Finding footwear for your children may be challenging and differ greatly from choosing your own footwear. To ensure your kiddo is getting the shoe size and type that promotes healthy foot development, here’s what you need to know!
Below we have answered 5 common questions asked about choosing children’s shoes!
1. When is footwear important?
Correct footwear would be necessary for your child when they have the ability to weight-bear and walk. This is to ensure your child’s feet are protected from the external environment.
2. Why is footwear important?
It is highly crucial for children who are weight bearing to be in good shoes.
By fitting your child with suffice footwear from a younger age, you may be able to potentially assist them by reducing any future possible footwear related foot/ankle concerns.
3. What shoes are not appropriate?
Shoes considered to be not appropriate for your child are those that are heavy in nature
and have inflexible soles. These main features are what could make walking more difficult for your child.
Putting your child in supportive yet light footwear can assist your child to help develop on
important skills such as balance, coordination and posture during their walking.
4. How can I tell if my child’s shoes fit properly?
It’s essential that your child has the right fit when it comes to shoes. Have them try on a pair and walk around in them, making sure their toes have wiggle room without slipping inside the shoe! To get an accurate idea of how they’ll feel for long-term wear make sure you factor in any socks or other accessories so you can be confident about finding just the right size.
5. When is footwear not needed?
Footwear is considered not essential when your child is still learning to sit and crawl, in their earlier stages of their life.
However, if you would like your child to wear something on their feet, there are pre-
walking light shoes which may be suitable. These shoes are designed so they do not restrict the child foot’s movements if a parent chooses to place their child in this footwear.
If pre-walking shoes are your ideal choice, they need to be flexible, soft and able to adapt to the shape of your child’s feet.
Making sure your child’s shoes fit properly is a must!
It’s vital to provide your child with the right footwear – not only in terms of style and fashion, but more importantly for healthy foot development. Regularly measure their feet; select shoes that offer support and cushioning; replace them as often as every 6-12 months if needed – all these can help avoid any potential future issues.
Let’s ensure our kids fee free when running around by providing proper fitting shoes!
