Finding the right shoes for your child can be a real challenge, especially with their feet constantly growing and changing. To ensure a proper fit, start by checking for wiggle room at the front of the shoe. Aim for about half an inch between the tip of your child’s longest toe and the end of the shoe to allow for comfortable toe movement. Next, focus on the width by examining the widest part of the foot, making sure there’s no bulging or squeezing of the pinky toe, which indicates the shoe is too narrow. Finally, assess the heel fit by sliding your finger between the back of the shoe around your child’s heel. If you can fit more than one or two fingers, the shoe may be too wide. Properly fitting shoes are important for your child’s comfort and foot health. For more information about how to find the right shoes for your child, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist.
The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Anas Khoury, DPM of North Eastern Foot & Ankle Specialists. 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 our office located in Passaic, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
