CLASSIC BABY BOOTIES
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Practical moms question the need for baby booties or crib shoes especially in warm weather and honestly they may have a point. A soft pair of socks is soft enough and will keep an infant’s tiny feet warm enough should his or her toes peek out from under the blanket. But when it comes to showing off a newborn to friends, practicality flies out the window.
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Dressing baby up like a miniature fashion plate (especially the firstborn) is one of the perks of being a mom. And being as the soles of an infant’s feet are far from being ready to take on those wobbly first steps and their skin is so tender as to require special care, soft baby booties or crib shoes are required. Of course, we want something that looks cute but what you make or buy should also be soft as well as protective of those precious little toes. Lucky for you there are several styles to pick from ranging from homemade to expensive satin crib shoes edged with luxurious lace and pearl buttons.
KNIT AND CROCHET BABY BOOTIES AND CRIB SHOES
If I could point at one single reason that knitting and crocheting will never be a completely lost art it would be handmade crib shoes. Knitted socks that come from a baby store can never compare to the charm and sweetness of a pair of crocheted baby booties made from a vintage baby bootie crochet pattern. If they come straight from the hands of a loving grandmother or friend so much the better but if your loved ones aren’t exactly the type to devote themselves to crafts, you can get a pair of custom made knit baby booties or crochet crib shoes for less than $10 and you get to choose the yarn color, the button (if one is needed) and any decorative trim.
COTTON FLANNEL and CORDUROY CRIB SHOES
These are not as cute or as sentimental as knitted or crocheted baby shoes, but they are very comfortable for babies because of the breathable characteristics of the cotton fabrics. They are easy to put on even the wiggliest little foot and while the elastic prevents them from slipping off and getting lost, they are very easy to remove without waking a sleeping baby. They are cute and colorful and many moms say these are their favorites.
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
There are times when classic baby booties are just not dressy enough. For special occasions like a baby’s first portrait, a christening or baptism formal shoes for baby are required. Soft leather shoes for baby boys are fine so long as they are in line with his outfit but the most popular style for baby girls would be satin crib shoes tied with a pretty ribbon. You will find them in pink satin as well as white that will match most any outfit but my favorite, if the shoes are to be worn with an heirloom christening gown, would be candlelight or antique ivory satin.
Speaking of heirlooms, don’t forget to tuck a pair or two of baby’s booties in your baby’s memory box because they make excellent keepsakes. They are small and don’t take up much space plus they rarely get much wear and tear. I got six pairs of crib shoes at my first baby girl’s shower. There were several pair that were handmade, a pair or two for casual wear and a pair that she wore for her first Christmas portrait. I used those same crib shoes for three baby girls that followed. Most of them look almost as good today as they did the day that I got them so my hopes are that a few of my grandchildren will have their first portraits made in them as well.
Return to Unique Baby Gear, Baby Bedding, Nursery Themes and Decorating Ideas to find resources for crochet and knitting patterns for classic baby booties.
