Barefoot is Best!

Feet are among the most sensory-rich parts of the human body. The soles of the feet are extremely sensitive to touch, and there are large concentrations of proprioceptors in their joints and muscles. The feet alone have as many proprioceptors as the entire spinal column!
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When allowed to be barefoot, tactile pathways feel the surface of the ground, proprioceptors respond to pressure, and the terrain creates slight imbalances that develop neuromuscular strength, spacial orientation, balance and coordination.
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Another benefit to keeping babies barefoot is that it encourages presence of mind and conscious awareness.
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As the little pads of babies’ feet feel, move and balance on the surface that they are exploring, the information sent to their brains from tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular pathways will inhibit other extraneous sensory input. This creates focus and awareness of walking and moving through space; babies get more tuned in to their surroundings. It provides a great platform to develop the higher brain centers responsible for emotional control, problem-solving, language, social skills and self-assurance.
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Obviously, we want to protect our little ones when they play in the cold or on a surface that could hurt their feet. If shoes are needed for certain reasons- we are big advocates of leather soft-bottomed moccasins & shoes, such as the Robeez on Evaleigh in the picture above!
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#barefootisbest #braindevelopment #holisticparenting #pediatricchiropractic #healthynervoussystem #chirobabies #chirokids #growingupinbend #bendmoms #bendkids
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📸: @jaydesilbernagel @loveisultimate