As toddlers grow into proper children they want and need more from us. They will develop a love for certain things and a dislike for many others. Something that my little girl, who is just two years old, loves is her little slippers.
Maybe it’s because they are pink, or maybe because they have fairies on them. Either way, what they do do is keep her feet warm and that is the main benefit of slippers for both adults and children. I have felt my daughter’s feet just minutes after she gets out of bed in the morning; they get cold so quickly, more so in the winter months. We have a tiled floor in our kitchen and as soon as her feet are on those it can be uncomfortable for her.
The first toddler slippers we bought for our little girl were little pink fluffy things but although they kept her feet warm they gave very little support and began to lose their shape fairly quickly. It is therefore important to look at the quality of slippers before you buy them for your toddler. An alternative to conventional slippers is a pair of Crocs. They are made from lightweight foam and come in sorts of designs. Some are suited more to indoor use whereas others are really best for outdoor use. Crocs are good because a small child will find it easier to put them on themselves and not get frustrated.
Two other benefits of slippers for a toddler are – protection for the feet and preventing slips and falls. Firstly protection is important because even though we try to keep our homes clean and free from outside debris, it is just not possible all the time. By wearing slippers a child is protected under foot from small bits of debris on the floor that could hurt their bare feet. Even a small toy could hurt a child’s feet if stood upon.
Secondly there are slips and falls. When choosing a pair of slippers for a toddler it is important to get a pair with a non-slip sole. While is fun to slid and skid about, there is a very real possibility that a toddler could slip over on a hard, smooth floor if they are not careful. By choosing a pair of slippers with a non-slip sole you make it much less likely they will slip over and hurt themselves.
A final point to consider is a toddler’s bedtime routine. If you are having problems with your child’s sleep patterns a regular routine could be the answer. So, how to get your toddler to sleep with a pair of slippers… Actually you don’t. However, a snug and comfortable pair of slippers will help make them feel secure and content before bed. As they get all cuddly at bedtime in their pajamas, maybe after a bath, keep their feet warm in a pair of slippers otherwise it could be the thing that stops them from settling.