Choosing the Right Footwear
Proper footwear is important for toddlers and children. The foot is soft and pliable, so providing optimal support and protection for their feet ensures healthy development as it will prevent potential damage and problems later in life.
Young children who are not yet walking do not usually need shoes, but you may wish to buy them soft shoes which help to protect the feet if walking or crawling on rough surfaces. Most children walk from around 12-18 months of age. They generally do not need to wear shoes until they have been on their feet on their own for about 6 weeks. Shoes should fit well and allow for growth. Please check regularly to make sure the toes have room to move.
What to Look for when Buying Shoes
Get your child’s feet measured by a professional: If shoes are too tight, they can stop the toes from having enough space and could stop the foot from growing correctly. You should aim to have approximately 1cm space at the end of the toes inside the shoes.
