During the early months of a toddler’s life, they undergo a period of rapid growth. On average, during the first year of life, infants can triple their body weight. In the span of just one year, most babies learn how to roll, sit, crawl, stand and even walk. It is important for toddlers to walk barefoot early on as this will help make the feet stronger. There are a couple strategies to look at when allowing your child to begin walking barefoot. At home, allow the toddler to crawl, roll and stand while barefoot. This will allow for them to get used to not wearing shoes in the house and with getting comfortable being barefoot. It is also vital to give them time to play barefoot outdoors. Only do this of course if you are in a safe area and there is nothing hazardous on the ground. It is encouraged to find safe surfaces that the child can walk on so that they can explore a variety of different textures. If you have any concerns about your child’s walking or foot development, talk with their podiatrist as soon as you can.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Dr. Eugenio Rivera of Calo 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 Bellaire, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.