Advice · Sizes
What size for baby? The chart by age and how to measure
Babies' feet change fast, and shoe sizes don't tell you much when you're just starting out. Here's our chart linking age, size and foot length, how to measure at home, and our tips for when you're unsure.
Baby shoe sizes by age
At Petit Canon, each size matches an age range. Foot lengths are approximate: they help confirm your choice, especially if your child has big or small feet for their age.
| Size (EU) | Age | Foot (approx.) | Ranges |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-17 | 0 to 6 months | 9.5 to 10.5 cm | Soft leather, Petit Moccs |
| 18-19 | 6 to 12 months | 10.5 to 11.5 cm | Soft leather, Petit Moccs |
| 20-21 | 12 to 18 months | 11.5 to 12.5 cm | Soft leather, Petit Moccs |
| 22-23 | 18 to 24 months | 12.5 to 13.5 cm | Soft leather, Petit Moccs |
| 24-25-26 | 2 to 3 years | 13.5 to 15 cm | Soft leather |
| 27-28 | 3 to 4 years | 15 to 16 cm | Soft leather |
| 29-30 | 4 to 5 years | 16 to 17 cm | Soft leather |
| 31-32 | 5 to 6 years | 17 to 18.5 cm | Soft leather |
Age, a good starting point
Age is the simplest guide: a 4-month-old baby will take a 16-17, a 15-month-old a 20-21, and a two-and-a-half-year-old a 24-25-26.
But every child grows at their own pace. If your baby has big or small feet for their age, or is right at the edge between two ranges, measure their foot: it's more reliable.
The calculator in the size guide does the math for you, from the date of birth, the age or the foot length.
Measuring the foot in three steps
All you need is a sheet of paper, a pencil and a ruler.
- Heel against a wall. Place the foot flat on a sheet of paper, with the heel right against the wall.
- A line at the tip of the big toe. Mark on the paper where the big toe ends.
- The measurement in centimetres. Measure from the wall to the line. Do the same with the other foot and keep the longer measurement.
With a wiggly little one, pick a calm moment, ask a second person to gently hold the leg, and measure two or three times to check. If your child can stand, measure them standing up, with their weight on both feet. If the result falls between two values, go with the larger one.
Write the measurement down somewhere: next time, you can compare and see whether a new size is coming up.
Small mistakes to avoid
- Measuring only one foot. Both feet aren't always exactly the same length: measure both and keep the longer one.
- Rounding down. If the ruler falls between two values, go with the larger one.
- Measuring only once. Little ones move a lot: measure two or three times before you decide.
- Relying on another brand's size. From one brand to the next, the same size doesn't always match the same foot length. Go by the age and foot length in our chart instead.
- Forgetting the date. Write the date next to the number: in a few months, you'll know right away whether it's time to measure again.
The printable template
Would you rather skip the ruler? Our printable size template fits on one sheet: place the heel on the line, see where the tips of the toes reach, and read the size right off the page.
Just one condition: print it at 100%, at “actual size”, then check with a real ruler that the template's control ruler measures exactly 5 cm. Otherwise, the scale is off. Full instructions are on the template page.
Between two sizes? Go with the larger one
If the measurement falls right on the boundary between two sizes, or if your child will soon move into the next age range, choose the larger size: the foot keeps a little room to grow.
Avoid buying two or three sizes ahead to make the slippers last longer, though: a slipper that's much too big may not stay on as well, even with its elastic around the ankle.
Choosing a size for a gift
Giving slippers without being able to measure? Start from the age the child will be when they wear them, not their age today. For a newborn, the 16-17 (0 to 6 months) fits from birth; for slippers that will be worn a little later, the 18-19 (6 to 12 months) is a lovely option.
If you know neither the exact age nor the size, a gift card lets the parents choose. Our Find a gift page suggests in-stock models by age, and our other ideas are gathered in the article Baby gift ideas in Quebec.
And if the size doesn't fit, your first size exchange is on us, within of receiving your parcel: see size exchange.
Soft leather or Petit Moccs: which sizes?
Soft leather slippers come in eight sizes, from 16-17 (0 to 6 months) to 31-32 (5 to 6 years). Fringed Petit Moccs, in solid colours, come in four sizes, from 16-17 to 22-23 (18 to 24 months). After age 2, choose from the soft leather slippers.
To compare the two ranges, read Soft leather or Petit Moccs? (in French).
Key takeaways
- Age gives you a first idea; foot length confirms it.
- Measure both feet and keep the longer measurement.
- Between two sizes, go with the larger one, without overdoing it.
- For a gift, aim for the age the child will be when they wear them.
Frequently asked questions
What size for a newborn?
Size 16-17, designed for 0 to 6 months. It's our smallest size, in both soft leather slippers and Petit Moccs.
What size for a 9-month-old baby?
Size 18-19, designed for 6 to 12 months, for an approximate foot length of 10.5 to 11.5 cm. If your baby is close to their first birthday, consider the 20-21.
Are the foot lengths in the chart exact?
They're approximate. When the measurement falls between two sizes, go with the larger one. If in doubt, write to us with the child's age and foot length.
Up to what age do your slippers go?
Up to size 31-32, designed for 5 to 6 years, for soft leather slippers. Petit Moccs stop at 22-23, designed for 18 to 24 months.
