Baby shoe sizes.?

My daughter is one year old and has a slightly big foot. She measures a size 5 and the people at stride rite said to got 1/2 size bigger. Is this correct? That is what i think i should do but one lady at the store said they can go bow legged if you buy shoes too big. What do you think? No rude comments please.

Baby shoe sizes.?
I always buy a little them a little big, but I hadn%26#039;t heard that about them going bow legged. I wouldn%26#039;t go over a 1/2 size big though.
Reply:Here%26#039;s some more info:


When your baby starts toddling about, it’s normal for the legs to curve outward at the knees. Parents are often concerned, especially if there are adults in the family who are bowlegged or who needed splints or braces while growing. Even so, most of these bowlegs are normal, although some do require treatment.





What is it?


The tight fit inside the uterus leads to bowing of the legs that parents often do not notice until the child starts to stand and walk. Most children between one and two are quite bowlegged. This normal developmental pattern is called physiologic genu varum. (‘Genu’ means ‘knee.’)





The second most common cause of bowlegs is called Blount’s disease, or tibia vara. In this uncommon condition, one side of the leg bone (‘tibia’) grows abnormally.





In some rare cases, children can have bowlegs from other conditions such as vitamin deficiency (rickets), arthritis, trauma, infection, tumors, or bone diseases.





Who gets it?


Physiologic bowlegs are present at some point in most children, especially up to age 2.





Blount’s disease can occur in babies, school-age children, and teens. It is most common among the very obese and in those of African-American descent.





What are the symptoms?


Normal bowlegs improve over time. When bowlegs get worse after age 2 they should be evaluated. The same is true if the bowing is extreme, if only one side is affected, or if the child is otherwise not growing normally.





Is it contagious?


No





How long does it last?


Physiologic bowlegs improve greatly by age 2. They can continue to improve for years later. Over 95 percent of those with physiologic bowlegs – even severe physiologic bowlegs – will become normal by adolescence with no treatment.





How is it diagnosed?


The shape of the legs changes slowly throughout childhood. They should be followed closely at each routine physical exam. If there is reason for concern, some type of x-ray or MRI evaluation is usually the next step.





How is it treated?


Physiologic bowlegs generally need no treatment at all. In fact, the braces, corrective shoes, and exercises that used to be common can hinder normal straightening of the legs.





Blount’s disease usually does require treatment. Here braces may be helpful, but surgery is often necessary.





With other types of bowlegs, identifying and addressing the underlying cause is the first step.





Surgery might be used in a variety of situations if treatment is needed.





How can it be prevented?


Anything that decreases space in the uterus (twins, large babies, maternal diabetes) can make bowlegs more pronounced. Obesity in children can lead to greater bowing of the legs. Maintaining normal weight and getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D is wise.





Physiologic bowing is a normal part of development and should not be entirely prevented.





Related A-to-Z Information:


Arthritis (Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, JRA), Cerebral Palsy, Clubfoot, Fractures, Obesity, Rickets, Spina Bifida, Sprains, Tibial Torsion (Turned-in feet), Torticollis





Alan Greene MD FAAP





May 31, 2002
Reply:I have always heard to buy them slightly larger, you will get more wear out of the shoes and their little feet grow very fast at times.





I have never heard about he bowed legs from wearing shoes that are large.
Reply:I bought my daughters first shoes at a little over one and I bought her a 5 1/2 its just a foot, who cares if its on the bigger side, both of my daughters have always been in the 95th percentile for height and weight. She actually measured for a 5 but they only had a 5 1/2 so that is what I got and she was fine, it did not bow her legs, that is one I have not heard before. My kids are now 6 and 8 and I would never buy a shoe without some room to grow, there have been times I swear they grow a size in a week.
Reply:1/2 size big gives them room to grow, which they need since their feet grow so quickly.
Reply:it is a matter of comfort. i believe going half size bigger is no big deal. i dont believe they become bowlegged from that. ask your dr. if you need reassurance. good luck
Reply:I%26#039;ve always bought my kids shoes with 1/4 inch or so of space at the end for growing room, and none of my four are bow-legged. The older girls are a little knock-kneed, but that is a normal female physiology because of the angle of the long thigh bone attached to a female pelvis at puberty.



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