TODDLERS SHOULD ONLY WEAR SHOES OUTSIDE

The word toddler itself actually refers to the first stage of walking. New walkers adorably toddle along on their own two legs, which may make you think it's time to get them some shoes. And have you seen those little shoes! So cute! But as they begin to walk, should they really have shoes on their feet? In fact, toddlers should be barefoot as much as possible, said William Spielfogel, DPM, chief of podiatry in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and director of the Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency Program at Lenox Hill Hospital-Northwell Health. 

 

Dr. William Spielfogel

 

"Walking barefoot can help not only to strengthen the arch of the foot but it can help their muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the foot develop," Spielfogel told POPSUGAR. "It can also help toddlers improve their coordination and proprioception, which is extremely beneficial for their motor development." Dr. Spielfogel said that although staying barefoot is ideal, sometimes it's more important to protect little feet. "Toddlers should wear shoes [when outside] to help protect feet from injury from the elements such as sharp objects and rough surfaces on the ground," he said.

 

Source: Elisa Cinelli, POPSUGAR [3/18/21]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News