Foot Care Tips for Tiny Feet
At the Foot Doctor, we believe properly caring for your child’s feet is important for their development. This is why we would like to provide you with some helpful foot information and tips to make foot care and shoe shopping just a little bit easier for you.
To begin, it is necessary to consider your child’s foot needs based on age. Feet grow quickly from birth up to one year, making this the most critical time for development. It is best to keep your baby’s feet unrestricted and have them uncovered when lying down to allow them to perform foot motions which will prepare them for weight-bearing.
From one year to three years old, it is recommended to keep your toddler barefoot indoors to facilitate strong musculature and allow grasping motions of the toes. Because at this stage your toddler is now walking, it is a good idea to monitor gait and walking patterns. Do not be alarmed if your toddler is a persistent toe-walker, THIS IS NORMAL at this stage! However, do take note if your child tends to trip, limp or have a tendency to want to remove one or both shoes.
Once your child gets older, having your child’s feet measured when shoe shopping can ensure you are buying the right size every time. You should always make sure you are buying shoes for the larger foot, if there is one. In addition, it is important to start implementing good outdoor foot practices. Flip flops or water shoes should be worn at all times around the pool and in locker rooms to avoid bacterial or viral infections. In winter, boots should allow enough room for the toes to wiggle and be firm enough to immobilize the foot to prevent blisters or foot injuries.
Lastly, we will leave you with some pointers for qualities to look for in shoes when shoe shopping:
Look for a stiff heel! When you press on either side of the heel of the shoe, it should remain firm with no collapse noted. Next, check for flexibility. The shoe should be flexible at the toes to allow adequate movement. Last, make sure the shoe is stiff at the arch of the foot. This will provide the support your child needs to promote healthy walking!
It is important to take note of any abnormalities you notice in your child’s feet when walking or in general. If there is something that does not seem normal to you, don’t hesitate to contact us or your local podiatrist for a proper evaluation!
