What shoes should a child take for his first steps? How to choose the right shoes for a child? Hallux valgus and varus foot deformity

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Many parents begin to prepare for the baby’s first steps in advance. And, having heard and read articles about the “terrible” flat feet and other problems that begin to “grow up” with an upright child, they wonder whether their son or daughter should buy special shoes “for the first step.” The famous children's doctor Evgeny Komarovsky tells whether it is necessary to put shoes on a child who is learning to walk, and what a toddler's first shoes should be.

Do you need shoes?

Evgeny Komarovsky believes that a child can easily learn to walk without shoes. Moreover, the human foot is created in such a way that he can move only barefoot. After all, no one is born wearing sandals or boots! From a natural approach, no special shoes are required for baby's first step.

But when the child learns to stomp on his own two feet, he will have to be slowly taught to wear shoes.

After all, he will not go to kindergarten, for a walk or to the clinic barefoot.

Parents need to understand that shoes do not correct anything, and the arch of the foot will usually be what it is genetically destined to be. Shoes do not affect the straightness or curvature of the legs, or whether the baby learns to walk faster or slower. Shoes just protect the feet from cold and mechanical stress, and nothing more. And you need to approach it from this position.

Barefoot or sandals?

All children, without exception, are born with flat feet, that is, 100% of babies have flat feet. The foot is formed as it grows and develops, and usually by the age of 12 it becomes clear whether there is flat feet or not. Dr. Evgeniy Komarovsky says that parents are often to blame for flat feet, because from childhood they taught the child to wear slippers at home and sandals on the street.

The risk of developing flat feet can be significantly reduced by allowing your child to walk barefoot more often. At home, on the floor - this should always be, and slippers are harmful. It’s very good if the child has somewhere to run barefoot at least sometimes other than his apartment.

It’s great to let him walk with bare heels on the grass, on small stones, on asphalt, if you live in your own house and have a yard. In the summer, while on vacation in the village with his grandmother, a child is simply obliged to run barefoot. All this has a positive effect on the formation of the arch of the foot.

There is no need to worry about hypothermia. Mom should not worry that a barefoot child who walks on the floor or ground will catch a cold. The legs are the only part of the human body whose blood vessels, when in contact with a cold surface, are able to narrow and thereby “save” heat and not release it into the environment. Walking barefoot is beneficial. But sitting in a cold place is absolutely forbidden, because the blood vessels in a child’s bottom are not able to narrow.

You need to work on keeping your feet healthy from a very early age.

Parents, according to Komarovsky, do not need to rush things and specifically teach their child to walk. Unpreparedness of the musculoskeletal system, muscles and ligaments, as well as the spine and feet, especially in a plump toddler, can cause a variety of orthopedic problems. The child must take the first steps himself, without coercion from adults, and when he is completely ready for this himself.

When are shoes needed?

Theoretically, a child begins to need shoes when he begins to leave the house “in public.” All babies who begin to walk have an unsteady, shaky gait, and their foot propulsion is not developed. This may be partly explained by the limited function of children's ankles. From this point of view, it will be much more convenient for the child to take more confident steps in high shoes that will fix and support the feet.

This does not mean that all parents of beginner “stompers” should urgently run to the store for children’s shoes with a high back and arch support. It is needed only for those kids who walk unsteadily and often fall, and solely to give them a little more stability and confidence. As soon as they get them, you can wear any shoes - with a low back, with a soft back, with anything, of any model, as long as the baby is comfortable in them.

In theory, high-top, more secure shoes are needed only for children under 3 years of age. If it stops being needed sooner, that’s okay.

Orthopedic shoes

A child needs orthopedic shoes when an orthopedic doctor identifies certain problems in him, for example, hallux valgus, club feet, etc. These diagnoses must be confirmed by radiographic studies. Only this gives the doctor the moral right to recommend that the mother buy orthopedic shoes.

It often has to be made to order, taking into account the angle of curvature of the foot in a particular child. The doctor will indicate these parameters, and the orthopedic salon will try to take into account all the doctor’s prescriptions.

However, you can often see how parents of a completely healthy child go to buy him orthopedic shoes, which are very heavy, scary, ugly and expensive, but “terribly useful.” They do this for preventive purposes, so that “there is no flat feet” and to avoid many other problems. And often they do this not on their own whim, but because the doctor advised.

Komarovsky is confident that as long as doctors in clinics receive a certain percentage of the profits of orthopedic stores and salons, this practice exists and will exist.

A healthy child who has not been given very specific diagnoses that require correction with special therapeutic shoes does not need orthopedic shoes!

Boots by inheritance

Parents are often interested in whether it is possible to give shoes from an older child to a younger one. Komarovsky says that there is nothing wrong with the fact that the baby starts stomping in the boots of his brother or sister.

If the shoes fit him in size, do not press or wobble on his feet, if they are in good working order, then there is no need to complicate anything. These are just clothes, and therefore you can wear them after another child, subject to hygiene rules.

