If you've ever been hiking with a preschooler, then you've had to remove sand or pebbles from a little shoe.

Happy little feet, happy little hikers

A few minutes later you've probably repeated the process. Only this time, your child asks you to remove something he or she insists is there, but seems to be invisible.

As annoying as such complaints can be, you've got to take them seriously. There's no way your child can be a happy hiker if his or her feet hurt, or if a blister develops.

Here's how to avoid these problems, as well as some tips on what to do when blisters bother your brood.

Start With Socks

The best way to prevent blisters is with proper shoes and socks. However, parents often get so engrossed in selecting proper footwear for their kids that they forget about that other vitally important layer.

Wool and nylon blends such as these
are ideal for hiking — they breathe
moisture rather than absorbing it.

Cotton socks are notorious for causing blisters-they soak up the sweat or any other moisture. Unfortunately, that's what most stores carry, and what is most popular for kids.

Finding good hiking socks for children is surprisingly difficult. While wool/nylon or other blends are widely available for adult feet, many outfitters don't carry such socks for children, even those that sell hiking boots for children.

My 6-year-old wears a blend of cotton/nylon/lycra on a day-to-day basis, but these socks are much to thin for hiking-there would be too much friction and not enough protection (or warmth in winter) for his feet.

What's a parent to do?

		Buy hiking socks in the winter. Many children's clothing and outdoors stores seem to carry quality blends of children's socks in the winter, for skiing and snow play, but the stuff disappears over the summer. Stock up while supplies are available.
		One online source I've located is http://www.cameronwoolens.com/catalog/cat19.htm, which offers a blend of wool, nylon, and elastic socks for $7.25 a pair.
		Children with larger feet can wear women's small hiking socks, which are readily available. For instance, I wear a size 5 = women's shoe. My son wears a size 1, children's, and his feet will soon be the same size as mine, probably at about a size 3.
		If you have no other option, you're stuck with cotton. My son has used a thick cotton sock with a pair of hiking boots that fit well, with no complaints of sore feet or blisters. If you do try this approach, however, keep a sharp lookout for hot spots or blisters on your child's feet. And get some better socks as soon as possible.

Move on to Prevention and Treatment

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