Parents, I am certain you notice that kids’ feet grow really quickly! It seems that you have just made a trip to the shoe store before it’s time to buy yet another pair of shoes for your child. It’s a never-ending cycle!
According to the patient education site by the American Academy of Pediatrics, during the first few months of life, a toddler will require larger shoes each two to three months. While the pace of foot growth does slow after this period, it remains quite rapid until the child reaches ten years or thereabouts.
The good news, however, is that show growth spurts don’t have to break your bank! This article will provide some top tips on how to find bigger shoes for your child without burning your wallet.
Tip #1: Use Online Flash Sales as a Friend
If you are a fan of name-brand fashion, then you should head over to the flash sales at Zulily. Zulily is a daily deal site for mothers, babies and children. The website offers limited-time sales on brands, such as Puma (up to 60 percent off), Toms (up to 40 percent off), and even Stride Rite (up to 50 percent off).
It should also be noted that on any given day, it is likely that you will find deals on many stylish brands, such as Crocs. Flash sale sites also have sections dedicated to toddlers, such as Hautelook and Gilt.
Tip #2: Purchase Budget-Friendly Shoes in Bulk
When you come across a shoe sale brand for a design you like, regardless of whether it is at the sites mentioned above, always stock up on shoes! It may not make sense to buy shoes larger than your child’s current size, but this can save you money in the long-run if you stock up on sizes bigger than his or her existing size. I learned this trick from my sister who uses Zulily flash sales to purchase future shoes for her children. Now I have a collection of toddler size shoes waiting for my little girl even though she is only a size-6 at the moment.
Tip #3: Remain Loyal
The majority of children shoe stores offer reward programs; therefore, customer loyalty to a single brand can result in savings from a loyalty club membership. For example, Stride Rite’s reward program offers the user $10 for every $75 spent, as well as member-only offers. Pediped loyalty program offers 7 percent back in rewards credit, and these are only two of the programs available.
Tip #4: Look Out for Discounts and Offers
Clearance sales and the discount racks can be your friend. Regardless of whether they are in-store or online, always check out the deals section. Moreover, you can find great deals on children’s shoes at retailers such as Target, Diapers.com, Walmart and Amazon.com. However, never compromise on quality, suggests the Orthotic Shop.
Tip #5: Choose One Pair
The majority of child-friendly sneaker designs available today are highly versatile and can be worn in different situations. For instance, my little girl has a single pair of shoes at a time. At the moment, she enjoys a sparkly, silver Stride Rite Mary Jane sneaker style. While the shoes weren’t cheap costing almost $40, they work wonderfully for every occasion. My daughter can play in the park or dance it up at a party. Of course, you can find the shoes on sale and stock them in larger sizes so you don’t have to pay a big price.
Tip #6: Opt for Used Shoes
While you cannot imagine putting used shoes on your toddler, several experts agree that used shoes are fine for smaller feet. Of course, the shoes need to be in good condition, have soft soles, and are a decent fit for the child. The reason for using second-hand shoes is that children grow so quickly, the shoes rarely become worn. This means shoes can be passed down; so, you may want to choose gender-neutral colors if you have more than one child.
