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A Step in The Right Direction: PT-Approved Footwear For Your Kiddos!

Choosing the right footwear for children can be a daunting task for parents, especially when considering the importance of comfort, support, and proper development. As kids grow, their feet undergo significant changes, and the right shoes can help promote healthy foot development, prevent injuries, and enhance overall mobility. Here’s a guide to help you find PT-approved footwear for your little ones.

Why Footwear Matters – Qualities of Good Kids Shoes That PT-Approved

Children’s feet are still developing, making it crucial to provide them with shoes that offer proper support while also allowing room to grow. Poor footwear can lead to a variety of issues, including flat feet, overpronation, and discomfort. Physical therapists often emphasize the following features in kids’ shoes:

  1. Arch Support: Proper mid-foot arch support is essential to promote natural foot development and prevent conditions like flat feet. Look for a shoe that flexes at the toe vs. mid shoe when you bend it.
  2. Flexibility: Shoes should allow for natural movement. A shoe that has a flexible toe/forefoot region enables kids to engage in physical activities without restriction.
  3. Adequate Cushioning: Ample cushioning helps absorb shock during activities, reducing the risk of injuries.
  4. Room for Growth: Kids grow quickly, so it’s important to choose shoes that allow for a little extra room without being too loose. A shoe with a wide toe box allows for extra growth and room for their toes to splay, which helps to provide a wider base of support and improve balance!
  5. Breathability: Shoes made from breathable materials help keep feet dry and comfortable, reducing the risk of blisters and fungal infections.
  6. Adjustable closure: Shoes with adjustable closures can be adjusted for a sung but comfortable fit. This helps provide the ideal support during movement without worrying about their foot sliding around in the shoe. Look for a shoe with velcro or laces/straps that can be adjusted for the perfect fit.
  7. Sturdy/solid heel cup: Shoes that have a sturdy heel cup provide solid support and stability for your little one’s ankles. In addition, they help to promote proper leg alignment while walking, running, and during general play activities! Look for a shoe that when you push on the back of the shoe it doesn’t collapse in. 

Brands that offer PT-approved footwear options:

1. New Balance

New Balance offers a variety of children’s shoes that are known for their excellent arch support and cushioning. Models like the Kids Rave Run v2 are lightweight, have moderate arch support for higher impact activities, and have a wide toe box that give the feet plenty of space!

2. Saucony

Saucony’s Kid’s Cohesion line features good arch support and a breathable upper. They’re designed for running and play, offering stability without sacrificing flexibility.

3. Asics

Asics shoes are known for their GEL cushioning system, which provides excellent shock absorption. The Gel-Contend series is a great choice for everyday wear and sports.

4. Stride Rite

Specializing in children’s footwear, Stride Rite offers shoes that prioritize foot health. Their shoes often feature rounded toes and flexible soles to promote natural foot movement.

5. Pediped

Whether you’re looking for sandals, sneakers, or boots, Pediped provides a variety of shoes that promote healthy foot development. Their Originals, Grip ‘n’ Go, and Flex designs have been officially recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) as being beneficial for children’s growing feet!

6. Cat and Jack and Walmart also have various cost effective options that provide adequate fit and stability. Use the tips above to find shoes that fit these criteria!

More tips for Choosing the Right Shoe

  1. Measure Feet Regularly: Kids’ feet can grow rapidly, so measure them every few months to ensure a proper fit.
  2. Try Shoes on in the Afternoon: Feet can swell throughout the day, so fitting shoes later in the day can ensure a better fit.
  3. Check the Fit: Compressive footwear may cause weakness, deformity, and mobility loss, so you want to ensure there’s about a thumb’s width of space between the end of the shoe and the longest toe. The heel should fit snugly without slipping.
  4. Look for Quality Materials: Choose shoes made from durable and breathable materials, such as leather or mesh, to ensure longevity and comfort.
  5. Involve Your Child: Allowing kids to choose their shoes can make the experience fun, but guide them toward options that meet their physical needs.

