your cleaning and laundry skills. You either have to drive your children over to your parents’ home or scrub in anticipation of their visit to yours. The trouble moving sleeping little ones from one house to another might be another reason to simply keep them at home.

They Aren’t Up for the Challenge

As much as they would love to spend time with their grandchildren, some adults of the previous generation are no longer physically able to keep up with a toddler or heft around an infant.

You might not feel confident that your parents can move fast enough to catch your running toddler or be strong enough to lift a sleeping baby in and out of the crib. If this is the case, visit your parents frequently, but leave the heavy duty child care to someone a bit younger and more physically capable.

Creating a baby is relatively simple from a man’s perspective. Becoming a father, however, is much more complicated and rewarding. Fathers have a very special place in a child’s life and the memories created in a first year are some of the most poignant and lasting. That being said, surviving the first year of fatherhood is a bit more complicated than changing a few diapers and playing peek-a-boo.

Your Emotions

When a baby is brand new, most fathers are ready to burst with pride. The birth of their child is almost overwhelming with emotion and more than a few have cried. After the wonder and shock have worn off, other emotions flood in. Worry, doubt and frustration battle with joy, amazement and fascination.

It is perfectly normal to be amazed at your little one and ready to burst with love while at the same time completely exasperated and frustrated when she won’t take a bottle or quit crying. To handle the rougher emotions, simply focus on the positive ones. Take a break to clear your head and come back ready to enjoy your baby even more than before.

Even the most patient and experienced parents are frustrated occasionally by their child’s antics. Be aware that the more experience you have and the more you get to know your baby the easier the rough spots will be. You’ll know how to handle them and have more patience.

Your Games

Fathers are prime candidates for game creations. Something about playtime bonds babies and dads together. Be creative and don’t be afraid to play with your baby. Play games and even roughhouse safely and gently with your little boy or little girl. Don’t save loud and rambunctious games for boys or assume only little girls like to draw and color.

Be loose, and enjoy your child. Make faces, sing songs, dance like a fool and play the time-tested father games. Just remember that it is not safe to throw an infant in the air. Their little necks are not strong enough to handle the jarring landing, even if you catch them gently.

Your Love

Fathers love their children immensely. Too many are afraid to show that love fully and many regret it down the road. Shower your little one with attention and affection. If you have to work long hours, make the weekends and evenings count. Take the baby out alone to enjoy her fully without Mom trying to take over. Encourage your wife to run errands without the baby so you can bond and learn all the little things that make your little one special.

Don’t be afraid to love your little one with your whole being and to show that love constantly. It will not make you seem weak or spoil your baby. After all, your little one already loves you.

Becoming parents is a huge step. Children demand much more than diapers and cute baby clothes. Are you sure you’re ready?

Can you afford it?

The most daunting aspect of parenting for most individuals is the cost. Children today will cost their parents an average of $187,000 from birth to eighteen. That is not including college tuition. Of course a great deal of that cost is housing and the sum is spread out over eighteen years, but the figure is still daunting.

If you’re stretching to pay your bills every month, a new baby with the diapers, clothing, hospital bills and extra groceries required might break you. You’re not required to put money into a college fund every month, but you are required to properly feed and clothe your children – preferably without government assistance.

Do you have proper resources?

Money aside, children require a great deal of resources. Is your home large enough for a baby? Will you have to move into a larger apartment or home for a baby and all their belongings to fit? Can you afford to?

Emotional resources are critical as well. If you have a very short temper or require medications to deal with anxiety or stress, the frustrations of parenthood might be a bit too taxing.

Additional resources to consider are the people who can help with your needs or those of the baby including your significant other, potential babysitters, and your network of friends. Do you have a large reliable network? Are you alone in an unfamiliar setting?

Do you have the time?

In our busy world, adults fill their time with career advancement, hobbies and travel. As much as we might like to think so, children do not accommodate our schedule, we must accommodate theirs. Are you willing to give up long work days? Will that diminish your income? Would you resent the child if your career stalled or you lost promotion opportunities due to maternity or paternity leave or your shortened work days?

Finally, are you willing to give up or dramatically scale back, at least temporarily, any hobbies or travel which require resources your baby might need? If not, simply enjoy your life now and reassess your family planning in a few years.