How to choose your first shoes?

There are several simple rules, knowledge of which will help parents choose the first, second, and each subsequent pair of shoes for their child, without harming him:

You should not buy shoes “to grow.” If the sandals are too big, the rhythm of gait slows down. This, of course, does not pose any particular orthopedic harm, but it is still unpleasant. To compensate for the inconvenience of wearing large shoes, the child will begin to tuck his socks inward, and his knees will more often be bent when walking.

No need to buy heavy shoes. This is especially true for winter and autumn shoes for babies. The baby has just learned to stomp, and they bring him heavy high boots, and besides, the caring grandmother will definitely put a pair of woolen socks on the little one’s feet before putting them on. To understand how a still speechless child feels, Komarovsky advises adults to put on ski boots and walk without skis on a flat road for at least half an hour.

The model of the first shoe does not play a big role, says Evgeny Komarovsky. If the child is healthy and has no medically substantiated problems with the feet or spine, then the main thing is not the color and the presence of laces or Velcro, but the convenience for the child.

But it is important that the socks are still round; narrow toes impede the normal development of the toes.

The choice of shoes for a baby is very important, since the child’s future slender posture and confident gait largely depend on the first shoes. There are several important points that you should pay attention to when buying your very first children's shoes.

When should a child wear his first shoes?

At the very beginning, when the child begins to take his first steps at home, socks with socks are enough for him, but when you go for a walk with a baby who is already mastering walking, you cannot do without special shoes. All babies go through this stage at different ages, so we can only give approximate age limits.

Starting from 7-9 months, the baby may want to get out of the stroller for a walk and stand on the ground. May try to stand near a support. Some children already take their first steps (with the help of their parents) at 9-11 months.

As a rule, at about one year of age, children begin to try to walk on their own. And, if previously shoes were required “in order to stand on the ground,” now the child needs the right shoes so that he can develop independent walking skills.

Initially, buy the right quality shoes:

• high quality

How to choose your child's first shoes

First, let's determine what features shoes for the little ones should have.

• Provides a stable foot position while walking;
• Promotes proper development of the foot;
• Fixes the heel;
• Protects fingers from bruises;
• Protects the legs from twisting (not “short”, completely fixes the ankle joint in the autumn-winter period);
• Forms all support points;
• Takes into account all the anatomical features of children's feet.

Material

Important! Children's shoes should be made from natural materials. Due to an imperfect heat exchange system, the legs of young children, and especially the feet, sweat a lot. Therefore, the material from which shoes are made must “breathe”.

In cool weather, soft is preferable. In the summer, you can opt for tufted canvas.

The baby's first steps require confidence, which can be ensured by properly selected shoes. No specialist will give a definite answer to the question of what kind of shoes will be of high quality, but any experienced orthopedic doctor will confirm that the important attributes of shoes for children are comfort and safety. How to approach the issue of choosing shoes for toddlers and not make mistakes in this difficult matter? How to find out the required size? What materials are suitable for your first shoes? What do doctors advise regarding the heel, arch support and sole? Let's discuss all the nuances of choosing shoes for a 1-year-old child.

The baby’s first shoes must certainly be of high quality, so they need to be selected according to the recommendations of specialists

When to buy your first shoes?

The bones and cartilage in children's legs have not yet fully formed and are plastic, which means there is a danger of their deformation under the influence of negative external factors. Incorrectly selected shoes can cause deformation of a baby’s foot. Boots are necessary for a child only when he begins to learn to walk independently. Until this period, doctors recommend wearing only socks. So, the main advice from orthopedists is: hard shoes - not earlier than 9-12 months.

Does it make sense to buy orthopedic shoes for a baby when he is just starting to walk? Such specialized shoes are prescribed strictly by an orthopedist. Prophylactic use of orthopedic shoes is not required.

Shoe Features

Material

• Shoes for children are always made from natural materials. In such shoes, the foot will breathe, and the material will adapt to the shape of the foot as much as possible. Leather products are the best option. They are distinguished by softness, flexibility, good breathability, ability to retain heat and absorb excess moisture. Leather is a “smart” material that adapts to the characteristics of a child’s foot.

Leather is considered one of the best options - comfortable, breathable, wear-resistant.

• Textile options, such as linen, matting, and denim, provide excellent competition to leather in terms of their hygienic properties, and their price is much lower. Lightweight materials are a favorite option for summer. In the cold season, drape, felt, felt, wool and cloth are used. Progress does not stand still, and today on sale you can find a number of boots based on polymer materials, as well as combined options made from natural and synthetic fabrics. Such innovations allow you to maintain natural air exchange. Rubber boots don't count in this case. Manufacturers confirm that they must be worn with cloth or felt boots/insoles, as well as socks made of fine wool.

