them to walk with their feet apart and to waddle. It’s also common for young children to appear bow-legged or knock-kneed, or walk with their toes turned in or out. Most minor foot problems in children correct


All about feet... W


hen children first start walking it’s normal for


themselves, but talk to your GP or health visitor if you’re concerned about any of the following conditions.


Bow legs. Before the age of two most children have a small gap between their knees and ankles when they stand. If the gap is pronounced or doesn’t correct itself, check with your GP or health visitor. This could be a sign of rickets (a bone deformity), although this is very rare.


Knock knees. This is when a child stands with their knees together and there’s a gap between their ankles. Between the ages of two and four a gap of up to 6cm (around 2.5 inches) is considered normal. Knock knees usually correct themselves by the age of six. See Knock knee for more information.


In-toeing. Also known as pigeon-toes. This is where a child’s feet turn in. The condition usually corrects itself by the age of eight or nine, and treatment is not usually needed.


Out-toeing. This is where the feet point outwards. Again, this usually corrects itself and treatment isn’t needed in most cases.


Flat feet. If your child appears to have flat feet, don’t worry. If an arch forms when your child stands on tiptoe no treatment will normally be needed.


Tiptoe walking. If your child mostly walks on tiptoe talk to your GP or health visitor. www.nhs.uk


Small Steps 24


First shoes


he feet of children under five grow very fast, and it’s important that the bones grow straight. The bones in a baby’s toes are soft at birth. If they’re cramped by tight shoes or socks they can’t straighten out and grow properly.


T


Your child won’t need proper shoes until they’re walking on their own. Even then, shoes can be kept for outside walking only, at least at first. It’s important that shoes and socks are the right size.


Shoes with laces, a buckle or a velcro fastening are good because they hold the heel in place and stop the foot slipping forward and damaging the toes. If the heel of a shoe slips off when your child stands on tiptoe, it’s too big.


If possible, buy shoes made from natural materials such as leather, cotton or canvas, as these materials allow air to circulate. Plastic shoes make feet sweaty and can rub and cause fungal infections. Cotton socks are best.


Foot and nail care A


fter washing your child’s feet, dry


them well between the toes. When cutting their toenails, cut straight


across, otherwise they can become ingrown.


For more Parenting tips and advice visit www.smallstepsonline.co.uk


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