Research shows that children's feet grow rapidly – especially during those all-important first three years of development. Our Kensington, MD, podiatrist is here to help you keep your child's feet in great shape. Read more to learn the essentials for selecting the proper footwear for your child.
Important First Steps: What You Need to Know from Our Kensington, MD, Podiatrist
Your Child's Age Is a Significant Factor for New Shoes
According to our Kensington, MD, podiatrist, growing children often wear shoes that are unsuitable for their healthy foot growth and development. During your child's early years, parents should check growing feet every few months. While infants' still-developing feet only require socks or soft shoes, a toddler needs shoes that provide traction, cushioning and ankle support for an unstable gait. Furthermore, your young child's shoe requirements continue to evolve while moving into the more active pre-school stage, when children are racing around on their feet throughout the day. Recognizing your child's changing footwear needs is crucial to appropriate foot growth and development, adds podiatrist in Kensington.
Get the Right Fit!
Our Kensington, MD, podiatrist knows that it can be challenging to accurately measure your child's foot. Check your local area for a store that specializes in children's shoes, where experienced salespeople know the appropriate measuring techniques. If you measure your child at home, our knowledgeable foot care specialist recommends that you wait until the end of the day – when your child's foot has swelled from daily use – to ensure plenty of room for wiggling toes. At this stage, parents may discover that their children's feet are two different sizes, which is not uncommon. Just be sure to select a shoe size to accommodate the larger foot, advises our Kensington podiatrist.
Shoe Construction 101
Whether you are purchasing casual sneakers, or dressier leather shoes, our Kensington, MD, podiatrist suggests that you carefully consider the wide variety of materials used. Your child's shoes should be made of flexible, breathable fabrics with proper heel and ankle support for growing feet. Some insoles can also be antibacterial and anti-odor – an added benefit for energetic feet always on the go.
Consult Our Kensington, MD, Podiatrist with Any Concerns About the Growth & Development of Your Child's Feet
Our friendly team of foot care experts at The Podiatry Centeris here for you!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you have concerns about your child's feet or want to learn more about other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with a convenient podiatry office near Kensington, MD, by clicking here or by calling 301.656.6055.
