Barefoot Beginnings
Ever watch a sweet little baby discover their toes? That’s early foot development in action! Long before preschool begins, those tiny feet are at work building balance, strength, and coordination to set them up for a lifetime. While picking out the first pair of shoes for those soon-to-be walking feet can be so sweet and fun, there are more factors to take into consideration than style and size. Below is a quick, research-backed guide to help parents and caregivers choose shoes that will support their little one’s foot development while looking adorable in those tiny shoes!
Letting Feet Learn Naturally
Over time and with lots of practice, the many bones, joints, and soft tissue within a baby’s foot will mature. As these little ones are learning to walk and stand, allowing them to roam barefoot (as much as possible) will give their feet a better workout and more stability. While operating shoe-less, the foot can sense the ground, make micro-adjustments and in turn build strength. Research from Frontiers in Pediatrics found that children who spend more time barefoot demonstrate improved balance and coordination compared to those who wear shoes most of the time. It’s important to support the play that little feet were made for–whether at daycare, childcare, home, or in the playground!
Toe Splay: The Importance of Wiggle Room
Toe splay is the ability of toes to spread outward while bearing weight. Adequate toe splay naturally enhances stability and balance. When toddlers (or anyone, really) wears shoes that are overly constraining it puts pressure on the toes, decreasing toe splay and effecting balance and coordination, as well. Research that studied toddlers that wore either “barefoot-style” shoes or conventional shoes found that the barefoot group showed more favorable foot development in terms of arch index and contact angles.
Here at Chester Child Development Center, we want to support your child’s growth not only academically, but physically, as well! Schedule a tour to see our indoor and outdoor play and learning areas that help grow our students from their ABC’s to their fastest lap around the swing set!
Choosing Mindful Shoes
While allowing children to walk barefoot in safe and appropriate spaces is the ideal, children will still need shoes for most outdoor play, trips to the store, wintertime and school. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, features such as arch supports, stiff soles, or high-backed shoes are not recommended for typical children’s feet. Instead, flexible, lightweight shoes that bend easily and move with the foot are best for supporting natural growth and coordination. Let’s take a look at some basic guidelines for choosing feet-friendly shoes!
1. Minimal Heel Elevation
Flatter soles help support natural arches, whereas elevated heels can shift weight and reduce natural arch use
2. Flexible forefoot
Running and jumping and reaching and climbing are all a part of the early childhood education experience! The toes of shoes should bend easily to allow a good range of motion.
3. Wide toe box
Remember toe splay? Allowing toes to spread out within a shoe will help with proper foot development and supports balance and coordination, as well.
4. Lightweight and breathable
Heavy materials hamper natural motion. Sometimes rain boots are a necessity, but otherwise shoes should not be overly heavy.
5. Proper length & fit
Right up there with encouraging toe splay, shoes should not be overly tight and should be a tad on the big side for the growing feet of a toddler–especially since they will likely outgrow them faster than you think they will.
Put on your favorite shoes and come for a tour here at Chester Child Development Center. We would love to introduce you to our lovely early childhood education teachers and show you around our classrooms and play areas!
Starting off on the Right Foot
Proper foot development literally starts children out on the right foot! Foot health is tied to posture, balance, and spatial awareness—skills critical in early childhood education and developmental milestones. When children feel stable and confident on their feet, they are more prone to explore and play. From those wobbly first steps to the confident strides of a preschool, every moment on a child’s feet lays a foundation for stability and strength that extends far beyond home or the daycare or childcare classroom. In understanding the importance of foot health and development, you can skip the fanciest shoes and reach for the ones that will help support them as they learn, grow, and explore the world.
Here at Chester Child Development Center, we would love to walk alongside your family and your child in their early childhood education journey. Call us today to schedule a tour to ask as well as see how we support the growth and development of our students from their head to toes!