Slippers are the kind of footwear we always return to at the end of the day. When it comes to kids, they spend a lot of their time at home wearing those comfy shoes. However, little ones can be clumsy, often forget to put their slippers on, and are very picky.
Aside from that, it can be challenging to clean slippers, especially if they are not machine-washable. For that reason, here’s the ultimate kids’ slipper guide on choosing the perfect ones and cleaning them properly!
Contents
Why are Slippers Important?
By wearing slippers, kids’ feet will stay warm while providing high comfort. Additionally, they keep their feet clean no matter how much you clean. Aside from this, slippers can also help:
- Protect kids’ feet – slippers prevent kids’ feet from stepping on sharp and slippery objects while keeping them clean around the house.
- Prevent slipperiness – choose slippers instead of socks since socks tend to slip unless you opt for anti-skid socks.
- Provide grip indoors – aside from preventing slipperiness, a good pair of slippers provide a perfect grip from slipping over on different surfaces such as wood, laminate and tiles.
How to Choose the Perfect Kids’ Slippers?
There are many benefits to wearing slippers inside; however, the wrong pair can cause foot health problems later in life if they are not selected properly. When choosing your next pair of slippers, keep these three crucial things in mind.
1. Chose the right size
Usually, parents will select a pair of slippers based on the size of the kids’ regular shoes. However, as slippers typically have quite a bit of lining, it may mean that there needs to be more room for their little feet. This might force them to push into them and make them feel uncomfortable.
It is advised to leave some extra space when selecting a pair of slippers. Stick with your usual size if they fit because the main idea of slippers is to keep your feet warm and feel naturally comfortable. This doesn’t mean that you should get your kids a size bigger slipper. The slipper size should be the same as your normal shoe size. Always take into consideration that the kid might wear the sock, so it’s recommended to have a pair that has more of a loose fit. If you are not sure what would be the proper size, measure your kid’s feet on our Footmeter tool and get the 100% accurate, reliable and free size!
Also, don’t forget the time of the day you are shopping or measuring your kids’ feet. The more time kids’ spend on their feet throughout the day, the more they will swell. It’s best to try on slippers after a long day when their feet are exhausted in order to gauge their true fit. Slippers are made for tired feet, and they fit best after a long day.
2. Consider the material
Slippers are typically made from soft materials, especially on the inside. However, this can sometimes make kids’ feet feel too hot, and they will end up with sweat, and stinky feet, that nobody wants! Thus, if your kid has this problem, don’t pick a pair with a thick lining. At this point, you need to detect the most suitable shoe material for their needs.
The leather is also a great option, as it is usually thinner and keeps your kids’ cool and fresh. However, if you want something more environmental-friendly, you can check some vegan shoes to find the most suitable ones.
Other slippers are made from terry cloth. That’s the same material as towels – it keeps feet warm without getting sweaty nor too cold, and it’s super easy to clean. In addition to being very soft on the skin, velvet can be used to make slippers. However, you should reserve velvet for winter months as summer can be too hot for it. And last but not least, cotton, suede, and wool are probably the most common material for making slippers. However, remember that these slippers should not be worn outside because they will get ruined.
3. Consider the surface
Depending on whether you have tiles, wood, or carpet in your home will determine the type of sole kids’ slippers should have.
For example, slippers with rubber outsoles will provide more traction on slippery surfaces. As a result, kids’ feet will be cushioned, they will be less likely to slip, and the floor will be protected from scratches. On the other hand, if you have a softer surface like carpet, thin soles will do the job.
How Do You Clean Kids’ slippers?
Cleaning kids’ shoes sound scary, but it can be very easy with the provided guide. The same goes for cleaning their slipper. All you need is the following:
- Clean water
- A bucket /sink
- Detergent
Place the kid’s slippers in a bowl or a sink of warm water and let them soak for a while. To remove tough stains from slippers, use an old toothbrush to scrub those places. Rinse slippers by washing them with clean water.
You can also add a teaspoon of heavy-duty detergent to make them shinier and remove all the dirt. For best results, soak the slippers for at least 30 minutes in soapy water. Gently squeeze the slippers to remove the solution, and then rinse away the soapy water.
Overall, kids’ slippers are indoor shoes, and they do not get as dirty as outdoor ones do. So cleaning them a few times a year would be more than sufficient.
Should My Child Wear non-slip Slippers?
Non-slip slippers are always a good choice, especially if you have tiles or hardwood floors. Such slippers provide better traction to help kids keep their feet steady with better grip as they walk and run. If your floors are carpeted floors, on the other hand, slippers with thinner soles will to the job just fine.
How Often Should I Replace my Kids’ Slippers?
Once you notice your kid has outgrown their slippers, it’s time for new pair. Also, if you see they are worn out, it’s also time for new pair. If the slippers are worn outside at all, they may wear out faster. The slippers can deteriorate more quickly if they are used for outside purposes as well. It’s because the soles weren’t intended for paving.
Additionally, if your kids wear their slippers all day long without socks, they may become worn from the inside out. Remember that every child grows at its own pace, but generally, babies’ and toddlers’ feet grow faster, so you need to replace them more often.
In Conclusion
Kids’ footwear is very important for their healthy development and safety. Choosing the proper shoes for every occasion means a lot, and that goes for those indoor shoes as well. For that reason, we crafted this ultimate kids’ slipper guide to facilitate the process of choosing and cleaning them.
Follow the mentioned three steps on how to pick the perfect slippers and clean them in the easiest way. By using hot water and detergent. Once the slippers are worn out or grown out, it’s time for a new pair!
