(HealthDay News) -- Your little one is growing faster than you expected, and his or her feet are no exception.

As children's shoe buying becomes a frequent ritual, the American Podiatric Medical Association offers this advice:

• Make sure the shoes have firm heel support, a flexible sole where the feet bend, cushioning in the insoles, and good arch support.
• Size the feet when the child is standing and bearing weight on the feet.
• Allow for a thumb's width between the tip of the toes and the end of the shoe -- enough so the child can comfortably wiggle the toes.
• Ask the child to walk around in the shoes (make sure socks are on, too). Ask about fit and comfort, and check to see if the feet are irritated afterward.
• Make sure the shoes don't slip off at the heel.
• Measure both feet, and buy shoes in the size that fit the larger foot.