Foot Care for Babies and Small Children: Early Care…by Julia Franklin
It is very important to let your baby’s feet develop as naturally as possible. Indoors (and out, when the weather is warm enough) you should encourage your baby to kick and exercise free from the constrictions of footwear, as the muscles of the feet and legs will begin to strengthen ready for when walking begins. Care is also vital when wearing socks and tights – babies and children’s feet grow at an alarming rate (often outstripping their parents’ income!).
You should continually monitor the fitting of socks and particularly all-in-one sleepsuits. If they begin to look even slightly restrictive, either change them for the next size up or cut the toe part off so that the feet can grow uninhibited.
Bedclothes can be restrictive to a baby’s feet, so ensure that they are not tightly tucked in, if at all. Nails should be trimmed straight across and not too short. Mums sometimes worry about baby’s nails curling around and following the contours of the toes. This is quite normal in the early months due to the thinness of the nail. They will soon toughen and develop a more conventional free edge. Never cut down, or probe, into the sides of the nails.
