Toddlers’ feet are covered by a layer of fat that aids in the development of the foot arch. Beneath this fat layer are numerous nerves. Walking barefoot allows a baby’s nervous system to develop, enhances their sensitivity, and improves brain coordination. Additionally, walking barefoot helps strengthen balance by making direct contact with different surfaces. However, when walking outdoors, it's important to use shoes with anti-skid, thin soles to protect their feet and help maintain balance.

Since babies walk unsteadily, it is recommended that they wear shoes with flexible soles. Around the age of 2, as they begin to walk more steadily, parents can choose shoes with all-around foot protection to ensure healthy foot growth.

During the growth and development stage from 16 months to 3 years old, it is normal for babies to have bow legs, where their knees appear in an "O" shape. The shape of a baby’s knees typically changes during different growth periods. From birth to 18 months, babies’ knees are usually in an "O" shape. Between 18 months and 4 years old, the knees tend to form an "X" shape. From 4 to 6 years old, the distance between the knees gradually increases. After 6 years old, the distance between the knees is usually about the width of one finger.

When babies start learning to walk, their calf muscles can become tense, and their bodies may not yet be well-coordinated, making them unfamiliar with walking on different surfaces. As a result, they may develop the habit of toe walking. This is a normal phenomenon, so parents need not worry. To help ease the issue, parents can choose mid-calf shoes for their toddlers.

Babies tend to fall when they walk for several reasons:

• Knock Knees: When the gap between the knees is close, babies may fall due to their knees knocking together. Generally, their knees will start to separate around age 4, but it's important to avoid bad postures.
• Toe Walking: Toe walking causes babies to place their weight on the forefoot, which can make them trip easily. It's common for toddlers to walk on their toes, so parents don't need to worry excessively. Choosing mid-calf shoes can help prevent toe walking.
• In-Toeing: When babies walk with their toes pointing inward, the front parts of their shoes may collide, leading to falls. To address this, avoid improper postures and encourage activities like breaststroke and cycling, which can help correct in-toeing.

In general, babies between 8 and 15 months old are in the stages of crawling and toddling. By around 15 months, most toddlers can walk steadily. Since the tibia bones of young children are not fully developed, parents should avoid encouraging walking too early, as this could increase the risk of bow legs.