It’s important to know that shoes for toddlers and shoes for older children are not the same. The final foot bone is only beginning to form at about 3 years of age, and feet will not be fully developed until the teen years. It’s wise to choose shoes for toddlers that offer proper support, and make sure the child’s feet are accurately measured in both length and width. Although the shoes should be lightweight, they also should have a sturdy, flat sole. Because a small child’s foot grows so rapidly, it is suggested to replace shoes every three months to ensure they fit correctly. Seeing a podiatrist for information on the best shoes for your baby is recommended.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Dean D. Hinners of Illinois. Our doctor 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 Metropolis and Eldorado, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.