Backdrop

A hard back is a prerequisite for reliable fixation of the child’s legs. Thanks to the high and rigid heel, the foot will be well fixed and will not slip. It is made of genuine leather, in most cases tougher than other parts. You can avoid using a hard back if your child is over 11 years old. It cannot be canceled before this age.

Although this element is small, it is at the same time very important. It is in his power to direct the development of the foot along the right path. The absence of arch support can lead to flat feet. Determining the latter as a diagnosis will require the purchase of insoles with corrective instep supports. They will help the baby learn to walk again by placing the leg differently.

The arch support supports the lateral bending of the foot and prevents the development of flat feet

Sole

Pay attention to the sole. The following important conditions must be met: density, integrity, the ability to bend freely, but at the same time the absence of excessive softness. A good sole perfectly follows the shape of the foot. Excessive rigidity of the sole will cause the foot to jump out of the shoe. The presence of shock-absorbing inserts will provide reliable protection for little feet when jumping, especially on asphalt.

We list the materials most preferable for use as soles: natural rubber, polyurethane or foam rubber. Never choose shoes with plastic soles. She is very slippery. Typically, such shoes are produced in non-specialized companies.

Heel

Flat soles are not suitable for a child. The absence of a heel will lead to disturbances in gait and posture. The weight will be distributed evenly across the foot if the top of the shoe is slightly raised. With such a rise, the child’s gait will be correct, he will not shuffle or slouch. The height of the heel should be small: for the first shoes in life - 0.5 cm, for older children - 1.5 cm.

A small heel correctly distributes the load of the child’s weight on the feet

Sock

The shape of a baby's foot resembles a fan, so it is wise to opt for a wide toe box. Rounded and spacious, it should give your child a feeling of freedom when walking. In the right shoes, the baby is able to move his toes.

A tapered toe will lead to improper foot formation. When it comes to choosing between an open or closed toe, give preference to the latter, so you will avoid unnecessary injuries to children's toes.

How to take measurements?

You can figure out what size you need to buy by taking measurements, and you should do it like this:

• Place a piece of paper on the floor and place the child's foot on it. Using a pencil in a vertical position, outline the foot.
• Note how many centimeters you got from the beginning of the big toe to the heel, and do the same with the second leg. Usually the feet are the same length, but there are cases with a difference of up to 6 mm.
• Take into account the fact that when walking, the foot lengthens a little, and the toes move slightly forward, this is due to the pressure of body weight. To wear shoes comfortably, you need to add another 1.5 cm to the resulting foot length, of which 9 mm goes to lengthening the foot, and 6 mm is a reserve for growth. Just one or two months and the baby’s leg will just reach its full length. Refuse the desire to buy shoes for your child.

The metric system originally used in Russia has today been replaced by the modern mass system. Previously, the size corresponded to the length of the foot and was measured in centimeters. Now the size is indicated in units. So, 1 piece is equal to 0.66 cm. It is very easy to understand what size you need. For example, the length of a child’s foot is 12.7 cm. To this length we add another 1.5 cm as a margin = 14.2 cm. We divide this value by 0.66 and get shoe size 22 (rounded).

Pediatricians assure that buying shoes for growth with a large supply is a serious mistake for parents

If the foot length is precisely known, you can determine the desired size using the table. Similar tables are available in every children's shoe store:

Cm.	9.5	10.5	11	11.6	12.3	13	13.7	14.3	14.9	15.5	16.2	16.8	17.4	18.1	18.7	19.4	20.1	20.7
R-r	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30	31	32	33

Features of fitting

It is difficult for a child under the age of 5 to adequately determine whether his shoes are tight or not. This is due to the fact that the baby’s entire foot is protected until this age by a fat pad, which allows you not to feel pain. This misjudgment of the appropriate size can lead to bone deformities.

It is important to remember the following points:

• Foot length measurements should only be taken when the child is confidently standing on the surface. When the baby is sitting or the leg is suspended, the length will be shorter.
• Always measure with two feet. Please note that differences of up to 6mm are possible.
• It is better to take measurements at home in the evening. At this point, the leg increases slightly in size due to the blood flow during the day.
• It is important to know that each manufacturing country may have its own size standards.

Dr. Komarovsky in his video program once again reminds all parents: “Never buy shoes for your child to grow into, or shoes that will be tight for him.” All this will negatively affect the formation of a child’s foot and the resulting defects will need to be corrected for more than one year. It is also better not to buy shoes that are too big. The distance between the wall of the shoe and the big toe should be no more than 0.5 cm.

Parents, remember – a child’s leg grows very quickly. Try your feet on every three months before purchasing new shoes. Photo tutorials on the Internet will help you do this without errors.

