Pip Squeaks (Squeaker Shoes for Littles)

When our son was first walking, one of his friends had squeaker shoes - they were adorable.  You knew exactly where the little boy was at all times.  Our son mainly went barefoot, but I filed that idea under "with our next child..."  Less than three years later, we ordered our first pair of squeaker shoes for our little girl for her first birthday.

What we really like about squeaker shoes:

1. They encourage those first steps from early walkers who still haven't decided if they like crawling or walking better.  The sound of the squeaking is an immediate reward.
2. You can keep up with your child more easily.  If you're not a parent of an early walker yet, don't judge.  Those little guys can move quickly.
3. By the same token, you have an idea when something is up.  One time the squeakers suddenly went silent.  I turned to find our little girl eyeing a worm in her hand hungrily.  Yep, were we glad we had squeakers at that moment.
4. And, finally, it's just so stinking cute!  

Warning - Squeakers aren't cute for everyone.  Consider where your child will be squeaking.  Our library is okay with it, but some libraries may not be. At church Sunday morning, let the volunteers/staff know that it is okay for your child to go barefoot for their sanity.  And, squeakers at a dog park - let's just say it's not a good idea.  Most squeaker shoes have removable squeakers so you can choose to squeak up or not.

Usually we are asked the same question over and over and over "Where did you get those?!! I would love to get some for my niece/nephew/granddaughter/child/cat/etc."  (Okay, kidding on the cat, but I had to make sure you were paying attention.)  We bought the most recent pair of squeakers for our second daughter on Amazon.com.  hide and squeak mary janeis the search I recommend for girls' shoes; use hide & squeak toddler boys to find squeaker shoes for boys .  Zulily often has squeakers too.  

While the average price of squeakers can be high (around $40), we think it is worth it for that special, one-time occasion such as a first birthday or baby shower.

Thinking about purchasing some squeakers but aren't sure of foot size?  Check out this chart (PDF file) from Zulily.com: http://www.zulily.com/images/size_charts/fit_little_feet_sizechart_US.pdf.

Are you buying this as a baby shower gift?  I would consider a Toddler Size 4.  Our first daughter could rock an Infant 3 at a year; our second daughter measured at a Size 4.  Squeaker shoes do seem to run larger, and larger is always better as they WILL grow into that size.  Also, take into consideration your area's climate and whether socks/hosiery may be worn.