Taking Care of Baby’s Feet

Cameron Kippentoeslayer2000@yahoo.com.au

Taking care of baby’s feet

• Baby’s are born with healthy feet.

• The foot bones do not all ossify until late teenage.

• Whenever possible let baby go barefoot.

Foot Hygiene

• Bland soap and hand hot water

• Dry the feet carefully, especially between the toes

• Use bland creams and talc.

• Inspect the feet for skin breaks

Nail Care

• Cut straight across the nail’s free edge, leave approx. 1 mm beyond the toe.

• Use the tips of the cutting blades and always cut small pieces at a time.

• Use a file/emery board to smooth sharp corners.

Nail Cutting : Points to remember

• Make the task as much fun as possible.• Try cutting one or two nails only if the

child is restless.• When all else fails try cutting the nails

when the baby is asleep. • Use small scissors/clippers and avoid

biting the nails.

Baby Shoes

• Barefoot is good • By 6 months

baby only needs socks for warmth and protection

• If shoes are worn ensure they fit and are flexible

Toddler’s Shoes

• The same shape as the foot

• Soft upper and flexible sole

• Good fastening improves fit

• Fit length and foot breadth

• Leave 20 mm for toe growth.

Points to remember

• Always have the child stand when trying on new shoes.

• Check for growing room at the toes and make sure the shoe does not pinch at the sides.

• Get them to stand on their tip toes and watch the heel, if slips out, then a smaller size may be indicated.

• Check socks and shoe fit regularly. • Hand me down shoes are fine provided they

are in good condition and fit the foot comfortably.

School Shoes

• School shoes need to fit comfortably and provide protection for active feet.

• Shoes must allow for natural growth and mobility so the child can move effortlessly.

• Teach them to tie their shoe laces as this is a skill they will require when they go to school.

Make shoe fitting fun

• On a piece of paper, run a felt tip pen around the foot and mark them left and right. Cut out the shapes.

• Take these to the shoe shop and slip them into the shoe to check for fit.

• This makes buying shoes a bit of fun for children and they can keep or play with the foot shapes.

Foot Growth and Development

• Bow legs and knock knees

• Pigeon Toes (hen toes)

• Flat feet

• Curly toes

When do you need to see a specialist?

• Your child complains of continued pain in the feet or legs and always sits while others around play, actively.

• Your child consistently trips and falls, and you may notice uneven shoe wear.

• One foot is different from the other and may present with skin rashes, hard skin and or bumps.

Bouncers, exercisers and baby walkers

• Walking is a learned activity which takes many years to perfect.

• Baby cannot support their body weight until the leg bones adjust and the skeleton and muscles develop. This can take until 18 months and baby will decide for themselves when to walk.

• Be cautious and do not leave the child unsupervised or for long periods in baby bouncers, exercisers and baby walkers.

Look after your feet

Be good to your feetAnd they will carry you,

All through your young yearsAnd all your old ones too.

Keep them dry, clean and healthy,Keep your toenails short.

Give them shoes that fit them,'cos new feet can't be bought!

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