Your childs first shoes

While he has just started walking, let him go bare-footed at home and on soft ground such as sand and grass, to help develop of the foot muscles. Have him wear shoes when going outdoors.

For a good fit:

• heel counter (back of shoes) should hold the feet in firmly and comfortably
• front of shoes should have space to wriggle toes freely
• feet should be well strapped into the shoe with Velcro or buckles
• sole of shoes should be flat and non-slip
• shoe should be in "breathable" material such as leather or canvas

Don't:

• Let your child wear hand-me-down shoes from his older sibling. Shoes will "mould" into the unique shape of the feet of the first wearer over time. (Notice how your old shoes are more comfortable.)
• Buy your child's shoes a size bigger, to save money. Too big shoes will cause your child to walk clumsily and cause him to trip up.

From time to time, examine your child's feet for blisters or any redness - evidence that shoes don't fit right. Generally, your toddler needs new shoes every three months as his feet grows. After the age of three, as the rate of growth slows down, you only need to get him new shoes every five to six months.

Take your child with you when buying his shoes. Buy shoes in the afternoon as the feet tend to swell slightly during the day. Let your child try on both sides of the shoes and have him walk around to see if they fit comfortably.

If you notice your child walking "funny" or the structure of his feet does not seem quite right, or he complains of any pain in his foot when walking or running, take him to a podiatrist. He may be able to advise custom-made orthotic devices which can correct the condition.You may want to check out the Singapore Footcare Centre  operatedby the National Healthcare Group which provides comprehensive foot-screening service and footcare services for all kinds of foot problems.

There are two centres : one at Blk 203 Bedok North St 1 #01-46 and the other at Blk 163 Toa Payoh Lor 1 #01-1016.

Tel: 63543777