Because young children's feet are so flexible, they often won't feel pain or discomfort, which could indicate more serious problems in their development. If they don't feel discomfort, then they can't complain about it, leaving you none the wiser. For this reason, you should inspect your child's feet for any irregularities on a regular basis, especially in their infancy. Things to look out for include blisters, which might indicate ill-fitting shoes, and dry or cracked skin, which might be a sign or poor hygiene habits that can lead to athlete's foot, as mentioned earlier.

Be on the lookout, as well, for any red pressure marks on the toes and feet, which might be a sign that their shoes are too tight and uncomfortable, restricting their movement and growth. You should also check the toenails to make sure that they're not too long (see the next point for tips on cutting your child's toenails) and to look out for any redness, inflammation or strange marks on and around the nails.