***Special Tip for Little Ones: These recommendations are mostly for experienced walkers. If you have a baby who is just starting to learn to stand and walk, barefoot is best so they can gain strength and balance. If a new/early walker needs shoes for daycare or outdoor use, look for a flexible option with a wide toe box that fits securely on the foot (adjustable closure) without sliding off.***

How Can Carolina Therapy Connection Help? 

Investing in the right shoes for your children is crucial for their foot health and overall well-being. With the recommendations from physical therapists and a focus on supportive, flexible, and well-fitting options, you can help your little ones stay active and comfortable. Remember, the right shoe today can lead to healthier feet tomorrow!

 

Written By: Anna Seguin, PT, DPT

Let’s Talk Articulation!

When Do I Bring My Child for a Speech Sound Evaluation?

As our children grow and develop speech, they don’t learn to use all the speech sounds in their native language simultaneously.  That’s why my little one tells me that “it’s dart outside” when he looks out the window after dinner these days!  But how do you know when to seek out a speech therapist for your child?  

Check out the chart below, which is available as a downloadable PDF on the SLP now website at https://blog.slpnow.com/the-slps-guide-to-speech-sound-disorders-articulation-phonological-development/; when looking at the chart, understand that some children start to develop sounds before the ages listed. The ages listed represent the age at which 90% of children have mastered each sound. For many speech sounds, there is a wide range of ages at which a child may start to produce the sound or approximations inconsistently before they truly master the sound. However, it is a quick rule of thumb that if a child cannot produce one of the sounds listed under their age, speech therapy may be indicated.

 

 

What Can I Do at Home to Help My Child with Their Speech Sounds?

So, what can a parent do to help their child develop speech sounds correctly at home? The first strategy I recommend is to make sure your child is looking at your face when you’re producing words or sounds that they had difficulty with. Draw attention to your mouth by pointing.  Children learn a lot about how a sound is produced by observing you. 

Another strategy that you can use is called recasting. Recasting is when you repeat what your child says precisely, including the errors, in a questioning voice. For example, if your child says, “Look at the tar” when they mean “Look at the car,” you might respond by saying, “Tar? Is that what you meant?” When the child attempts to correct himself or herself, if he or she cannot do so, I suggest using the first strategy we discussed.  Your child may not produce the sound at that moment, but that’s okay because they are still learning from what they see and hear from you.

I also recommend reading with your child regularly. Even if a child cannot read independently, draw their attention to some of the letters in the book, especially if the book has large decorative letters at the beginning of paragraphs. Talk about the sound the letters make, and again, ensure your child is watching your face. 

For emerging readers, phonics activities are an excellent time to work on articulation at home. While doing phonics homework with your child, could you talk about how each sound is made?  For example, the “T sound is made with our tongue on the roof of her mouth.” If you’re unsure how to describe how sounds are made, PeechieSpeechie.com has an excellent video library with tutorials for each sound.

If your child is receiving speech therapy services, their SLP will be able to provide you with additional, personalized resources.

How Can Carolina Therapy Connection Help? 

If you are still unsure or feel that your child’s speech is difficult to understand compared to others his/her age, Carolina Therapy Connection has licensed Speech Language Pathologists at the clinics in Greenville, Goldsboro, and New Bern that are highly qualified to evaluate and diagnose speech sound disorders.  You can schedule a speech sound evaluation at whichever clinic is most convenient for your family at 252-341-9944.  Our professionals can also provide personalized resources for your child’s needs. 

 

By Michelle Berghold

 

Is My Child Ready For Potty Training?

Is My Child Ready For Potty Training?

Many parents ask the question, “Is my child ready for potty training?” Making the transition out of diapers is an important developmental milestone but it can also be a topic that causes frustration and anxiety for both children and their caregivers. Questions about when to start and how to promote a child’s success with potty training can feel overwhelming. If you are a caregiver that can relate to any of those feelings, this blog post is for you!

When Should I Start Potty Training?

