Caring for your child's feet
Healthy feet should never be taken for granted - one pair has to last us a lifetime! That's why it's important to start looking after your kids' feet as early as possible. It doesn't take a lot of time or a lot of effort, but keeping your kids' feet healthy now, will ensure they avoid foot problems later on.
Here are five tips to help your kids' feet stay healthy for longer:
1. Get them to go barefoot
Encouraging kids to walk around barefoot, wherever possible, is best thing you can do for growing feet. It helps the muscles develop and get stronger and allows air to circulate around the entire foot.
2. Wash toots everyday
Kids' feet need to be washed and dried very well every day - especially between the toes. It is very easy for kids to develop a fungal infection, like athlete's foot, if their feet are constantly sweaty and moist.
3. Keep their toenails trimmed
Always cut kids' toenails in a straight line and never try to cut around the corners, as this can lead to in-grown toenails. Toenails that are too long can dig into other toes, or into the shoe, and cause a lot of discomfort.
4. Choose the right socks
Socks that are too small can constrict feet and affect circulation. Socks should be made of at least 50 percent natural fibres, like wool or cotton, to allow the feet to breathe.
5. Get the right shoe size
As soon as you suspect that your kids' shoes are too small, don't wait! Replace shoes that no longer fit straight away to avoid damaging your child's feet.
Common foot problems in kids
By following the five tips above, you will be able to avoid most of the common foot problems that can affect kids. Some of these include:
- Corns - an accumulation of hard skin caused by excess pressure from shoes that are too tight
- Bunions - inflammation of the big toe joint
- Ingrown toenails - when the edge of the toenail grows down into the skin of the toe - this can be caused by incorrect toenail cutting or by shoes that are too small
- Athlete's foot - a fungal infection that comes about due to sweaty feet that are not washed and dried properly.
Find out more about how to fit school shoes:
- Fitting school shoes
- The 6-point check
- The school shoe checklist
- Learn 10 tips for buying school shoes
- Shoe size guide
Learn more about lacing school shoes
How to care for school shoes and feet
- How to care for school shoes so they last
- Caring for your child's feet
- Does my child have foot problems
Back to school shopping tips:
- How to buy school shoes
- 5 tips for buying a school bag
- How to buy technology for school
- The back-saving guide to buying a school bag
