Top tips for little feet


Follow our top tips and keep your little one's tootsies in tip top condition -
  1. Wash children's feet regularly in mild, soapy water for just a few minutes. Soaking them for longer will upset the balance of natural oils in their skin. Dry their feet properly with a soft towel, paying careful attention to the spaces between the toes.
  2. Children's feet are naturally soft and don't require any additional creams and lotions. However, if you do like to use baby lotion or cream on young children, use sparingly and avoid the toenails and spaces between the toes.
  3. Keep nails trimmed. Using proper nail scissors or clippers, follow the natural curve of the end of the nail, leaving a 'free edge' of nail at the tip of approximately 3 mm (0.25 inch).Do not cut or dig into the sides of the nail as this can create an ingrown toenail. (see Ingrown toenails). Young children and babies tend to wriggle and can make parents nervous of cutting their nails, so try using an emery board instead of scissors.
  4. Go barefoot! Babies and children should be encouraged to walk barefoot on soft surfaces. It is much better for their foot health and aids natural growth and development of the feet.
  5. Make sure your child's socks fit properly. If socks are too tight they can be very uncomfortable and even restrict foot growth and development in young children. If socks are too loose, they can bunch up and cause blisters and corns. Socks should be made of a natural material such as cotton or wool which allow the feet to 'breathe' and should be changed daily.
  6. Get your child's feet measured regularly - Have your child's feet measured each time you buy new shoes. Children under four should have their feet measured every 6-8 weeks. Those over four should have them measured every 10-12 weeks. Make sure you go to a trained shoe fitter.
  7. Don't put your baby in a baby-walker! Using a baby-walker places unnecessary and unnatural amounts of pressure on your baby's joints and can affect their normal growth and development. Be patient and wait until they are ready to walk on their own.
Go to our Children's footwear guide for expert advice on choosing the right shoes for your child.