Babies’ feet don’t have bones‚ just soft cartilage which can easily be pushed out of shape by ill-fitting shoes. Even socks that are too tight can damage their feet at this delicate stage.

A fully-formed adult foot has 26 bones, 19 muscles and over 100 ligaments and takes up to 18 years to develop. Babies’ feet need protection and support even before they start walking, and at each stage of their development their feet have different needs.

Children’s feet are still extremely delicate, so it pays to protect them against cuts and scrapes, or even bruises from hard floors. At this young age, the nerve endings in babies’ feet have hardly developed at all, and given that your child may not be able to tell you that their feet are sore or squashed, they will need footwear with lots of room to grow.

Start-rite has a special range of pre-walkers designed just for this in-between stage, allowing free movement with gentle support and protection to their toes and heels. A choice of fittings in whole and half sizes help ensure the best possible fit. Shoes are available in the softest nubuck or leather, with cool, breathable linings for maximum comfort.

Soles are lightweight and flexible and the shape of the shoe follows the contours of a baby’s foot. Rubber toe and heel bumpers offer security and grip as your baby is moving around and trying to walk. Of course, at this age, you might prefer to get your child’s shoes fitted by a professionally-trained fitter.

See the selection at one of the Scholl Foothealth Centres in Sliema, Valletta, Mosta, Fgura and Abela’s Health and Beauty Centre in Gozo.

www.schollfoothealthcentre.com