It's very important that a baby's toes never be restricted. Check regularly that leggings, tights, and pajamas with footsies have enough room in them for the baby to wiggle his toes. And make sure that whatever footwear you use isn't too tight around your baby's leg or ankle—you should not see a deep mark left by elastic.

When your baby learns to crawl, the skin on feet and knees may get irritated from the friction. You can prevent this by dressing baby in pants and socks or in long socks that cover the knee. You might find that a pair of small adult socks will cover baby's feet and legs for protection. On a very cold day, you may want to slip adult socks over baby's socks and pants for an extra layer of warmth.

Your baby will not need proper shoes until he's walking and his feet need protection from the hard ground. If you do put your child in soft shoes, they should be made from a light, breathable material, and they should be flexible enough for you to feel his toes through them.