As a parent, it feels like every time you turn around, your kid needs new shoes. It’s no wonder – according to the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society, children’s feet can grow up to a size and a half every year between the ages of 3 and 7! Here’s a closer look at why kids’ feet grow so fast – and what you can do to keep up.

Why Kids’ Feet Grow So Fast

During childhood, kids are growing at an incredible rate. They’re growing in height, in weight, and in the size of their feet! In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the average child will grow 2.5 inches in height and gain 5 pounds in weight each year between the ages of 3 and 7. That’s why it’s important to monitor your child’s growth regularly – so you can be sure they’re on track and getting the nutrients they need to support their growth.

One reason kids’ feet grow so fast is because of something called the “growth plate.” The growth plate is a layer of cartilage at the end of long bones (like those in the legs) that helps them to grow. As kids grow, their bones get longer thanks to the growth plates – and that includes the bones in their feet. The faster a child grows, the more often they’ll need new shoes to accommodate their changing feet.

In addition to the growth plates, kids’ feet also grow quickly because of hormones. As children reach puberty, their bodies start producing new hormones that encourage their bones and muscles to grow. This includes the bones in the feet, which can cause them to increase in size quite rapidly.

What You Can Do to Keep Up with Your Kid’s Growing Feet

The best way to keep up with your kid’s growing feet is to have them fitted for new shoes every six months or so. This will help ensure that they’re always wearing shoes that fit properly – which is important for both their comfort and their health. Ill-fitting shoes can cause foot problems like blisters, bunions, and hammertoes down the road.

In addition to being fitted for new shoes regularly, there are some other things you can do to help your child’s feet stay healthy as they grow:

• – Have them wear socks that fit properly (not too tight or too loose)
• – Avoid letting them walk barefoot on hard surfaces
• – Teach them how to tie their shoes correctly (so they don’t get blisters)
• – Trim their nails regularly
• – Make sure they’re getting enough exercise, calcium and Vitamin D (which are important for bone health)
• – Massage their feet with lotion or cream (this will help prevent dryness and cracking)

By keeping up with the size of your child’s feet and making sure their shoes fit properly, you can help keep them comfortable – even as their feet continue to grow! Remember, kids’ feet can grow up to a size and a half every year between the ages of 3 and 7. So be prepared for regular shoe shopping trips – because it won’t be long before your little one outgrows those new shoes!

Kids’ feet grow surprisingly fast!

On average, they’ll go through one size every three to six months. However, there is no need to worry if your child’s feet seem to be growing at a different rate than other kids’. Just be sure to keep an eye on how your child is walking and have their feet measured regularly so you can be sure they’re always wearing the right size shoe!