First steps, the ideal shoes for children

The feet are an important part of our body. They support the weight of the whole body. When they begin to take their first steps, the ideal footwear for children is the one that mix fastening and flexibility. It is important to take care of the children's feet during the first year of life by monitoring and correcting their movements and their postures to detect possible anomalies and choosing a suitable footwear and a number adapted to the size of his foot.

Characteristics of the baby's first steps

When the child starts to walk, he does what he can to stay on his feet. Its sole purpose is to maintain balance and not fall. The position of the legs and feet is different in each child, which makes some walk in marked internal rotation of the feet (points inwards) and others on the contrary, in external rotation. Occasionally, the legs may curl into a parenthesis.

Up to 2 years of age these anomalies do not require any treatment since the normality is getting gradually, the march is regularized, the feet support safely and the legs are straightened.

The best thing is that the child learns to walk by itself without we force or "put" to walk. It can be held from behind when you stand up, holding onto what you find. Walkers are not recommended, they delay spontaneous walking and are a danger of accidents.

What shoe do I choose for my baby?

During the stage of the first steps, the ideal footwear for children should be chosen with good judgment. The type of footwear is vital for the proper development of the foot.

1. The baby can wear soft shoes that does not prevent him from moving his feet at will during the crawling stage. The classic "bootees" made of cotton or yarn and the socks with rubber adhesive on the sole are ideal when the baby starts to crawl.
2. When starting the march it is advisable that the footwear has a wide sole, something resistant and that dominates the heel. The child will feel more secure, improve his psychomotor skills and walk earlier.
3. When the child is already able to walk freely, flexible shoes are recommended but that hold the foot, especially the heel. Sneakers are very suitable for meeting these conditions. They are also in case you need templates. Hard leather boots, which were traditionally used in these cases, can be replaced by this type of footwear.

The first shoes of your baby

- Bootees, socks and adjustable clothing it should not be too tight on the feet. The baby should have enough space. It is also not convenient to put too heavy clothes on the cradle, since they limit the movements of the feet.
- After six months, the baby begins to have its own mobility and we must avoid small "vices". Therefore, we should not put strong shoes on the child before he starts taking his first steps. Also monitor the position and shape of both legs. They have to be symmetrical.
- Protect your baby's feet When you start to crawl with leotards and socks.
- The first shoes of your baby they have to be comfortable and the right number so that they start to walk safely. Do not buy a larger number to "last". In addition, it is not advisable to pass the shoes of some children to others, because the shoe adapts to the configuration of each foot.

Footwear numbering from 0 to 3 years

- 0-3 MONTHS --------------- N ° 16
- 4-6 MONTHS --------------- N ° 17
- 6-8 MONTHS --------------- N ° 18
- 8-10 MONTHS -------------- N ° 19
- 10-12 MONTHS ------------ N ° 20
- 18-24 MONTHS ------------- N ° 21
- 24-36 MONTHS ------------- N ° 22
- More than 3 YEARS ---------- N ° 22

The benefits of barefoot walking for children

To strengthen and form the plant and the muscles of the feet, a highly recommended exercise is for your baby to start walking barefoot on the sand or grass. In summer, those who can go to the beach, can take advantage of walking and running barefoot through the dry sand and the wet, which is harder, from the shore. Both exercises are highly recommended for children.

Teresa Pereda
Adviser: Dr. Joseph Mª Casasa, Pediatric surgeon