As your toddler grows and matures, their feet are also growing and developing at the same time. Since your child’s feet are an important part of their body, selecting the right kind of shoe is imperative to maintaining overall foot health. This is true especially because the bones in a young child’s feet are still soft and ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate any existing foot deformities in a toddler. There are several things to keep in mind when shopping for your child’s shoes. First, you can be mindful of selecting shoes that have velcro straps. This can help ensure that both you and your child can keep the shoes fastened onto the feet. Second, you can look for shoes that have a spacious toe box, which will not crowd the child’s toes. Lastly, in terms of material, it can be important to select shoes that are made of breathable material, such as leather or mesh. This mesh is comparable to that used in running shoes. You may notice that a child will tend to grow out of their shoes at a seemingly rapid pace. However, it is nonetheless important to find shoes that are of high quality for your child. If you are concerned about your child’s shoes, please consult with a podiatrist who can help you.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. James D. McAlexander of Gig Harbor Foot and Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Gig Harbor, WA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.