Top tips to help you care for your toddler's feet
Feet are often overlooked in personal care regimes, but as they truly are a body's foundation, you must ensure that foot health is made a priority—for yourself and for your children. Taking care of your child's feet from an early age can help prevent the development of foot problems as they get older. Let's take a look at some top tips to help you care for your toddler's feet.
Wearing shoes
Once your child is walking and running, it is important that they are wearing shoes that fit well and provide the best support for your little person's active feet. This means having your toddler's feet measured professionally, and re-measuring them every couple of months to ensure a perfect shoe fit as they grow. The width of your toddler's foot should also be measured, as some shoe brands are better for accommodating feet that are a little narrower or wider than the average toddler's foot.
When choosing a pair of shoes for your toddler, look for soft outer materials, a flexible, non-slip sole, and a good fastening to prevent your child's foot slipping inside the shoe as they walk. If possible, choose a pair of shoes that also have padding around the ankles, as they will provide extra support for your toddler's little ankles.
Diagnosing major foot problems
If your toddler has an abnormal walking pattern, or their shoes wear out quickly, it is wise to seek professional advice from a local podiatrist. While many foot issues in small children are self-correcting, such as flat feet or pigeon-toes, it is worthwhile to have the problem seen to at a young age. Similarly, if your toddler seems to trip or fall over a lot, they are slow to develop coordination when walking and jumping, or they are complaining of pain in their feet or legs, consult your GP or podiatrist for a professional opinion.
Preventing minor foot problems
Blisters on your toddler's feet can be prevented by ensuring their shoes fit correctly. If your toddler develops a blister, provide plenty of shoe-free time to allow the affected area to heal without rubbing painfully inside shoes.
Ingrown toenails are a common foot problem in small children, and can be prevented by cutting the toenails straight across with clippers, and filing the sharp corners. Do not cut the nails too short, and try to ensure the corner is not digging into the flesh at the side of the toe.
Athlete's foot can be prevented by drying in between your toddler's toes thoroughly before putting their socks and shoes on. Always put your child's feet in breathable cotton socks, and if a rash develops in between your toddler's toes that you suspect is athlete's foot, consult your GP or a podiatrist like Quinns Podiatry for more advice.
With a good quality pair of shoes that fit, well-manicured toenails, a little time each day without shoes, and a vigilant parent, your toddler will have the best chance at excellent foot health as they grow.