A baby's skin can change colour for several reasons. Understanding the potential causes can help you address and prevent redness on your baby's feet, ensuring the little one's skin remains healthy and comfortable.

Common Causes of Red Feet in Babies

1. Temperature

Extreme temperatures—like cold, heat, and humidity—can affect your baby's delicate skin. Its thinness makes it more sensitive to these temperature changes, leading to heat rash. To prevent this, keep your baby's skin well moisturised and dress them appropriately for the weather.

Sun exposure also poses a risk to your baby's skin, causing potential sunburn and UV damage. Try to shield them from direct sunlight and use baby-friendly sunscreen for protection.

2. Circulation

Restricted blood circulation can lead the baby's feet to turn red. Colour changes can happen because of tight clothing, shoes, and stockings. Apparel with a rough texture can also chafe and irritate its skin.

Help the baby's feet to breathe, and use loose-fitting socks made from natural fabrics to avoid chafing.

» Learn about the potential risks to babies wearing socks

3. Skin Conditions and Irritations

The following skin conditions and irritations can also cause a baby's feet to turn red:

• Diaper Rash: Although it mainly affects the diaper area, diaper rash can occasionally spread to the rest of the body, like the feet.
• Contact Dermatitis: This condition develops when a baby touches certain chemicals like lotions, detergents, and fragrances.
• Eczema: Atopic dermatitis—or infantile eczema—can result in red, itchy, and irritated skin.

» Discover the best shoe fabrics for your child's feet to prevent irritation

Seeking Medical Evaluation

You can use gentle skincare products to treat your baby's red feet. Also, be mindful of their reactions to certain fabrics, products, etc. If the redness spreads and is accompanied by swelling, blisters, discharge, and fever—it's time to go to the doctor.

To set your baby on the path of walking happy and healthy, we recommend the First Walkers Prewalkers Collection. These shoes are designed for 6- to 18-month-olds, giving them the best learning experience through their comfy, flexi-soled designs.