Children should be wearing shoes that are flexible and allow the foot to bend and move as though the child is barefoot. Flexible, non-skid or skid-resistant soles are one of the most important features to look for in a baby shoe. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has developed shoe recommendations for children to help you find shoes that are helpful and not harmful as your little one continues learning to walk. In the early years of childhood, there is a “fat” pad in the arch area of the foot, which gives the appearance of a flat foot, but this is not the case as it offers a natural arch support. In young children the arch will usually not be visible or developed for the first 2 years, and even then it is not fully developed. Although the structure of the foot develops fully by 2 years of age, the bones themselves do not fully develop and harden until around 18 years of age. A baby’s foot contains more cartilage than bone. These bones are designed to support the entire body, adapt to uneven surfaces and absorb shock with each step. The foot is a complex structure comprised of 26 bones. Once your baby starts cruising along furniture to taking their first few steps, it is important to think about what shoes to buy for your new walker. In her latest post she offers some great information for families and therapists alike on the important topic of Shoe Recommendations for Children: Sneha Gosalia, Pediatric Physical Therapist and co-Founder of Big Leaps Pediatric Therapy in Stanford, CT.
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