Expert Advice from Pauline Kelly – Instep of Oakham
Your baby’s feet are the foundation for a lifetime of movement, balance, and mobility. From their first little kicks to their first steps, proper foot care is essential to ensure healthy growth and development. At Instep of Oakham, we specialise in paediatric foot health, helping parents support their child’s foot development from birth to toddlerhood.
Newborn Foot Care (0–6 Months)
How to Care for Newborn Feet
✅ Allow natural movement – Let your baby kick freely to strengthen their muscles.
✅ Check foot positioning – Slightly turned-in feet are common and usually self-correct.
✅ Encourage tummy time – Strengthens leg and foot muscles, preparing for standing and walking.
✅ Avoid restrictive clothing – Sleepsuits and socks should have enough space for toe movement.
✅ No need for shoes – Soft socks or booties are enough to keep little feet warm.
Infant Foot Care (6–12 Months) – Preparing for Crawling & Standing
As your baby becomes more active, their feet start developing arches and stronger muscles in preparation for standing and walking.
How to Care for Infant Feet
✅ Let them go barefoot indoors – This helps develop balance, coordination, and sensory awareness.
✅ Check for tight socks or clothing – Ensure toes can move freely without restriction.
✅ Gently massage and stretch their feet – Promotes circulation and flexibility.
✅ Encourage crawling and standing on different surfaces – Strengthens foot and leg muscles.
Toddler Foot Care (12–24 Months) – First Steps & Walking
Once your child starts walking, their feet undergo rapid changes. It is normal for toddlers to have flat feet or wobbly steps as they develop strength and coordination.
Choosing the Right Shoes for First Walkers
👣 Wait before buying shoes – Walking barefoot strengthens foot muscles and improves coordination.
👣 Opt for lightweight, flexible shoes – Soft, breathable materials with a wide toe box allow natural movement.
👣 Check for proper fit – There should be a thumb’s width of space between the longest toe and the shoe front.
👣 Avoid stiff soles – A flexible sole helps with balance and proper foot development.
Common Toddler Foot Issues
🔹 Flat feet – Normal in early walking stages but should be monitored beyond age 3.
🔹 Toe-walking – Occasional toe-walking is fine, but persistent toe-walking may require assessment.
🔹 In-toeing (pigeon toes) – Usually corrects itself but should be monitored if it continues past early childhood.
🔹 Blisters or redness from shoes – Ensure shoes fit properly and replace them as feet grow rapidly.
When to See a Podiatrist at Instep of Oakham?
Book an appointment at Instep of Oakham if you notice:
❌ Delayed walking beyond 18 months
❌ Frequent tripping or falling
❌ Persistent toe-walking or in-toeing beyond age 3
❌ Pain, swelling, or difficulty standing
❌ Uneven shoe wear patterns
At Instep of Oakham, Pauline Kelly specialises in children’s foot health and provides expert assessments, gait analysis, and treatment plans to support your child’s healthy foot development.
Final Thoughts
Your baby’s feet are constantly growing and changing. By providing the right care, footwear, and early intervention when needed, you can help prevent potential foot problems and support healthy movement.
Book an Appointment with Pauline Kelly at Instep of Oakham for expert paediatric foot care and guidance!
