The few that aren't, whose feet are misaligned, may require casting, surgery or orthopedic shoes to correct the problem, according to Dr. Thomas Schmidt, chief of the Section of Orthopedic Surgery at The Children's Mercy Hospital. But in most cases, some simple foot care is all that's necessary to make for happy feet. And happy feet, the old saying goes, mean happy faces. Avoid using booties, socks and shoes that are too tight. Keep your baby barefoot indoors when he's learning to walk.
Babies use their toes to grip the floor and maintain their balance.
Be sure to keep the floor clear of objects that can damage the feet, such as pins or needles. Refrain from pushing your child to walk too early. Walking is in the brain, not the feet. Don't use walkers. They can cause serious injuries and prompt a child to spend too much time on his tiptoes, which can work to shorten the back leg muscles.