Children should have their feet measured about every 3 months.
	Generally, for a shoe to be correctly fitted, there should be a thumb width between the end of the shoe and the end of the longest toe.
	Leather and canvas are a better material - they are more durable and can breathe. Synthetic materials do not breathe as well, unless they are of the 'open weave' type. Avoid plastics.
	Toddlers aged 2-3 years grow approximately half a foot size every four months. Over the age of 3 years, they increase half a foot size every four to six months.
	Parents often worry about their children's teeth, eyes, and most other parts of the body, but do not worry so much over the developing foot. As many adult foot problems can have their origins in childhood, attention to footwear in children can minimize the risk of these problems in adults.
	Shoes need to be immediately comfortable - don't allow for a breaking in period or expect shoes to get more comfortable over time - they need to fit and feel good now.
	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 three years old. By 18 years, most of the bones are fully formed.
	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 five and 12 growth is approximately 9mm per year, with adult foot size approximated by twelve to fourteen years of age.
	Examine the shoe itself. It should have a firm heel counter (stiff material on either side of the heel), adequate cushioning of the insole, and a built-in arch.
	The child's foot should be sized while he or she is standing up with full weight-bearing.
	Disclaimer: The information contained within is purely a source of information about child's shoes and should at no time be considered as replacing the expertise of a health professional. We recommend seeking professional advice for all foot problems, especially fitting children's footwear before embarking on any form of self treatment or management. Neither the content or any other service provided through Yunginz is intended to be relied on for medical diagnosis or treatment.