So that the ligaments do not weaken
The human foot is a unique mechanism. It gently springs, so that our spine avoids overloading when walking or running. And it springs, in turn, due to the system of ligaments and muscles. When this muscular-ligament mechanism for some reason weakens, flat feet develop. According to orthopedists, already for two years of life acquired (not congenital) flat feet have 24% of children. By age 4, the disease is detected in 32% of babies, to 6 - in 40%. Every second teenager after 12 years of age confidently displays the same diagnosis - flat feet.
Determine the flat feet is simple, it is enough to carefully examine the baby's favorite shoes. With flat feet, the footwear is noticeably cut off on the inside of the sole or heel. There is another way to determine the flat foot: lubricate the baby's sole with cream and let it step on the paper. Consider the traces. Norm - when there is a notch on the inner edge (there is no print here), occupying more than half of the foot. If the recess is narrow (less than half of the foot) or it is not there - you need to see a doctor.
The newborn's foot looks flat. However, this does not mean congenital platypodia - there is a fatty layer on the infant's leg. With time, the feet will take the correct form. Determine clearly the presence of the child's problems with the legs is possible only after the first year of life. But even if the baby finds a flat foot - it does not matter, this problem can be fixed up to seven years. Including orthopedic footwear for the child will help, though parents will have to make efforts.
Choosing orthopedic shoes
To choose orthopedic footwear it is necessary with mind. The main requirement is full compliance with the size and shape of the foot. Orthopedic shoes should be stable. Must have a small heel. Its height for children should be 5-10 mm, for schoolchildren up to 20-25 mm, girls are allowed to wear heels up to 40 mm high. In shoes for the child, the back part should wrap around the heel on all sides. In summer, open areas of the back are allowed, provided the shoes are securely fixed. The backbone must be rigid so that the heel does not "ride" back and forth.
It is simply determined whether the calcaneal part is good in the fancy footwear: press your fingers on the back. If there is a noticeable dent, it means that the skin is too soft and does not guarantee reliable fixation of the foot. It is recommended that the baby's first shoes be above the ankle. Since you need to almost immovably fix the ankle joint, so that your legs do not "hang out." It is good, if on the ankle the shoes are tightly pressed with a fastener, lacing or velcro. As you can see, choosing the right footwear for a child is an important task.
Shoes for the little ones
Many mothers like cloth, knitted or soft leather booties. But booties are rather symbolic shoes than functional boots. They are suitable only for stay in bed or an arena, but for the street are not suitable. Footwear in the area of the fingers should be spacious, with a rounded nose, otherwise the foot may be deformed. It is desirable that the fingers of a small child are closed. After all, he often stumbles and falls, can easily hurt them. Shoes should be the kid's size. Determine the necessary size of shoes is easy, you need to measure the length of the sole with a centimeter. The distance from the inner surface of the shoe to the end of the thumb should be 0, 5-1 cm, which will allow the child to move his fingers freely. When choosing orthopedic shoes, try on a pair. Let the child resemble it - the foot will have to load the entire body weight, and he will easily feel whether it will be convenient for him to be new.
The kid grows quickly, his legs also grow quickly. Tight shoes will squeeze the foot and break blood circulation in it. Therefore, parents should constantly monitor whether shoes are suitable for the baby, do not deform the shoes or the shoes. Shoes bought by outbursts are just as dangerous as tight ones. Large shoes lead to calluses, abrasions, improper walking. It is considered the norm to change the baby's shoes every 6-8 months. Do not let the child wear other people's shoes. Each person in his own wears shoes, so the child will be uncomfortable in someone else's.
For winter, warm shoes from cloth, felt are suitable for babies. It is recommended to put on valenki only in the big frost. In a room in felt boots it is better not to walk - they do not meet the orthopedic requirements of children's shoes. The same goes for rubber boots. They are worn exclusively in rainy weather or with great dew. Inside the rubber boots, you need to put cloth insoles and put them on top of a woolen socks that absorb moisture well.
Suitable for summer shoes, sandals, sandals made of textile or leather materials. It is desirable to choose shoes with openwork that will ensure good air circulation and comfort to the baby.
The best footwear are products made of natural fur and leather, but it is also the most expensive. If you are forced to choose a shoe from artificial leather, then the lining and insoles of shoes for the child should be made of natural materials (knitwear, lining, natural fabrics). Use artificial fur for both the top of the boots and the role of the lining, it is allowed not earlier than 6-7 years of the child. All materials used in footwear must be certified for compliance with hygiene standards. Therefore do not hesitate to ask the sellers, especially in the markets, certificates and certificates. Choosing orthopedic footwear for the child, we are responsible for his health.