As a parent, you have to think about so much when it comes to your child. Here are some guidelines on what to think about when shopping for shoes (summer, back-to-school, or other) so you don’t have to do this all on your own!
For newer walkers: barefoot is best!
For experienced walkers who need some new shoes, you might consider some of these things…
"…believe it or not a child’s feet sweat even more than an adult's!"
It’s summer, it’s hot, and believe it or not a child’s feet sweat even more than an adult's! Finding sandals that fit within the guidelines above is a great idea for these hotter months in Michigan – sorry, but CROCS don’t cut it! Here are some examples:
"…a child’s foot arch isn’t fully developed until about age 6, so don’t sweat it if you think your child has flat feet!"
And a side note - a child’s foot arch isn't fully developed until about age 6, so don’t sweat it if you think your child has flat feet! Give them plenty of opportunities to play barefoot and in shoes that follow the above guidelines to strengthen those foot and ankle muscles. Walking on uneven ground and playing “the floor is lava” on pillows are some great ways to do this! There are times when a child would benefit from a shoe insert for increased stability.
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Shopping for shoes? We have helpful guidelines and recommendations for new and experienced walkers.
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