Understanding foot sizes for one-year-old babies

Having an accurate understanding of your one-year-old baby's foot size is essential for ensuring their comfort and healthy development. This guide will help you understand the characteristics of a one-year-old baby's foot, how to measure their size, and which shoes are recommended for their little feet.

Measuring your baby's foot size

To choose the right size for their first shoes or slippers, the most important step is to measure their feet. Here are a few tips for taking this measurement:

Choose a moment when your baby is calm and relaxed.

Have them stand on a sheet of paper.

Trace the outline of their feet with a pencil (you can do this for each foot).

Then measure the distance in cm between the two furthest points: the longest toe and the heel.

Note these figures — they correspond to the actual size of your child's feet.

However, you should always allow a little extra room so the feet can grow without being cramped. As a general rule, add around 1 cm to the measurement obtained. As a rough guide, a one-year-old baby typically has feet measuring on average 10 to 12 cm.

Choosing the right shoes and slippers for a one-year-old

Here are some criteria to help you choose your baby's first shoes or slippers:

Shoes should ideally be made from natural materials, with a preference for soft leather that allows the skin to breathe.

The sole should provide good grip on different types of surfaces, whilst being thin enough to allow the foot to move freely. The sensation of the ground underfoot is important for developing motor skills in babies.

The child should be able to take their shoes on and off easily by themselves, thanks for example to velcro or elasticated fastenings. The fastening system should ensure the foot is held firmly in place.

The chosen style should of course be suited to the season. So do think about choosing warm slippers for winter — ideally non-slip and washable for easy care.

Understanding the different shoe sizes for a one-year-old

The sizing system varies by country, but in this section we will present the French sizing system for baby shoes for one-year-olds.

Size 16: corresponds to a foot of approximately 9.5 cm. This is fairly unusual for a one-year-old, except possibly in the case of very premature babies.

Size 17: suitable for feet measuring around 10 cm. This size may be appropriate for some one-year-olds. It is still important to check regularly that the foot is not cramped inside the shoe.

Size 18: suitable for feet of 11 cm. This is a common size for 12-month-old babies and one of the sizes you should consider for your child.

Size 19: perfect for feet measuring between 11.5 and 12 cm. Depending on the child, this size could also be suitable for one-year-old babies.

A few tips for choosing the right size as your baby's feet grow

Do not forget that your baby's feet grow quickly! It is therefore advisable to check regularly whether the current size still fits your child.

Here are a few tips to make sure their shoes fit well:

Check that there is around 1 cm of space between the end of the shoe or slipper and their longest toe (usually the big toe).

Watch how your baby walks in their shoes: if they stumble or seem uncomfortable, their size may be too small.

Check that the insole of the shoe is not overly worn and that it keeps the foot properly in place. If it is excessively worn, it is best to replace the pair of shoes.

Slippers and night lights: the essential accessories for baby's comfort

To ensure a reassuring and cosy environment for your little one, the combination of comfortable baby slippers and a soothing night light is ideal. Slippers keep tiny feet nice and warm, whilst the gentle glow of a night light helps create a calm atmosphere conducive to sleep. If you are looking for models suited to the needs of newborns, explore this selection of night lights designed for babies, specially crafted to accompany little ones through the night in complete safety.

To sum up, knowing your one-year-old baby's foot size and choosing the right size and type of shoes for them is essential to ensure their comfort, growth, and motor development.

So do take the time to measure your child's feet regularly and keep track of how they grow — so you can give them shoes or slippers that are perfectly suited to their needs!