Many parents face a dilemma when their toddler begins making walking attempts. Is it appropriate to leave the child to learn how to walk without shoes on or are hard bottom baby shoes a better option?
Many companies create special lines of baby shoes, some of which created especially for toddlers learning how to walk.
Many experts, however, believe that natural learning methods are the best. In this instance, natural signifies letting the child learn how to walk without baby shoes on.
To understand the issue, you need to consider the specifics of a toddler’s foot. If these are not taken into consideration, the toddler could experience deformations or problems that will become evident later on in life.
The manner in which a toddler’s foot forms depends on various factors. These involve hereditary traits, the manner in which the toddler started walking and the selection of appropriate shoes. During the first two years of their life, nearly all toddlers have a low arch. The arch is still lacking a specific form and the toddler’s feet are plum.
Children who have flexible joints have a lower arch. These children are capable of performing a wider range of leg motions, exactly because of their joint flexibility. Keep in mind that the ankle and the foot deal with large pressure. The flexibility of joints in toddlers can lead to malformations, while the child is learning how to walk.
The low arch usually gets corrected within a period of three years. Children having flexible joints might need more time. During that time, toddlers accumulate muscles that stabilize the ankle and foot and prevent the chance of any malformations taking place in the future.
These specifics determine whether the child should be left walking in cloth or hard bottom shoes.
The manner in which the toddler attempts walking should be examined as well. Most babies begin the process towards the end of their first year. Toddlers should start making walking attempts when they are ready. If parents are pushy and trying to make the child learn how to walk faster, they can cause damage to the growing feet and ankles.
Most experts agree that barefoot walking is very healthy for the toddler. The feet get massaged and formed correctly. Children should be stimulated to walk barefoot, especially on grass and sand.
If the child maintains a low arch even after it turns two or three years, the parents might have to select appropriate shoes that will form the foot and deal with the problem.
When buying toddler shoes, parents will have to take several factors into consideration. A toddler will need hard bottom shoes only after walking is a fact. Softer shoes are more suitable for toddlers that are making their first steps. Soft and flexible soles will allow the toddler feel the ground and get a better sense of it.
Never buy shoes without trying them on. Your toddler needs to be standing up for the most accurate test. Check shoe size every two to three months. Children grow very fast and they will frequently need bigger sized shoes. Remember that even hard bottom shoes need to be flexible enough, permitting the toddler full range of motions.
Jamie Highland writes about various family and baby topics. For more info or to check out the bootie baby shower theme or some baby shower gifts, visit My Baby Shower Favors. If you want more articles, visit our site and click on the Contact Us link.
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