Walking Barefoot

You've probably heard “barefoot is best." But this is an oversimplification, and bare feet all the time isn't realistic. Shoes are part of life! 

So this week on Instagram, I've been talking about how to strike a healthy balance (pun intended) between wearing shoes and going barefoot. My tip for you this week is an idea that can enrich your baby's barefoot experience 👇🏼

 Try this:

Allow your baby to walk barefoot on a variety of surfaces and uneven terrain, like grass, sand, and up and down small inclines. 

 Having feet exposed allows for a rich flow of sensory information through their feet as they navigate a variety of surfaces. It also allows them to use their toes, and all of the tiny muscles within their feet, to balance on different terrain. As these muscles of the feet strengthen, they end up developing into the arches of their feet. And strong muscles supporting the feet can help prevent injuries later in life! 

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P.S. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for skilled physical therapy intervention. While I am a physical therapist, I am not your child's physical therapist. If you have questions or concerns about your child's health and/or development, please contact your pediatrician.