Panda for babies

Your children's feet are very important to us. We have provided them with expert care for more than 50 years! A child's foot is one of the most complex mechanisms of his body. The care you provide his feet at the earliest stages can make a big difference and prevent serious problems once he grows up.

Our specialists care for your child's feet and do their very best to keep you well informed. This information section aims to answer those questions that most parents ask concerning the care of their children's feet.

• At what age do bones start forming ?
• When should a child start wearing booties ?
• Do you recommend that a child walk barefoot ?
• Should feet be measured when a child is standing or seated ?
• What size should he wear ?
• How long should a new pair of booties last ?
• Why are children's shoes so costly ?
• Until what age should you pay attention to your child's footwear ?
• Do you recommend that children wear running shoes ?
• Is sock choice important?
• Are there sitting and sleeping positions that help promote proper
foot health?
• Why PANDA ?

At what age do bones start forming?

The foot of a newborn baby has no bones per se. All future bones are there in the form of cartilage. The complex network of muscles and ligaments is in full development.

The cartilage, however, has the shape of the bones to come. Very fragile and malleable, cartilage will evolve into bone over time. At the age of 10 months, for example, bone formation is only beginning. By the time the child is three years of age, the bones will have taken shape but they will still partly be made of cartilage. It is only by the age of 21 that the foot will be completely shaped!

When should a child start wearing booties?

Before your child starts standing and trying to walk, it is not necessary for him to wear booties. However, a soft leather bootie can complement his look and allow the child to get accustomed to wearing footwear. Avoid synthetics such as vinyl and plastic because they stimulate perspiration.

In time, your child will try to stand up and take his first steps. This is the moment to buy his first pair of walking shoes. (Normally between the age of 6 and 12 months). " First step " booties are specifically designed for this stage of your child's development. Because the reinforcement is quite flexible, the baby has freedom of movement allowing him to master the delicate art of balance.

Some of our models are equipped with an extended leather sole to provide maximum stability and help build the child's confidence.

When your child walks, jumps and runs with ease, he is ready for a real walking boot. This boot offers a flexible sole and superior support in order to maintain the ankle in a stable position. There is no specific age at which a child starts walking on his own. This memorable moment usually takes place between the ages of 7 to 15 months. By the age of 2, your child will be ready to wear shoes.

Do you recommend that a child walk barefoot?

Yes, this is an excellent way to develop and reinforce muscles and tendons. Walking barefooted on natural surfaces such as grass or sand is very healthy for feet. These surfaces provide many points of contact and absorb impact. On the other hand, the hard and uniform surfaces of our homes multiply the stress of impact on the heel that absorbs all the weight.

Today's walking boots are designed to provide freedom of movement while offering stability, shock absorption and true comfort.

You will notice that the reinforcement at the rear of a boot is not that much higher than that of a shoe. However, for a young child, a boot is recommended because it keeps the foot in the proper position, whereas low cut shoes may not stay properly on babies' feet.

Should feet be measured when a child is standing or seated?

The feet of a child who has not yet learnt to walk firmly should be measured while he is seated to help our specialists in determining the right size. In order to do so, they will apply slight pressure to the foot and spread the toes, which are often curled up.

It is very difficult to have a child stand up straight before he has learnt to walk. By measuring his feet in a seated position, his walking boots will be perfectly fitted. Once the child has started walking, his feet will be measured while standing.

What size should he wear?

Did you know that even if your child's feet are size 5, he could just as well wear a size 4 or 6 boot? Size often fluctuates from one manufacturer to the next. The size that is measured only gives an idea of what should be purchased. It is very important that the tip of the shoe be about one-half of an inch (a little more than one centimetre) from the toes to allow space for growth.

To provide a perfect fit, our specialists will check the following six points:

• The heel : It should be in the right position without applying pressure to the sides of the foot.
• The spacing at the top of the foot.
• The lacing of the boot should be parallel.
• The width of the shoe should be checked with the child in a standing position.
• The length of the shoe.
• Flex points should be in the right place and the heel should remain in its proper position, while the child is walking.

How long should a new pair of booties last?

It is very difficult to estimate the length of time that a pair of booties will last, because growth is sporadic and irregular. On average, however, and until the child has reached the age of 2, booties should be changed every three months.

Why are children's shoes so costly?

Due to their small size, children's shoes require more hand work in manufacturing. There are no compromises on the quality of materials and craftsmanship. You will notice, for example, that collars are cushioned, some linings are made of leather and arch supports are of superior quality.

Considering that your child has a wide selection of garments in his wardrobe but that he always wears the same pair of shoes, his shoes become the most important investment of his wardrobe.

Until what age should you pay attention to your child's footwear?

You should be giving special attention to your child's feet throughout his growing years. This is why well-fitted quality shoes are essential. Did you know that feet are not fully-grown until age 21?

Ill-fitting shoes put pressure at the wrong places, causing irreparable damage to your child's feet, particularly during their growing years. Even when this stage is over, nothing is more uncomfortable than shoes that are not properly fitted!

Do you recommend that children wear running shoes?

Actually, a good quality running shoe can replace a walking boot. It is important, however, that they be made of leather. Well-known brands such as Nike, Reebok, L. A. Gear and Brooks are all manufactured quality products. Their running shoes offer strong reinforcements, excellent arch support and flexible soles. Your child's feet get proper support and comfort that allow for healthy growth.

It should be noted that canvas shoes do not offer the same kind of support and comfort as leather models. It is recommended that they be worn occasionally as a second pair of shoes. By doing so, you will also reduce the wear on your booties, especially if your children happen to play in a sand-box.

Is sock choice important?

Yes! You should always make sure that the socks you purchase have a high percentage of natural fibres (cotton or wool). Synthetic fibres do not absorb perspiration and can cause skin irritation. Inferior quality socks can cause a number of problems, including badly located or heavy seams that cause discomfort. Socks that are too big will produce folds that are also very uncomfortable.

Are there sitting and sleeping positions that help promote proper foot health?

Yes! Certain positions can have a negative effect on bone and posture development. The following illustrations provide an insight on good postures.

Why PANDA ?

Panda stores specialize in the fitting of children's footwear. Our counsellors always measure both feet, and proceed with a complete 6 point fitting, from the heel to the toes. They also keep a record of your baby to monitor his growth and send you a reminder every 3 months so that the fit may be checked.

Panda stores offer the widest selection of footwear for children from manufacturers throughout the world. Because Panda is Canada's largest chain of children's footwear specialists, consumers are certain to get highly competitive prices.

The shoe specialist for babies and kids