Question: I know this sounds lame, but I'm totally overwhelmed by the options when it comes to baby shoes. There's so many options to choose from and prices are all over the map. From $20 shoes at Target to $40 shoes at the boutique shoe store. Price aside, what is the single most important thing I should be looking for in baby shoes?

Answer: Actually, this is really easy. Flexibility. If you're baby is just taking a few steps or starting to cruise around the furniture, go with a soft soled shoe.

They don't have to be expensive; any shoe that your baby can feel the ground through will suffice.

If your baby is walking independently, you want a sturdier sole for maximum stability and foot protection, but you still want and need flexibility. A good way to test the flexibility of a baby shoe is to hold the heel in one hand and the toe box in the other; press your two hands toward each other, essentially folding the shoe in half. A good walking shoe will fold almost all the way together with just slight resistance, but move slowly back into shape as soon as you let go.

It's also a good idea to look for a wide toe box in new baby shoes.

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