Let’s Talk About Infant and Children’s Foot Care
Congratulations – you’re a new mom or dad! You may be wondering if your child’s feet need any particular care. Let’s take a peek at what to expect at various ages.
- Infant foot care
How do you care for the ten toes you carefully (and gratefully) counted when your child was born? Start by carefully trimming their toenails – straight across and not too short – using baby nail clippers. Other than this, simply keep your baby’s feet clean, dry, and free from constriction. Shoes aren’t necessary and may even hinder proper growth if they’re tight or worn for hours. Keeping baby’s feet bare allows them to stretch and kick to their heart’s content. Warm, unrestrictive socks are fine if it’s cold out. - When they start to walk
Children begin walking between nine and 18 months of age. Some toddlers enjoy walking on their toes. Some have toes that point inward or outward. Almost all of them begin with flat feet, their arch forming by the time they’re a few years old. Flat feet, toe-walking, in-toeing (pigeon toes), and out-toeing usually resolve as your child grows. - Foot care for young children
Measure your young child’s feet often – they can grow at an alarming rate. Shoes for toddlers and young children should have room enough for them to wiggle their toes. Also, shoes should conform to your child’s feet and provide good support. If your child plays sports, their athletic shoes should match their activity. Finally, you may want to have her feet examined if your child complains of foot pain, has an unusual gait, seems to trip over her feet, or refuses to participate in physical activity.
Our experienced podiatric surgeons, Dr. Craig B. Frey, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann, Dr. Jim Swienconek, Dr. Rachel Robinson, and Dr. Courtney Yoder are experts at diagnosing specific foot or ankle problems in infants and children. Bring your questions or concerns about your baby or child’s feet to Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland in Solon, Ohio. Call (440) 903-1041 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We offer a modern office with the latest technology for podiatric patients in Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties, proudly serving our patients from Solon, Aurora, Bedford, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, Macedonia, and Twinsburg.
