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Toddler Steps
Properly Fitting Toddlers With Shoes By Carma Haley Shoemaker
Foot Faux Pas
The myths regarding shoes and how they fit go far beyond the fitting room. Breaking in, passing down and buying for the future are all myths that Brunick says need a dose of truth. "These three myths -- or maybe they should be called mistakes -- are by far the most common and the most hazardous," says Brunick. "Having to break-in a pair of shoes is a myth. Your child's shoes should be comfortable the first time they try them on. Buying shoes for children a size or two larger, thinking they will grow into them is a mistake. It's unlikely that a child will grow to fit the shoes before wearing them out, and too large a shoe can lead to slips, trips or falls, making playtime dangerous. Lastly, every child wears shoes differently. Although the size of the shoe may be the same, the way the shoe molds to the child's foot will vary. While hand-me-downs save money, you could pass along fitting problems with the shoes." Our feet take us where we want to go. Whether walking home or running with friends, healthy feet can be the difference between doing and dreading. "Improperly fitting shoes can be the first step in a lifelong foot problem," says Brunick. "It is avoidable. If you are not sure how to properly fit your child with shoes, talk to you pediatrician or to a foot care consultant at a reputable shoe store. These people are trained to know how to fit shoes and how to prevent foot problems from occurring. When in doubt, asking is a step in the right direction."


