Childrens Shoes
All about the feet Healthy feet are essential if your child is to run, jump, walk, and stand properly. Feet require very special care since they work for us each and every day o four life allowing us to move freely. The teamwork of 26 bones and 30 joints, all joined by ligaments and moved by muscles, allow feet to adapt to uneven ground. This control is affected by numerous nerve ends that are responsible both for “superficial sensitivity” and “deep sensitivity”. The deep sensitivity of the foot allows the child to develop “self-perception” providing all the information required for coordination of the joints and superficial stimulation such as foot contact, sensitivity to heat and pain.
How feet develop Feet are a very important part of our body. Just think that by the 7th week of pregnancy feet are completely developed, with joints and fingers fully formed. At birth baby’s feet are on average 7.5 cm and reach about 26 cm when fully developed. Baby’s feet are soft a supple. Only a part of the skeleton is calcified, ligaments are loose and muscles fairly weak since feet actually only start functioning normally at about 12 months when baby starts walking. Your baby’s foot arch is not well developed. It develops very slowly and is completely developed only at about the age of 6. During this phase, parents should allow their children to walk as often as possible barefooted outdoors. Just as important are the kids shoes your child wears: these should be the right fit and have all the quality characteristics prescribed by specialist.
As a matter of fact babies really do not need shoes. Walking barefoot outdoors is the most natural way to help feet grow strong and healthy. Foot malformations are rarely found in populations that walk barefooted.
Kids Shoes: Why are kids shoes therefore so important to growing feet?
Kids Shoes protect your child’s feet from harmful external elements such as cold and damp, shock, bruising and injury. This is especially important when your children start walking outdoors at about the age of one. Up to then, feet should simply be kept warm and protected from injuries. A good kids shoe must allow toes to wriggle freely without pinching and toes should not be squashed into an unnatural position. The kids shoe sole unit should be flexible and non-slip and the upper soft and comfortable. Just as important, the forefoot section must be flexible and the back must firmly support and guide the heel.
To choose the right fit when purchasing kids shoes, do not simply press down on the big toe because children tend to pull back their toes. Use a “Foot Measure” to choose the right size making sure that toes can wriggle freely in the kids shoe. Finally, remember that your child should wear a different pair of kids shoes every day.
The right fit for kids shoes Children grow up quickly and, depending on their age, their shoes also increase on average by 2 – 3 sizes each year (one size upgrade corresponds to 6.6 mm). Remember this when buying new kids shoes. Allow an extra 9 – 15 mm in length, according to your child’s age. Check the length of your child’s foot every 2-3 months to ensure that he or she has not outgrown their kids shoes. Children generally do not complain of discomfort when kids shoes are too short or too tight.
Useful recommendations to ensure the best development of your child’s feet and choosing the right kids shoe.
Up to the age o one, leave feet free, and at most allow your child to wear only socks or very soft leather shoes such as Pediped.
To stimulate mobility, lay your child on its back letting him kick freely. Your child can start wearing proper shoes when he starts crawling or takes his first steps. Every 2-3 months, measure the length of your child’s feet to ensure that the kids shoe size is correct. Choose only kids shoes manufactured with top quality materials.
If you have time, take out the insole every night to let it dry. After the age of 2-3, check feet and toenails periodically. Check the way your child walks for deviations of the knee from the longitudinal axis and consult your pediatrician in the case of abnormality. When your child is 3-4 years old, he or she should undergo a complete examination by an orthopedic specialist.
Allow your child to wear non-specific kids training shoes only for sports activities.