Rating of the best manufacturers

Skorokhod

The specialized collection “First Step” is created on the basis of unique lasts developed at the Scientific Center named after. G. A. Albrecht together with the Skorokhod factory. Children's Institute of Orthopedics named after. G.I. Tourneura approved these models, as they are equipped with a flexible insole, a small heel on the sole and have convenient Velcro for fixing the legs. Lightweight sandals are adjustable in three positions at once, which allows you to buy them both for legs with a high instep and for thin feet. Boots, incl. and winter ones, are made of genuine leather, which is ideal for children's feet. Such correct parameters will make the walk of babies starting to walk more confident and enjoyable.

Totto

The company has special models for the first tests of walking, which are made taking into account physiological parameters. These shoes will be an excellent option for little ones who are just learning to stomp. Each summer and winter model features a rigid heel, a Thomas heel, and an insole with arch support that follows the curves of the foot. As a result, the leg in the ankle area is securely fixed, and the baby stands confidently on his feet. Taking into account the anatomical features of the foot allows you to distribute the load correctly, which will prevent bone deformation. The muscles and ligaments of the toddlers' legs are not yet fully strengthened, they need protection. In these models it is an elastic sole. The wide toe box does not squeeze the toes and does not interfere with their formation.

Kotofey

In the models of the “First Steps” collection, the sole is made of genuine leather. The presence of a 5-7 mm heel allows the leg to develop correctly. Some models are equipped with additional TPU inserts, which provide even greater reliability and prevent slipping. The manufacturer recommends that any model, summer or winter, from the “First Steps” children’s collection be bent several times before wearing at the future bend of the leg, then the sole will develop and be flexible enough when walking.

Miniman

A wide range of Minimen shoes includes models for both children and teenagers. Among others, you will find a line of shoes for children who are starting to walk. These models are equipped with a rigid back that supports the foot, and the toe of the shoes is slightly raised, which prevents the baby from falling. Shoes for winter and summer days will be an excellent choice thanks to:

• anti-slip textured sole;
• the presence of an instep support;
• available foam insert for maximum comfort;
• natural calfskin.

Tashi Ortho

The main task of these shoes is to help the child’s foot form correctly and prevent the development of pathologies. Each model is equipped with an orthopedic insole, which is a significant advantage (we recommend reading:). Thanks to this small detail, flat feet are prevented in children and pain is relieved when walking.

Experts from various fields confirm the high quality of this brand. The shoes are very comfortable, practical and modern. In addition to the rigid heel, there is an insole with arch support. The boots are securely fixed on the foot using a number of devices. There is a heel, but it is small, as it should be at this age. The flexible sole does not interfere with the correct formation of the foot and can be considered therapeutic.

Shoes for the first steps must be of high quality, so never chase fashion and beauty. Finding the best is not always easy. First of all, you need to pay attention to the design of the shoes, how comfortable it will be for the baby to walk in them. Always think about how to keep your child healthy.

The anatomical and physiological characteristics of a child’s foot ensure that there is no pain if the shoes are tight and small. A large supply of adipose tissue dulls all unpleasant sensations. But it is important to choose the right shoes for your baby’s growing feet.

Incorrectly chosen shoes can cause not only an aesthetic defect and discomfort, but also future problems, including flat feet and poor posture.

When choosing shoes, parents should pay attention to the main selection criteria: size, material, sole, heel, instep support and much more.

When should you buy shoes for your baby for the first time?

Most pediatricians and orthopedists are of the same opinion - the baby does not need shoes until the baby has taken his first confident steps! Having decided on the moment of purchasing shoes, before purchasing, you need to decide what exactly the first children's shoes should be.

Buying children's shoes should be done in person; for now it is better not to give preference to online stores. You can buy shoes online only after personal inspection, tactile inspection.

For kids, you need to buy several options for shoes. For walking outside, for children who have already learned to walk, one pair of shoes is enough, for example sandals, boots, sneakers.

In the future, when the baby is already walking confidently, the baby needs more pairs of shoes - depending on the weather, and chosen according to all the rules.

How to choose your shoe size?

The baby's feet are constantly growing, and shoes have to be bought often. At the same time, “true to size” shoes are not advisable, they will become too small too quickly, and the baby will be forced to curl his toes.

But when you buy larger shoes, that is, several sizes larger, the foot will slide, which is difficult and uncomfortable, and the likelihood of injury increases sharply.

The fact is that the articular ligaments in early childhood are weak, and shoes do not fix the leg, therefore, when falling, sprains, subluxations and dislocations of the joint easily form. You can buy shoes with a margin of no more than 1.5 cm; for the winter version, the margin may be slightly larger, based on a warm sock.

You can choose shoes without your baby, just have a “mark” on cardboard or paper with you. But to choose the right shoes, you need to compare the baby’s footprint and the insole, but not the sole.

When choosing, be sure to pay attention to the design of the shoes. Sports shoes - have a large number of seams that do not make it possible to fill the space of the shoe completely, so the size of the footprint should be slightly larger compared to the insole.

Before purchasing, you need to evaluate the latest criteria:

• Is it convenient for the baby to take off or put on shoes?
• You need to try on shoes on both feet;
• After fitting, you need to carefully observe the baby to see if his gait has changed.

