Encourages First Steps

Small steps for feet, huge steps for development.

Baby’s first steps are one of the most exciting moments for any parent. Watching those tiny feet take their first independent steps is a magical experience, opening up a whole new world of curiosity and exploration.

However, nowadays, more and more tiny feet are being confined in ‘cages’ that hinder their ability to take those first steps. Yes, we’re talking about shoes.

So why should we say shoo to shoes?

Free those toes!

Babies learn to walk by gripping the ground with their toes and using their heels for stability. Shoes limit these natural actions, slowing the development of the foot muscles needed for proper movement. Instead, the right orthopedic mats for children can help promote natural foot movements.

Better sensory feedback

Baby’s feet have nearly 200,000 nerve endings that send constant signals to the brain about their surroundings and the surfaces they’re walking on. Whether it’s grass, sand, rocks, their tiny feet meticulously capture these intricate sensory sensations for the brain to process. Sensory tactile mats provide the perfect environment to simulate these signals and support cognitive skill development. These signals help develop balance, coordination, spatial awareness, and proprioception. Shoes dull these sensations, sending distorted signals to the brain and slowing down the learning process.

The more surfaces, the better

The more surfaces and textures baby’s feet explore, the faster their brain builds balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. Limiting them to flat, soft surfaces (such as hardwood floors or carpets), makes it harder for the brain to adapt to new ones, making new terrains harder to navigate and slowing down the walking journey. That’s why sensory tactile mats can be game-changers!

Little muscles – great importance

Even though a baby’s foot might seem small and soft, it’s packed with tiny muscles that need the right conditions to develop properly. Letting them experience natural barefoot sensations ensures balanced muscle stimulation, proper joint alignment, and healthy plantar arch development. It helps to prevent flat feet and ensures the correct positioning of the ankles, hips, and spine. ORTOTO orthopedic floor mats support this crucial development by giving babies the best foundation for foot health and overall growth.