When caring for infants and children, foot health may not be at the top of your priority list alongside a safe crib or a nutritious diet. But foot health is just as important for children as it is for adults, and the foot conditions of children can persist and become more severe if not treated.

Infancy

As early as infancy, take proper measures to ensure good foot health for your baby. This can be achieved with a few simple steps:

• Change the baby's position several times a day.
• Check your baby’s feet regularly for any signs of abnormality.
• Cover the baby's feet loosely ­ tight covers restrict movement.

Toddlers and Late Childhood

As your child ages, be aware of their walking patterns. Feet that turn out or in as the child walks signal an underlying issue. Foot pain or swelling without explanation could be a sign of a serious condition and should not be ignored.

The feet of children grow very quickly, and it is also important to ensure that children always have properly fitting shoes. If you do notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your child’s trusted podiatrist as soon as possible.

Good health is all­-encompassing for infants and children, from head to toe! By taking a few basic precautions, you can give your child the gift of foot health to take with them into adulthood.