Please note - the sole

The sole also has special requirements. Ideally, it should be flexible, have a grooved surface, and therefore not slip. The shock-absorbing function of the foot is directly related to the quality of the sole.

If the sole is not elastic enough and does not bend, then a normal and correct transition from heel to toe is simply not possible. If the sole is too thick and does not bend very well, the toe should be raised up; only such conditions will ensure a roll.

Material

The material from which the shoes are made must be “breathable” and natural. For children, this condition is extremely important and is explained by physiological characteristics.

The autonomic nervous system is not yet perfect, and is learning to work correctly, the same applies to thermoregulation centers. These conditions cause increased sweating of the baby's feet. Every mother knows the dangers of walking with wet feet, and the unpleasant sensations are far from the most sad and dangerous.

Breathable material will be more flexible and stretchable, which provides additional comfort, as well as improves air microcirculation and ensures moisture evaporation.

Arch support

The instep is a tubercle on the inner edge of the sole that ensures the maintenance of the correct arch of the foot. This will be the best prevention against the development of orthopedic pathologies - flat feet.

But it is worth remembering that in some conditions, the presence of an instep support is contraindicated, for example, with clubfoot.

Shoe heel

The presence of a heel is extremely important; it must be firm enough to hold the heel and prevent it from turning to the side. To control sufficient rigidity, just squeeze the heel - this should not be easy.

For better comfort, you should choose shoes with laces or Velcro. Laces are still a more acceptable option, allowing not only to secure the leg correctly, but also to promote the development of fine motor skills in the baby’s hands. For winter shoes, it is necessary to have a side zipper - it is easier to put on your baby's shoes.

How to choose summer children's shoes?

The main condition for choosing the right shoes for your baby is his direct participation. It is not enough for parents to know the shoe size, because each baby is individual.

One baby's foot will be fuller, another will have a higher instep, and each baby will have a completely different size. The choice is complicated by the lack of an objective assessment on the part of the baby; only children of older preschool age can say that the shoes are too tight or, conversely, too loose.

The first thing you need to pay attention to is the model, which should be comfortable and protect the baby from injury. The baby's very first shoes are often squeaky booties, and they can make sounds only if the baby has placed the heel correctly.

In the future, parents prefer sandals that have many ventilation holes. In addition, such models secure the foot well with straps or large buckles, such shoes have the correct heel and a fairly good thick sole.

Every parent should remember that flip flops, i.e. without a back, are not suitable for preschool children. Lack of foot support can contribute to the development of flat feet.

Sneakers and sneakers perfectly protect the foot from injury during active games or even just while walking. But at the same time, sneakers must ensure the movement of the baby’s legs.

It is best to choose summer shoes from leather, faux leather, synthetics or textiles. From a hygienic point of view, genuine leather is more valuable. High-tech materials can become an alternative to leather, but still the inside of the shoe should be made of natural materials or have a textile lining.

Instructions for choosing summer children's shoes

When choosing shoes, there are specific tips:

1. There should be a distance of at least a centimeter between the toes and the toe of the boot. In order not to make a mistake, the mother must insert her finger between the back and the baby’s leg, while the baby’s fingers should rest against the nose.
2. Shoes must match the fullness of the baby's feet. Tight shoes will disrupt proper blood circulation and cause foot deformation. If the shoes are large, the child is forced to expend more effort on maintaining balance and carrying shoes, and therefore gets tired quickly. The main rule of choice will be ease of use - put on and take off.
3. In summer shoes, the insole should be removable, absorb moisture and be washable.
4. Do you need a heel? Experts have different opinions. The presence of a heel prevents the baby from falling backwards and will help the foot form correctly. But the heel should be no more than 7 mm. Other experts say that heels should be abandoned altogether.
5. It is necessary to take into account the growth rate of a child's foot. In children 2–3 years old, within a year, the foot can grow by 2–3 sizes; in the period from 3 to 6 years old by 2 sizes, and for schoolchildren by 1 to 2 sizes.

Rules for choosing winter shoes

The most important requirement for children's shoes is that they should be warm, comfortable and properly selected.

You need to choose winter shoes with your baby, having studied the instep and width of the feet in advance. Children's shoes can be produced in three versions: narrow, medium or wide. The leg should not be too compressed. In tight shoes, the foot may freeze, but this does not mean that the shoes should be wide and large in size.

Most often, children's winter shoes are made of leather, faux leather or modern materials. Genuine leather is more flexible and will provide a better fit to the leg and allow air to pass through.

Leatherette is a synthetic material that does not allow air to pass through, does not adapt to the structure of the leg, and will create a greenhouse effect inside the boot.

In winter shoes, it is important to pay attention to the filling - natural fur and, of course, the sole. As a rule, the sole is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane. PVC is less slippery, while polyurethane loses its elasticity and can slip.

