Go to any baby shower, and someone will inevitably gift a pair of tiny, $45 name-brand sneakers. They are adorable. They are also the most useless item of clothing ever manufactured.
They Don't Stay On
Infants have fat, squishy feet with no defined heel. If you manage to force a tiny high-top onto a screaming six-month-old, they will kick it off into the abyss of your car's backseat within four minutes.
They Are Bad For Development
Pediatricians agree that babies need to be barefoot as much as possible. Feeling the ground helps them develop balance, spatial awareness, and muscle strength. Cramping their feet into stiff, miniature adult shoes actively hinders them from learning how to walk.
The Rule
If they cannot independently walk across the driveway, they do not need shoes. Put some grippy socks on them to keep their toes warm and save your money for when they are blowing through a shoe size every three months as toddlers.