subject: Help Your Children Enjoy Their Summer By Understanding How To Care For Their Feet [print this page] Your child's feet-just like the rest of their body-are delicate and precious from an early age. Many people do not realize it, but babies' feet don't have any bones from birth-they are made up of a soft cartilage, which is extremely vulnerable to damage. Something as simple as shoe that doesn't fit right can cause untold damage to your baby's feet. The feet are often the most neglected part of a person's body, especially your child's. It is important to pay close attention to your child's feet from the time they are born to eliminate complications later on in their life.
The Development of Your Baby's Feet
At birth your baby only has 22 out of the full 26 bones in their feet. The remaining bones will develop slowly throughout childhood, with the entire growth process finishing around ages 16 to 18 years old. The first few years are crucial to the health of your baby's feet, as the bones are formed from soft, pliable cartilage, which makes them more susceptible to malformation. A baby's foot contains more flesh and cartilage than actual bone, which makes it more fragile and pliable.
Pay Close Attention to Their Feet
It is important to make sure that the clothes, socks, booties and bedclothes you put on your baby are loose and do not compress the feet and toes-giving them room to move around easily. Dressing your baby in tight sleep outfits can cause claw, retracted or hammer toes. It is also important to inspect your baby or toddler's feet regularly as they cant tell you about unseen damage, such as blisters. Additionally, be sure to make sure your child's feet are clean and dry at all times. Your baby's foot perspires twice the rate of an adult's, so only use socks and shoes made of breathable, absorbent materials. In fact, it is an excellent idea to allow your baby to have some time every day with bare feet so he or she can exercise their feet and toes freely without the restriction of sleepwear or socks.
Your Child's First Steps and Shoes
When your baby first starts walking, they can take up to 176 steps a minute!
As your child grows, it is important to provide them with appropriately fitted shoes for every occasion. It is important to avoid buying children's shoes that are the wrong size. Shoes that are too big will not give the right support to your child's feet, will hinder movement and potentially harm their feet later in life. Shoes that are too small for your child's feet could squash their feet causing them to grow in unnatural positions and directions, leading to hooted toes and other deformities.
Additionally, if you have more than one child, do not hand down shoes from one to the other. Every child will have different feet-whether it is shape, size or width-and the wrong shoe will not give the right support. By purchasing shoes that are made of natural materials, you can help your child's feet breathe, which can help avoid sweaty, uncomfortable feet and athlete's foot. Lastly, be sure to buy shoes for the right purpose to ensure the right support and protection. If your child participates in sports, make sure the shoe fits the specific sport being played.
Talk to your Middletown podiatrist for more information on how to properly care for your child's feet to ensure healthy feet for a lifetime.
by: Gen Wright
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