Dr. Anant Joshi at Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC wants to help you and your family stay healthy while you enjoy summer, so today, he’s sharing five tips to keep your children’s feet safe this summer.

1. Lather on the sunscreen. Being a parent, you know how important it is to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and stay out of the sun during the hottest times of the day. But it can be easy to forget your child’s feet when applying SPF spray or lotion. Keep in mind that the skin on children’s feet can burn just as quickly as the rest of their bodies, especially during a day at the beach or pool. Be sure to reapply sunscreen often, before and after swimming.

2. When and when not to wear flip-flops. Going barefoot on the beach has many health benefits for adults and children. It helps promote coordination, stamina, and balance while providing extra resistance by stretching and strengthening leg muscles with each step. But be careful not to step on rocks or shells that can cause puncture wounds or cuts. On the other hand, wearing flip-flops at public beach bathrooms or around the community showers protects against athlete’s foot, plantar warts, and other germs.

3. Stay safe while on the playground. You can help keep little feet safe on the playground by ensuring children wear protective, supportive footwear. While sandals and flip-flops are acceptable for the pool or beach, they’re not the best option for the playground. Sneakers are a better footwear selection for sliding, swinging, and running children. They support ankles and feet and won’t fall off or cause your child to trip over them while running.

4. Wear appropriate footwear when playing sports. Soccer, golf, tennis, and other summer sports are more fun for kids when they wear proper footwear. Investing in a good shoe appropriate for each sport can prevent ankle and foot injuries. Shoes are designed for a specific sport, like baseball cleats, and provide gripping power on turf, sandy surfaces, or grass, so your child is less likely to fall.

5. Wear non-skid shoes at waterparks. While waterparks can be fun for children of all ages, it’s also a place where they can easily slip and twist an ankle. So, protect your children’s little feet with non-skid water shoes. Any footwear with rubber soles is excellent for wet, slippery surfaces, and the quick-drying material provides ventilation.

Summertime, or any time of year, we are here to help you and your whole family keep your feet happy and healthy. If you have questions or concerns, call us to schedule an appointment. At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, Dr. Anant Joshi treats various conditions, including Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, athlete’s foot complications, diabetes, fractures, fungal toenails, and more. He also performs foot and ankle surgery. He is a board-certified podiatrist in Woodland Park, NJ. Contact the office at 973-256-0002.