Because of pressure inside the womb, it is not uncommon for babies to be born with bent feet or ankles. The foot can be carefully pressed into place, and it will eventually straighten out over the coming weeks. At the newborn’s first comprehensive examination, the doctor will identify more severe malformations like club feet and, if required, make arrangements for treatment. If your kid experiences any issues with one or both feet, consult the questionnaire above. These issues can include discomfort, edema, infection, damage, itchiness, or an odd look of the feet, such as flat feet or bent toes. Your doctor will be able to provide guidance.
THE CARE OF YOUR CHILDREN’S FEET
It takes until the age of 18 for the foot bones to fully develop. The bones and joints are soft throughout infancy, but particularly during the first five years of life, when pressure from uncomfortable shoes and socks can easily distort them.
Newborns’ feet
For as long as possible, young babies who are still crawling should be left barefoot. If you must cover your baby’s feet to keep them warm, wear socks, soft bootees, or one-piece outfits with lots of space for the toes to move around and stretch. As soon as the feet fill them, throw these away. Wait to purchase shoes for your child once they can stand unassisted and need them for protection when going outside after they learn to walk. When possible, let your child go barefoot while inside the house.
Selecting and sizing your child’s footwear
For healthy feet and toes in adulthood, properly fitting shoes in infancy are important. The following are things to keep in mind when picking shoes for your kid.
- Throughout their childhood, have your child’s feet measured on a frequent basis—at least every three months. If there is rapid growth, more frequent measurements may occasionally be required.
- Visit a store where the salespeople are trained to fit children’s shoes whenever possible.
- Choose shoes with adjustable fastenings over the instep and a variety of width options available.
- Make sure there is approximately 2 centimeters between the longest toe and the end of the shoes when you purchase new ones.
- Select a design with a straight inside border, and leave enough space between the toes. Only wear fashionable shoes on special occasions, particularly those with raised heels.
- Leather shoes are the best if you can afford them, but even though they are expensive, do not be tempted to delay replacing them when they become too small. It is preferable to purchase less expensive shoes that you can manage to replace more frequently.
- Keep in mind that wearing tight socks can harm growing feet, and make sure to switch out your socks when they get too small.
- Shoes that hurt as soon as your child places them on or after about an hour are probably not a good fit and are probably doing your child’s feet harm.