The insole in winter shoes should be made of natural fur and tightly sewn to the sole, otherwise it may become confused and cause pain to the baby, which may cause the baby to refuse to walk.

A climatic membrane containing a huge number of microscopic holes necessary to maintain an optimal microclimate, and the baby’s feet remain dry.

In such shoes, the baby will not even be hot, and not cold outside at a temperature of -10º. For more severe frosts, down to -30º, you need to buy shoes with a membrane and sheep wool.

Instructions for choosing winter shoes

All tips will be directly related to the child’s age and the degree of mastery of independent running:

1. If in winter the baby is just starting to walk, then you should not buy boots for your baby. Just fur-lined booties or felt boots are enough.
2. The toe of the shoe should be rounded or square, but this shape does not squeeze the toes.
3. It is important that the shoes fit well on the foot and do not dangle. Therefore, boots must have straps, fasteners, and laces with a lock. If there is a side zipper, it should be covered from the inside with fur, not leather, this is the only way the zipper will not allow cold air to pass through and the legs will not freeze.
4. Winter shoes can be one size larger (socks), but if the shoes are too large, the child will not be comfortable walking.

The baby's feet are constantly growing, and before each purchase of shoes it is necessary to measure the foot. Try on shoes only in a standing position, and you must make sure that the leg does not slip out and does not squeeze the foot.

All parameters of children's shoes are prescribed in GOST: closed toe, fixed heel, soft edging, soft instep support on the insole. Shoes should be selected strictly according to the season so that your feet do not sweat or freeze. Before purchasing, you need to inspect the shoes for seams and protrusions that may irritate your baby’s feet.

Children's shoes should only have flat soles, laces and straps. For the little ones, shoes should be made entirely of natural fabrics: leather, fur. The use of synthetic materials in children under two years of age is not recommended.

All shoes for a baby should not only be of high quality, but also be liked by the baby. In this case, the child will be happy to put on his shoes on his own. If there are laces, the baby will develop fine motor skills of the fingers, which will have a beneficial effect on the activity of thinking, brain activity and speech development. All kids try to imitate adults, so give your children joy - let their wardrobe be fashionable, beautiful and bright.

Many mothers and fathers sincerely believe that the first shoes should not be anything special. It is enough to choose soft slippers, shoes or boots. They are inexpensive, and the baby will grow quickly, so why spend extra money. This is exactly the phrase that orthopedists often hear from young parents who come with their babies for an appointment. But experts dispute this statement, because the health of a child’s feet depends on correctly selected shoes.

When should you think about buying your first shoes?

Doctors explain that the bones of a child in the first year of life are just forming, so under the influence of negative factors they can easily become deformed. But you have to spend a lot of time on your feet, so it is very important to create all the conditions for the proper development of children's feet. To answer one of the most frequently asked questions: “When should I buy my baby’s first shoes?” orthopedists give a clear answer: how the baby begins to walk independently, i.e. not earlier than nine to twelve months.

Many parents buy shoes for children as young as six months old. There is no need to do this: the baby is just learning to sit, crawl and stand up against a support, so ordinary socks or booties will be quite enough.

Before buying your first shoes, consult with an orthopedist: the doctor will give useful recommendations on choosing

In some cases, if a child has problems with the formation of his feet, the doctor may recommend buying the first shoes when the little one learns to stand on his feet. But if the baby is developing according to normal standards, being at home barefoot or wearing socks is the best option before walking. As soon as the first steps are taken, you need to make an appointment with an orthopedist. The doctor will conduct an examination and give valuable recommendations on choosing the right shoes, shoes or boots for your baby.

Gallery: types of shoes for different seasons

For convenience, it is recommended to buy your first shoes with Velcro, but laces are also not prohibited.
Your first summer shoe should not have an open toe.
It is better to buy boots for a baby from natural materials. Winter boots should have natural fur so that the feet do not freeze or sweat

Video: baby's first shoes

Basic requirements for first shoes: what is most important

Children's stores offer a huge variety of shoes for babies. Experts advise focusing not only on a beautiful appearance, but also on more important criteria. The fact is that the products should help the proper development of the feet, as well as correct minor changes that are often found in toddlers.

Responsible manufacturers adhere to medical requirements. Their models have all the necessary quality certificates so as not to harm the health of the baby or negatively affect the development of the feet.

The right children's shoes are a guarantee of healthy feet for the baby in the future.

Weight and material

The first shoes or sandals should not be heavy. It is necessary for the child to feel comfortable and comfortable while walking. A model that does not restrict movement will allow you to master upright posture without unnecessary problems.

The basic rule is to choose shoes only from natural materials:

• Leather products are considered the best option. They quickly absorb excess moisture, the baby’s foot breathes and does not freeze;
• There are also textile models on sale that have proven themselves on the positive side. For the summer you can buy light fabric shoes;
• If you buy winter boots, make sure that there is real fur inside.

