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Is size the only difference between a toddler’s foot and an
adult’s foot?
No, infant and toddler feet are not miniature reproductions of
adult feet. Shape is very different. The widest distance in a
toddler’s feet is across the toes, whereas in adults it’s across
the ball of the foot where it bends. That means the shape of a
child’s foot is triangular, so their shoes must have a wide toe box
shape.
When is the right time for my child to learn to walk?
There is no ‘right’ time to learn to walk, as children develop all their ‘learning’ skills at an independent, highly individual rate.
You shouldn’t ‘push’ your child into walking but allow this natural skill to develop at their own rate. Even children in the
same family can develop at different rates.
What is the right age for my child to try stand up?
By 11 to 12 months, most children are able to pull themselves upright by holding onto the furniture. It is not advisable to
force the child to do any more than this at this stage.
Should toddlers be helped to pull themselves upright?
No, it is better not to. Baby human beings start to stand up quite soon enough for their developing muscles. To satisfy a
child‘s curiousity, an infant constantly strives to improve movement. If you keep lifting your infant upright, you are
unnecessarily hastening this process and it may be harmful to their development.
Is it important for a baby to crawl?
Crawling involves constant movement of the whole body, changing from one position to another. This helps strengthen the
spine and protects the child against back problems. However, for some children, it is normal to miss out crawling altogether.
These children shuffle around on their bottoms and then go straight to standing and walking positions.
Does it matter if my child goes on crawling for a long time?
Not at all, because crawling is one of the best ways for your child to exercise muscles and helps lay the foundations for
the process of learning to walk.
Does my child need help when learning to walk?
Let your child learn to walk at his or her own pace. The best way you can help is by not being too ambitious. Encourage
your infant to take the first steps by crouching down and stretching our your arms toward the baby like a pair of safety rails
and call to them. This game is only fun as long as you don’t keep making the child practice.
By what age should my child be able to walk?
The word “walk” should really only be used when a child is able to walk without being supported. 90% of children take a few
steps independently by age 18 months, and any obvious delay may indicate a problem in development for which further
medical help should be asked. Many people mistakenly believe that children should be walking by age 1 but, in fact, only
60% can walk a few steps by their first birthday.
Are “aids” to walking really helpful?
Most experts agree that “baby bouncers” (cradles suspended in doorways, etc) are very little use in helping a baby’s healthy
natural development. Baby “walkers” or “rings” are not recommended because they encourage loading of joints before
nature intended and can cause abnormal walking patterns. Natural curiosity is a far better and safer “aid” and motivator.
Are there any bones in an infant’s foot?
Tiny dots of bone growth centres are present in only 3 foot bones at birth. There is very little hard bone in the very young
foot - just soft gristle and cartilage. The cartilage takes up to 21 years to develop and harden into the 26 bones (plus two
sesamoid bones) in a fully formed adult foot.
What is the significance of lack of bone in a toddler’s foot?
Feet that are mostely cartilage with little hard bone make a child’s foot delicate and vulnerable to the pressure of ill fitting
shoes, especially in the early years of growth. The lack of bone means that a child is unlikely to complain about an ill
fitting shoe, simply because he or she will not feel sufficiently uncomfortable.
How tight should cot covers be?
Encourage your baby to kick by ensuring cot covers are loose enough. Kicking is a vital exercise in the development
of foot and leg muscles. If you use all-in-one baby suits, make sure they do not restrict tiny legs and feet.
What’s a typical infant foot shape? My child seems to have flat feet.
The infant foot has a square toe shape and narrow heel; it’s plumper and softer with the arch area filled and padded with
fatty tissue. That’s what gives the illusion of a flat foot. When a baby walks, it has to balance a relatively large head on a
short body so they walk with knees bent, legs wide apart and feet turned outwards. Also, nervous control of the action of
walking is still being learned. All these combine to give a flat-footed appearance.
What should I know about socks for kids?
Just like shoes, socks should be the correct size for the foot. They should be just larger than the size of the foot and not
cram the toes or pull over them. Check the socks against the feet regularly. Particularly with children who are dressing
themselves, washing and drying can result in shrinkage over time. For our South African climate, choose natural fibres
over artificial fibres, unless the socks are special athletic socks that have moisture wicking properties. Avoid 100% nylon
socks as these do not absorb moisture and will increase the rate of perspiration. Too much perspiration encourages
infections like Athlete’s Foot and plantar warts (verrucae). Look for socks that contain less than 30% artificial fibre such as
nylon - if the label doesn’t state it, assume there’s too much nylon in the sock.
What shoes should I put my child in during the summer?
Ideally, if barefoot is not an option, then shoes or sandals that are well ventilated and of a natural material (leather). For
younger children, “T-bar” sandals are ideal. Unfortunately, many children now want to wear trainers or takkies that are
really only suited for winter conditions. Due to the nature of their thick soles, trainers and takkies are not easily flexible.
A poorly flexible, thick soled closed shoe is not good for a growing foot since it can lead to weakly developed feet and
poor, imbalanced muscle function, not to mention the risk of Athlete’s Foot and verrucae (plantar wart) infections too.
When are trainers, takkies or sports shoes not healthy?
Trainers, takkies or sports shoes are ideal for the purpose or sport they were designed for - not to be worn for long periods
every day and certainly not outside of athletic activities during the summer months. Avoid the practice of leaving sports
shoes in shoe bags in a locker overnight as this prevents the sweat from the previous day completely drying out.
Click here:
 to find out more about our range of children’s school shoes
Call the SA Podiatry Association 0861 100 249 to locate your nearest podiatrist.
Foot Facts brought to you by Froggie 031 450 0207, in the interest of better footcare.
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of the Soul of Africa Initiative
