Many parents are eager to buy their babies fashionable shoes. However, babies do not need to begin wearing shoes until they start walking. It is important to remember that shoes will not make children learn to walk faster. Once your child does begin to walk, there are specific factors to look for in shoes. First, the shoes should be flexible, and should have some room for growth. Also, it is recommended to buy shoes with non-skid or skid resistant soles. You do not need to look for shoes with wedges, inserts, or additional support materials. Although many parents love to dress their kids up in a stylish pair of shoes for photos, you should take them off once the child becomes active. If you have any questions about your child’s feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact one of our podiatrists of Sutera and Jones Surgical Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tips for Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

• Make sure their shoes fit properly
• Look for any signs of in-toeing or out-toeing
• Check to see if they have Clubfoot (condition that affects your child’s foot and ankle, twisting the heel and toes inward) which is one of the most common nonmajor birth defects.
• Lightly cover your baby’s feet (Tight covers may keep your baby from moving their feet freely, and could prevent normal development)
• Allow your toddler to go shoeless (Shoes can be restricting for a young child’s foot)
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
• Keep your child’s foot clean and dry
• Cover cuts and scrapes. Wash any scratches with soap and water and cover them with a bandage until they’ve healed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Media, Glen Mills, Riddle Memorial Hospital, and Concordville, PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.