Your baby’s first steps are more than just milestones; they’re cherished memories that you’ll hold onto for a lifetime. At Dotty Fish, we understand how important these moments are, which is why our soft leather baby shoes are designed to support your little one while keeping them comfortable. To ensure these special shoes serve their purpose and remain a keepsake, we've put together a guide on how to care for them properly.
Cleaning Your Soft Leather Baby Shoes
Soft leather baby shoes require a little care to maintain their comfort and appearance. Here’s how to keep them clean while ensuring they remain in good condition:
- Avoid the Washing Machine: Leather shoes should never be put in the washing machine. Instead, clean them using a damp sponge or a soft cloth. Gently wipe away dirt and stains without soaking the leather.
- Spot Cleaning: For more persistent stains, create a mild soap solution using baby shampoo or gentle soap mixed with water. Dampen a cloth with the solution, blot the stain, and wipe off the residue with a clean damp cloth. Allow the shoes to air dry naturally.
- Drying Properly: If the shoes get wet, avoid drying them in direct sunlight or using artificial heat sources like hair dryers. Instead, stuff them with newspaper or tissue paper to help them maintain their shape, and allow them to dry at room temperature.
Caring for Suede Soles and Other Tips
The soles of your baby’s shoes play a vital role in providing grip and support for those first adventurous steps. Here’s how to care for them, along with some optional tips for extending the life of your shoes:
- Suede Soles: Our signature suede soles offer excellent grip while remaining flexible. To maintain them, use a suede brush to gently restore the texture after cleaning. Avoid using suede protector sprays, as they can reduce the natural traction and non-slip properties that are crucial for little feet.
- Ensure Baby-Safe Products: If using leather conditioners or protectors, choose products specifically labelled as baby-safe or non-toxic, as babies often explore by putting objects, including shoes, in their mouths.
- Condition with Care: If you choose to use a leather conditioner, apply it sparingly and opt for a product that maintains the leather’s natural breathability. Over-conditioning can reduce breathability, which might make the shoes less comfortable for your baby.
- Rotate Shoes and Proper Storage: If your baby has multiple pairs, alternate them daily to allow each pair to air out and recover from moisture build-up. Keep the shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Store them in a breathable cotton bag to protect from dust while allowing the leather to breathe.
Primarily for Indoors: Tips for Outdoor Adventures
While our soft sole shoes are primarily designed for indoor use, we know little ones love to explore outdoors too! If your baby or toddler wears their Dotty Fish shoes outside, consider these tips to help keep them in good condition:
- Stick to Soft Surfaces: Encourage play on soft surfaces like grass, sand, or smooth pathways. Avoid rough or rocky terrain that could scuff the leather or wear down the soles.
- Keep Them Dry: If possible, avoid wet or muddy conditions to prevent damage to the leather and suede. If the shoes do get wet, follow the drying tips mentioned earlier.
- Limit Outdoor Time: While it's fine for your child to wear their soft sole shoes outside occasionally, try to limit outdoor wear to preserve the quality and longevity of the shoes.
Our soft leather baby shoes are designed to accommodate your child’s growing feet
At Dotty Fish, we’re honoured to be part of your child’s journey from crawling to walking. Our soft leather baby shoes are designed to accommodate your child’s growing feet for as long as they fit, typically lasting up to 3-6 months per size. The condition of the shoes will naturally reflect how much they’ve been loved and worn—whether your toddler is running around, playing, or exploring new places. By following these care tips, your baby’s shoes will stay in good shape, ready to be treasured as a lasting reminder of these precious early moments.
Happy Toddling,
The Dotty Fish Team