It is worth noting that rubber boots, which are so popular today, should not be worn by children at such an early age. They do not secure the leg while walking, and this can lead to deformation of the feet.

Shape and backdrop

Another important criterion: the product must be loose and not squeeze the tiny leg. You cannot buy shoes with pointed toes, only with wide ones so that the baby can move his toes freely while walking.

If a baby is learning to walk in the warm season, orthopedists advise choosing sandals or sandals with a closed toe to avoid injuring the fingers of the child, who is still unsure of his steps, may trip and hit himself.

The heel must be rigid and high in order to tightly fix the ankle joint. Only in this case will the toddler put his leg in the correct position. For children under 5–6 years old, experts recommend models with closed heels.

The first shoes must have a wide toe and a closed back

Arch support and insole

The foot of a newborn is flat, and only as it grows older does it form and acquire the necessary curves. A significant role in this is played by the instep support - a small elevation on the insole in the form of a pad. The absence of this detail can lead to the development of flat feet. When choosing, make sure that the inside of the shoe has a membrane, textile or leather insole that allows air to pass through well.

Sometimes orthopedists prescribe special insoles for the child without this pad. But such a decision is made only by the doctor, depending on the diagnosis. Shoes for healthy children must have an instep support - this is an element of high-quality models.

High-quality children's shoes must have an instep support

Heel and sole

The heel should be small; flat-soled shoes are absolutely not suitable for babies, as they lead to disturbances in gait, then posture, and other negative consequences in the development of the musculoskeletal system.

The best solution is the Thomas heel, which manufacturers use for preventive and therapeutic shoes. It has an elongated shape on the inside, which allows you to evenly distribute the load and prevents the foot from falling inward. Its height is forfor babies who are just learning to walk upright, it is no more than 0.5 cm. As it matures, it reaches 1.5 cm.

Buy your baby shoes with Thomas heels to prevent flat feet and other problems with foot development.

In a child's first shoes, the sole is more flexible than in older ones. When purchasing, be sure to check this part, otherwise the little one will not be able to walk normally and will often fall. In high-quality models, porous rubber, natural rubber or polyurethane are used in production.

Another important point is the presence of shock-absorbing inserts (shock absorber). Children constantly run and jump, shock absorption protects the legs from impacts. But the absence of these parts can lead to deformation of the child’s foot.

The right size and the right fasteners

First of all, choose the right size shoes. Everyone knows that for babies it is necessary to buy models with a reserve, because the leg grows every day:

• for summer sandals and sandals 1 cm more;
• for winter and demi-season products - by 1.5 cm.

You need to re-measure your feet every three months, and select the next pair using new standards.

So that your child can quickly fasten his first shoes, give preference to Velcro, they are the most convenient. Of course, shoelaces are not prohibited, but it takes much longer. Before purchasing, be sure to let your little one walk around in the new shoes for a while. If he is capricious, he doesn’t like something, and you see that the baby is uncomfortable, give up this model and try on another one. Even if sandals, shoes or boots meet all the listed parameters, but the baby is uncomfortable, you should not buy such shoes.

If parents buy the right shoes for their baby from an early age, they can avoid many problems with the formation of feet.

Which models to give preference: orthopedic or preventive

All mothers have heard about orthopedic boots, but not many fully understand how they differ from ordinary ones and whether all children must wear orthotics. Experts explain: the right shoes are called preventative. Its objectives for a healthy child who does not have problems with the development of the musculoskeletal system are:

• ensuring comfortable conditions while walking;
• protecting the baby’s feet from injury and cold;
• promoting the correct formation of feet as the baby grows older.

Orthopedic products are special models that are custom-made for children with established diagnoses and only on the direction or recommendation of an orthopedic doctor. Dr. Komarovsky points out that for a healthy toddler, proper preventative footwear is enough.

Orthopedic shoes are considered therapeutic and are prescribed only to those children who have problems with foot formation

Video: Dr. Komarovsky about what the right children's shoes should be

Mistakes when choosing a product for the first steps

A large number of parents neglect the advice of specialists, motivating their choice by the fact that one-year-old children grow very quickly, so it makes no sense at all to spend a decent amount on expensive shoes, because in a month or two they will need to be changed. But do not forget that the health of the feet depends on the decisions of adults.crumbs. The most common mistakes that moms and dads make when buying their first baby models are the following:

• They are not purchasing new shoes. This is a very common practice among relatives and friends: to wear out shoes, sandals or boots for older children. But during wear, the sole wears down, and if the child who wore the product first has deformed feet, a healthy baby’s foot automatically becomes abnormal, repeating the curves of the used model;
• buy with a large reserve. Many parents choose new clothes for several seasons at once. Doctors are against this, because in shoes that are too loose, the foot is not clearly fixed, the load on the ankles increases, which can lead to deformation;
  

  The same goes for wearing tight shoes.

