How to Keep Toddlers From Untying Shoe Laces

By: Kathryn Hatter

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Those little fingers may be more nimble than you think when your toddler gets the hang of untying shoe laces. If you've tied them again today for the 17th time and you're feeling frustrated, it's time to take preventative action. Use handy tricks so your toddler can't untie her shoe laces whenever the thought crosses her mind. Eventually, she'll move on to other great ideas and leave her laces alone.

Tying Trick

Step 1

Moisten a washcloth lightly with plain water. This isn't rocket science -- just get it damp enough so you can use it to moisten the shoe laces.

Step 2

Hold out the shoe laces taut between your fingers and the shoes with one hand. With the other hand, wrap the moist washcloth around the laces and pull it over the laces to get them just a smidgen wet. The idea is just to get them wet enough to grip to each other after you tie the shoes.

Step 3

Tie your tot's shoe laces tightly and then tie them again into a tight double knot. The moist shoe laces should grip to each other tighter after moistening them.

Lace Accessories

Step 1

Tie the shoes in tight double-knots.

Step 2

Slip lace lockers or keepers onto the shoe laces, following product instructions. These handy doodads cover the laces and sit right on top of your little one's shoes. They may have character or decorative embellishments for a cute addition to any kid's shoes.