Hagnýt ráð

Að velja skó á börnin okkar getur verið snúið og margt að huga að, því þegar börn ganga í slæmum skóm getur það haft áhrif á þroska og mótun fótanna, og leitt seinna meir til þess að barnið fái fótaóeirðir og vandamál tengd þeim. Mikilvægt er að skoða vel gæði skónna og fylgjast vel með að stærðin passi. Börnin stækka hratt og geta tekið vaxtakippi. Því þarf að fylgjast vel með en gæta þess þó að kaupa ekki of stóra skó.

Rannsóknir hafa sýnt að á mestu mótunar árum barnanna geti góður skóbúnaður skipt gríðarlegu máli varðandi þroska og líðan seinna meir.

Hér eru nokkrir góðir punktar sem gott er að miða við, við val á skóm;

• Gæta þess að skórnir hamli ekki náttúrulegum hreyfngum barnanna
  • Séu sveigjanlegir
  • Léttir
• Náttúruleg efni sem að anda
• Sólinn skal vera mjúkur og fylgja hreyfingu barnanna.
• Kuldaskór með meira gripi í sólum.
  • Gæta þess að þeir séu ekki of klossaðir og þungir.
• Gæta að stærð, ekki er gott fyrir börnin að vera í of stórum skóm, það hefur mikil áhrif á hreyfigetu þeirra. Þröngir og stífir skór geta einnig haft áhrif á vöxt og þroska fótsins.
• Gott að mæla fótinn áður en skór eru verslaðir frá hæl að lengsta punkti táa, gæta þess að barnið standi í fótinn þegar að hann er mældur.
• Góð regla að athuga stærð á skónum á 2- 4 mánaða fresti.
  • Hafa 7mm rúmt ummál til að hreyfa sig í innan skósins.
  • Gott að miða við að kaupa skó sem eru 1,5cm lengri en mæld skóstærð, til að gefa svigrúm og smá svæði til að stækka í.
• Gott að eiga fleiri en eitt par til skiptanna, ekki æskilegt að vera í blautum skóm.

It’s especially important to make sure we are choosing the right shoes for preschoolers because their feet are still growing and their gait is still developing. Putting them in the wrong shoes can have some regrettable consequences and lead to problems in adulthood.

It’s recommended to check for growth about every 2 months to be safe.

Infants feet under 16 months of age, can grow more than half a foot size in two months. Between 16 and 24 months they grow an average of half a foot size every three months. Toddlers 2 to 3 years old grow half a foot size every four months, and children 3 and older usually between four and six.

Measure the feets.

Make sure both feet are measured. Most children, and adults, will have one foot that is longer or wider, so it’s vital to check both feet (if there’s a big difference between feet, aim to fit the larger size). Don’t buy over-large shoes, as they can lead to injuries.

• Your child should be standing while being measured.
• There should be a child’s thumb width between the end of the shoe and the end of the longest toe.
• The widest part of the foot should correspond with the widest part of the shoe.
• The fastening mechanism should hold the heel firmly in the back of the shoe.
• When your child is wearing the shoes, and their feet are fully extended (watch for toe crunching!), there should be a bit of room between the edge of the shoe toe and the edge of your child’s toes – about a half inch.
• When trying on shoes, have on the same type of socks the child will likely wear with the shoes. This way you’ll get the fit just right.
• If the shoe fits, buy it in that size. When buying toddler shoes, don’t be tempted to go a little larger to try to get a few extra months of wear out of it. Too-big shoes are hard to walk in and could even be unsafe. Shoes that are too big can cause a child to trip and develop foot problems while trying to walk in shoes that are too large.
• While shoes are another necessary expense, bear in mind that buying better quality shoes might actually save you money, as they won’t wear down so easily and need to be replaced during the school year.

Mind the material

• The first criteria, right off the bat, is the shoe material. The child’s age can definitely play a factor in this. Toddlers need shoes to be lightweight and flexible; more comfortable walkers can have shoes with grip. Preschoolers need shoes that are sturdy, but still flexible.
• The shoes should be flexible and fully attached. The sole needs to bend with the foot (so your preschooler’s feet can do their job) and overall, they should be comfortable.
• Look for a pattern or textured sole, as this will provide traction and help prevent your child from easily slipping on slick surfaces.
• Children’s feet perspire heavily, and the upper part of their shoes should be made of breathable materials. Leather, canvas, or newer mesh materials allow the feet to breathe. Also, make sure the insole is made of absorbent material.

Comfort before fashion

• While they may look cute, always avoid heels on children’s shoes. Not only is it difficult for kids to walk in heels, they are particularly bad for proper foot development. When it comes to children’s shoes, stick with flats and even soles.
• Shoes modeled after popular adult shoes (like Converse, Crocs, flip flops or cowboy boots) aren’t really designed with children or child’s play in mind. Avoid backless or slip-on shoes. Laces, Velcro, or other fasteners are best for keeping shoes secure. This way your child can focus on learning or becoming comfortable with walking instead of keeping the shoes on their feet.
• Buying too stiff or supportive of shoes won’t allow the toddler’s feet muscles to do their work. They should still be protective but flexible.