HEALTHY FEET FACTS

An adult foot is a complex structure made up of twenty-six bones. Designed to support the entire body through a lifetime of movement, the average foot spends its whole life absorbing a myriad of different pressures and shocks, all while adapting to constant changes in surface friction and functional stability. But they don’t start there.

As babies first develop, their tiny foot contains far more cartilage than bone. Over time (by age 18 or so) this cartilage will fuse and fully harden into the strong, adult bones we require. The first few years are very different.

Early on, the bones in a baby’s foot begin as flexible cartilage, which is why a shoe that is too stiff or too tight can actually come to affect the overall shape and potential movement of your child’s foot permanently. This can lead to chronic issues or problems into adulthood.

When a child begins to crawl – and eventually take their first steps – little bare feet need to grip, flex and twist so they can develop the necessary strength and musculature, while receiving the kind of physical feedback cues that are so critical for maintaining proper balance and (eventually) continuous upright movement.

While barefoot is best, the world isn’t always as friendly to those tiny toes as your living room floor or grandma’s house. Sometimes little feet need big help to protect them from the sort of everyday hazards or grimy germs that come along with adventurous days out. That’s where Jack & Lily comes in – with moccasins, shoes, and boots for infants, babies and toddlers.

"Footwear needs to protect children's feet, offer some grip on a smooth surface, and ensure comfortable walking on different surfaces. They should be well fitting, soft, light weight, and have cushioned soles."

Pediatric Society

Jack & Lily works tirelessly to ensure that every shoe we offer is soft and fully flexible, allowing for total foot flexion. Additionally, the inclusion of genuine and vegan leather and fully adjustable hook and loop closures provide the very best fit for your baby’s foot every single time.