Children's Feet
Development
At six months of age the foot is still mostly cartilage. In fact the last bone doesn't begin to form until children are about 3 years old. By 18 years, most of the bones are fully formed. Children's feet are soft and pliable making them prone to damage from abnormal pressure, such as shoes which are too small.Walking. Children usually begin to walk any time between 10 and 24 months of age. Each child is unique and will move through the developmental stages at their own pace. Each child follows a developmental sequence from lying to sitting, crawling, standing, cruising, walking to running, jumping and hopping.

When your child first begins to walk, shoes are not necessary whilst indoors. Allowing babies to go barefoot or to wear socks or leather soft soled shoes helps the foot to grow normally and promotes the grasping action of the toes. Sometimes children walk with their feet pointed inwards (in-toeing) or outward (out-toeing), other children walk on their toes (toe-walking). In most cases, these variations in walking are normal. Most children will have grown out of these walking styles by the age of two. However, if these patterns persist, or you have concerns, you should take your child to a podiatrist.

An estimated 10-20% of children have flat feet. Flat feet in children are not necessarily a problem. However, if they are causing pain, affecting mobility or interfering with activities then they should be investigated. Should the child also be experiencing what is described as "growing pains", a podiatry assessment may be warranted.

Growing Feet
A child's feet will double in size by the age of one and they are approximately half their adult length by 18 months of age. Between the ages of 5 and 12 growth is approximately 9 mm per year, with adult foot size approximated by twelve to fourteen years of age. Frequent changes in the size of shoes and socks are necessary to make room for rapidly growing feet during childhood. Do a size check at least 1-3 months up to the age of three, every 4 months up to five years and every 6 months from five years.

About SKEANIE
SKEANIE is a Preferred Provider of The AUSTRALIAN PODIATRY ASSOCIATION (NSW).

SKEANIE designs classic leather footwear for little feet from newborn to five years. The SKEANIE Infant Range shoes feature a soft leather suede sole, perfect for pre-walkers and early walkers. The SKEANIE Junior Range feature an innovative light-weight flexible rubber sole, designed to protect and provide the flexibility little feet require when walking.

Professional Advice
A check-up with a podiatrist is recommended if:
* You notice uneven shoe wear
* You notice any skin rashes, hard skin lumps or bumps on your child's feet
* Your child complains of recurrent pain in the feet and/or legs
* Your child is constantly tripping or falling
* Or you have any other concerns about your child’s feet.

About Podiatrists
Podiatrists are highly skilled health professionals trained to deal with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. Podiatrists are tertiary qualified and trained. They need to be registered with the Podiatrists' Registration Board and are continually upgrading their skills and knowledge through further education and training.
Australian Podiatry Association (NSW)
Phone: 02 96983751
Fax: 02 96987116
Email: apoda@podiatry.asn.au
Post: 20/450 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
This information is not to be used as a substitute for advice from a podiatrist of medical professional. The above information is derived from The Australian Podiatry Association (NSW)'s "Children's Feet. What you need to know..."

Protect children's feet for life, say podiatrists. Children's feet are fragile and can be damaged easily, according to the Australian Podiatry Association (NSW).

For Foot Health Week (14th-20th October) the Association is focusing on children's feet, outlining the first steps to foot health.

"Children's feet are not just miniature versions of adult feet; they are still forming," says Brenden Brown, Vice President of the Association . "At birth, feet are mostly cartilage and in childhood and adolescence the bones in the feet, 52 in all, will form. During this time they are extremely fragile and any undue pressure can cause deformities. At the same time, they will grow rapidly, requiring regular shoe size checks."

The campaign aims to educate children and parents about the best ways to care for feet. The Association is promoting foot care, correct shoe fitting and professional follow up on foot problems.

"Walking is one of the first concerns for parents. It is important to remember that all children achieve this milestone in their own time: children usually walk between ten and 24 months of age," says Mr Brown. "Some children walk with toes pointed in or out while others walk on their toes. While this variation is generally normal, investigation is required if there seems to be a problem or if these walking styles persist beyond the age of two."

As children grow it is common for them to experience pain in the feet or legs.
"While pain in the legs or feet is common it is not considered normal. Foot pain in
children should be investigated especially if it is associated with falling or tripping,
reluctance to participate in activities and difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably."

Children often suffer from foot problems such as warts, in-grown toenails, rashes and tinea.

"We recommend that all foot problems be investigated professionally as treating the
symptoms with an over-the-counter medication or preparation will not successfully
resolve any underlying problem that exists."

The correct professional advice is important. "Podiatrists don't just prescribe orthotics, they are tertiary educated foot health professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat problems associated with the feet and lower limbs including injury, infection and disease, as well as structural or functional problems which includes difficulties with walking and foot pain," Mr Brown said.

More About Skeanie

SKEANIE Soft Soled Shoes and Boots was launched by Natasha Barber in June 2007 by mother of two from Goulburn in Southern NSW.

Natasha commenced her soft soled shoe research shortly after her Cheeky Monkey, Hamish was born. Finding high quality soft leather shoes in Australia was a challenge. After 2 years of research and design and the birth of her Little Princess, Bella, SKEANIE Soft Soled Baby Shoes and Boots was launched.

Natasha has grown the range to include a variety of colours and design and four sizes from birth to 5 years. The SKEANIE range is constantly growing and evolving. Currently SKEANIE products are stocked in over 100 stores throughout Australia, New Zealand, USA and Denmark.

SKEANIE Soft Soled Shoes and Boots are hand-made from high quality, super soft genuine leather to allow little feet to breathe and grow naturally. At birth, feet are mostly cartilage. It is during childhood that the bones in the feet form; during this time the feet are fragile and any undue pressure is not advised. Podiatrists and Pediatricians recommend soft soled shoes for babies and toddlers.

SKEANIE Soft Soled Baby Shoes and Boots are FAIR TRADE MADE by a family owned business and are able to offer exclusive and tailor-made designs for retailers. SKEANIE is 100% Australian Owned and Designed.

Shoe Shopping For Your Child's Developing Feet