And this little piggy went to the market…. Leave those piggies out!
Studies show that babies have the most success learning to walk when he learns in bare feet. This allows your baby to use his toes for stability. Babies curl their toes toward the floor while walking and it helps him to establish balance. Most babies have flat feet because the arches have not formed yet, but by letting your baby learn to walk in bare feet you will be helping those arches to form as the muscles are bearing his weight.
Babies also get more sensory information from their feet when they are barefoot, so they don’t have to look down as often and this prevents some falling.
Babies feet are not miniature versions of adult feet. Their bones are softer and more pliable, (like cartilage) and their muscles are still developing. Because your baby’s feet are growing at such a fast rate, going barefoot is also good for the development and growth of their feet without the restriction of shoes.
It is best if babies are barefoot, in socks only, or very flexible shoes.
References:
Leach, P. (1997). Your Baby & Child. Random House.