This is a question that many caregivers ask themselves. A variety of factors must be considered before initiating the toilet training process. A child must be physically, emotionally, cognitively, and physiologically ready prior to  starting the process. Here are some tips to identify whether your child may be ready:

Emotional readiness – Can your child tolerate sitting on the toilet or potty training seat? Are they excited about wearing “big kid” underwear?

Cognitive readiness: Can your child follow 1-2 step directions? Can they communicate their need to use the restroom?

Physiological readiness: Are they able to stay dry up to two hours at a time or wake up from a nap with a clean pull-up?

Physical readiness: Is your child able to sit on a toilet or potty training seat without assistance? Can they get on and off the toilet with little to no assistance? Can they assist with managing their clothing during toileting tasks?

potty training, occupational therapy, tips and tricks of potty training

If you have said yes to the majority of the above questions, then your child may be ready to begin potty training! 

At what age can I expect my child to start potty training?

 The following list includes general guidelines to help establish a baseline of where a child might be on their journey towards potty training. However, each child has a different timeline in which they are emotionally, physically, cognitively, and physiologically ready for potty training. It is vital that you never push a child towards progressing through the developmental sequence. If you see meltdowns or signs of regression, it may be best to take a break and try again at a later time.

 

Developmental Sequence for Toileting:

1 year – Children indicate that they are wet/soiled through non-verbal signs of distress

2 years – Child begins to tolerate sitting on the toilet

30 months – Child communicates that they need to use the bathroom and will likely require assistance with managing their clothing and wiping

3 years – Children will initiate using the toilet independently. They may attempt to wipe but continue to require assistance for thoroughness. 

4-4.5 years – Children may have a few accidents. They are able to manage their clothing independently. 

5 years – Child is able to complete a full toilet routine independently, including washing and drying their hands. 

5-7 years – Children are consistently able to stay dry throughout the night. 

 

Tips to Help Progress Through the Potty Training Process

  • Make potty training FUN!

Whether it is the sound of the toilet flushing or the new environment, some children may have a fear of sitting on the toilet. If a child is anxious, they may be hesitant to sit on the toilet or may not even tolerate sitting on it. One method to help ease this transition is to allow the child to play with their favorite toys while sitting fully clothed on the toilet. Another method to make potty training fun is to invite the child into the process. You can do this by allowing the child to pick out their underwear and ask them to choose their potty seat. This helps address their newfound need for autonomy and allows them to take pride in the potty training process. 

  • Consistency is key. 

Establishing a consistent routine will help minimize a child’s accidents and increase their likelihood of using the toilet successfully. A general guideline is to prompt the child to sit on the toilet as soon as they wake up, after naps, and in two hour intervals throughout the day. Encourage your child to sit on the toilet for a few minutes at a time. It can be helpful to read a story to them while on the toilet or provide them with a preferred toy to make this time fun and engaging.

  • Know the signs. 

If a child is squatting, holding their genital area, or fidgeting, they may need to use the bathroom. Prompt the child to sit on the toilet when these signs occur. This can help the child become familiar with these signals to increase their ability to identify these signs as well. 

  • Celebrate the small victories. 

It is important that parents and caregivers build up a child’s confidence and self-efficacy during the potty training process. Caregivers can do this by providing their child with positive praise and celebrating the small victories! Some examples of this include praising their child for sitting on the toilet, communicating that they need to use the bathroom, successfully using the toilet, and completing all other steps in the toileting sequence (ex. Pulling up their pants, flushing the toilet, washing their hands). Sticker charts can also help motivate children to use the bathroom by providing them with a tangible reward to work towards!

  • Know there will be accidents. 

In combination with Point 4 above, it is important to know that accidents will happen and how to respond when they do. Never punish a child for soiling their clothing. Instead, always be prepared with an extra set of underwear or clothing, especially when going out in the community. 

You can find more tips on the potty training process here!

 

How can Carolina Therapy Connection Help?

If your kiddo struggles with self-regulation, completing their daily activities, or meeting developmental milestones, call our clinic at (252) 341-9944! Your child may benefit from an occupational therapy screening or formal evaluation!

Blog By: Emily Britt, OT