• choose products from non-natural materials. My legs don't breathe, they sweat, they get cold. Due to the lack of breathability, bacteria quickly multiply inside the shoes;
• pay attention only to appearance. Undoubtedly, beautiful shoes look impressive, but it is wrong to take into account only this criterion. In many cases, the original models do not have a rigid back or are too tight. Before purchasing, you should carefully study the product.

Possible problems for a child when choosing the wrong shoes

Many mothers and fathers are faced with defects in the formation of their child’s feet. The diagnosis can only be made by a specialist after an examination. In order to detect the disease in time, it is necessary to undergo routine examinations with the baby by an orthopedic doctor.

Parents themselves notice any changes in the formation of the baby’s foot quite late, when the disease progresses. And the doctor will determine the degree of violations at an early stage and prescribe effective treatment in each specific case.

Is it possible to develop flat feet?

This problem is one of the most common. The fact is that as the child grows up and masters walking skills, the load on the feet increases. Gradually they acquire the necessary bend. The baby should train his feet: walk on uneven surfaces barefoot and with shoes on. To create conditions for normal bone formation, doctors advise purchasing products with small heels, and the insole should have an instep support. If all these conditions are met, the baby will most likely not experience flat feet.

But orthopedists warn that even if the little one constantly walks in the correct preventative shoes and barefoot, but only on a perfectly flat surface, the likelihood of developing flat feet increases many times. Without leg training there will be no positive effect.

Parents should motivate the baby, play with him, engage in physical activity and buy the right shoes to prevent the development of flat feet.

If the doctor makes such a diagnosis for the child, he develops a treatment regimen. It includes exercises, massage and special insoles, which are made to order and placed in regular preventative shoes (and in some cases, orthopedic models are recommended for constant wear for several years). If you follow the advice of an orthopedist, by adolescence the bend takes on the correct shape.

There is such a thing as congenital flat feet. In this case, the baby is already born with an irregular foot shape, and this will not change as he grows older. Such children are recommended to have therapeutic individual orthopedic shoes for life. Or the doctor decides on the advisability of surgical intervention.

Video: children's shoes and flat feet

The baby walks on his toes without stepping on his full foot

Parents look forward to the moment when the baby takes his first steps. And now this day has come. But adults often notice that the baby stands on his tiptoes without resting on the entire foot. The reasons can be very different: perhaps the boy or girl does not like the cold floor, or it is a neurological or orthopedic problem.

Only a specialist can determine why the child began to walk this way. You should not make a diagnosis yourself, this will lead to incorrect treatment and wasted time.

If a neurologist, having examined the baby, concluded that the toddler’s health is in perfect order, then this situation can be solved by choosing the right shoes. As a rule, the orthopedist will explain which model of the first shoes you need to purchase. The main thing is that they are made of natural materials, have a hard back and support the ankle well. But the main point is the hard sole, because in such shoesthe child will not physically be able to rise on his toes, but will be forced to step on his entire foot. Doctors often advise parents that the baby should wear such shoes at home for at least two to three hours a day.

Hallux valgus and varus foot deformity

Also very common problems in young children. There are several reasons, from a lack of calcium, which leads to bone deformation, to wearing the wrong shoes from the first steps. Experts warn: if measures are not taken in time to correct the situation, deterioration can lead to disability. In such cases, exercises and special shoes will not help. There is an option for surgical intervention, but surgery will not give a 100% result.

In many cases, with hallux valgus or varus curvature of the foot, children need to wear custom-made shoes

With hallux valgus, the baby walks relying on the inner arches of the feet. If you look at his legs, they visually resemble the letter X. The consequence of treatment started at the wrong time is often the development of flat feet. What shoes to choose for the baby is decided only by an orthopedist:

• if hallux valgus is at an early stage, preventive models with a hard back, a sole with a Thomas heel and an insole with an instep support are sufficient. In addition, the doctor will tell you what exercises to do and whether an orthopedic mat is needed;
• In case of severe deformation of the feet, the baby is prescribed therapeutic shoes, which will be made to order for the baby.

With varus deformity, the situation is the opposite: the baby walks, relying on the external arches. Visually, it looks like clubfoot, and the legs resemble the letter O. The shoe model also depends on the degree of the disease. There are special preventative anti-virus boots, sandals and shoes on sale. They differ from regular ones in that there is no arch support on the insole so that the baby can rest on the entire foot while walking. But with a large degree of deformation, the doctor will prescribe treatment models.

Doctors all over the world insist that the normal physical development of a child depends on the selection of the right shoes. If a baby has a deformity from an early age, in the future this can lead to changes in gait, problems with the spine and the entire musculoskeletal system. Orthopedists and pediatricians say that there is no need to skimp on shoes, sandals or boots, especially if it concerns products for the baby’s first steps. He is just learning to walk upright, and in the right shoes he will place his feet as needed, which significantly reduces the risk of developing problems with the formation of his feet.