Ossification, or the formation of bones in the body begins with cartilage, which in a baby is very soft and malleable. This cartilage is vulnerable to being moved and shaped in the wrong way, if the wrong footwear is worn, which is why so many companies specialise in baby shoes.

Baby's feet should be washed regularly as they sweat about twice as much as an adult through the feet. This is why its important to use shoes made from soft, breathable material such as leather, cotton or wool. Socks should be natural too. It's essential that from the very beginning the socks, tights and booties allow a baby's feet and toes to move freely without restriction. This is why many doctors support the use of footless baby grows and sleepsuits to allow for rapid growth. A gap between ankle and calf doesn't matter, but a baby whose feet are tightly pulled back by a sleepsuit that is too small can end up with hammer toes, which can delay walking and is uncomfortable. Pram shoes are fine as long as they have plenty of room and are very soft.

Wherever possible, encourage parents to let their baby go barefoot. This freedom is the best way to ensure proper development and will also help the baby to walk. If the baby hasn't been able to explore with their feet before they can walk, (by wearing shoes with soles too early) this can interfere with ‘foot crawling' age. The feet send signals back to the brain to encourage the baby to stand upright with confidence. Its a learning process and needs to take place. Many professionals refer to this stage as ‘cruising', when they first begin to pull themselves up on furniture and stagger around a room hanging on to something. As long as the floor is clean and dry its should be encouraged.

Once the baby can take a few steps on his own, he can begin to wear very lightweight, soft shoes with flexible soles. These should be measured properly in a shop and bought in a width and length fitting. Width fitting start at D - H and the length is usually from size 3. Velcro or laces are both suitable fastenings, but don't over-tighten and make sure the heel is supportive. The shoes should be flat. Parents have the feet checked for size every six to eight weeks.

Any parent that is at all concerned with the development of their baby's feet should talk to their health visitor and then their GP. Some issues such as flat feet in babies begin to right themselves as the child grows, but there may be an underlying problem that requires a podiatrist or physiotherapist.