Toddler Shoes Safety Guidelines
When your toddler begins to walk, his little feet will take him everywhere. To ensure that your toddler’s feet grow properly and to keep his feet safe, the right shoe is essential. You should not only choose toddler shoes for fashion, but also for function, ease of use and comfort. Your toddler’s feet have 26 bones, many ligaments and several tendons, and protecting these precious body components is crucial to ensure that your toddler’s feet develop normally.
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Material
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According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should choose shoes that are made of soft, flexible upper materials. Do not pick shoes that restrict your toddler’s toes or that make moving her feet difficult. In general, the shoes you pick should be lightweight, with a ridged back to support her ankles as she walks.
Buy New
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While those cute shoes you see at a garage sale or the hand-me-downs that you get from friends and family are a tempting money-saving option, you should always buy new shoes for your child. According to Joanne Cox, associate chief of general pediatrics at Children's Hospital in Boston, as your child wears a new pair of shoes, they will mold to his feet, making the shoes uncomfortable or unsuitable for a second child.
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Closed-Toed
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While open-toed shoes might be cute and convenient -- especially during warm summer months -- choosing a closed-toe shoe is the safer choice. Cox states that for a child who is not 100 percent comfortable on her feet, open-toed shoes can pose a tripping hazard, and if your child does trip, her toes are exposed, leading to nasty scrapes and cuts.
Sole Type
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The sole of your toddler’s shoe should be slip-resistant. Leather- and rubber-soled shoes are an ideal choice for most toddlers. The sole of the shoe should have a slight bend but should not be able to bend all the way for the proper support. The middle of the shoe should also be rigid; you should not be able to move the shoe back and forth by grasping the front and back of the shoe.
Professional Fit
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You might consider taking your child to a shoe store that specializes in children’s shoes to have your toddler’s foot professionally measured. In addition, fit your child’s shoe for the larger of the two feet; the American Podiatric Medical Association says a toddler’s feet are rarely the exact same size. You should also check the fit of your toddler’s shoes often, as his feet might grow rapidly and shoes that are too small can restrict and deform your child’s feet as they grow.
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References
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