After your baby is born, taking care of their feet is of major importance. Experts agree that giving babies the freedom to move their legs and feet is how they develop muscle strength. Until the baby is ready to stand or walk, it is beneficial to let them go barefoot as often as possible. Any shoes or other foot coverings should be fitted properly and checked often as the baby's feet grow quickly. This includes onesies that may be too tight as the baby’s length increases. Keep your baby’s feet clean and dry. As your baby starts to stand or walk, be aware of any abnormalities that may be apparent, such as in-toeing or out-toeing. Once the baby starts walking outside the home, choosing the right shoes is important. It’s suggested that you measure your baby’s feet periodically to make sure their shoes are not too tight in the toes, too loose in the heel, or too narrow. For more guidance on proper foot care for your baby, please consult a podiatrist.

The health of a child’s feet is vital to their overall well-being. If you have any questions regarding foot health, contact Chukwuma Ukata, DPM of Advanced Carolina Foot and Ankle Center. 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 Garner, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.