Taking care of your child's feet
An astonishing 90% of children have problems with their
feet which is why it's so essential to care for them properly throughout
their developing years. Keeping children's feet clean, fit and comfortable
is important for preserving foot health but there are lots of other things
you can do too.
  
Baby's first shoes
Here's our guide to happy, healthy feet!
- Make sure that clothes, socks, booties and bedclothes aren't too tight
and give them plenty of room to move around.
- Sleepsuits can cause claw, retracted toes if they don't fit properly.
To ensure your baby's feet have room to breathe during the night, opt
for footless sleepsuits and put a loose pair of socks on instead.
- Inspect your child's feet regularly for blisters, cuts and signs
of infection. ·
- Stimulate the muscles by taking her socks and shoes off and encouraging
her to stretch and flex her legs and feet.
- Wash feet properly every day, taking the time to clean carefully between
the toes.
- Let her go barefoot as much as possible - particularly in the summer
when feet tend to sweat more.
- Keep your child's feet as clean and dry as possible. A baby's foot
perspires a lot quicker than adults so it's important to use lightweight,
absorbent and breathable socks and shoes that don't smother their feet.
- Have your baby's feet measured every 6 to 8 weeks when they are toddling
and every 3 to 4 months when they are older.
- Avoid tights and socks made from synthetic materials - these stop
the skin breathing properly and cause increased sweating.
Where to next:
Useful websites
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