Children's sheepskin slippers should be sized to your child's current foot length with a little room for growth, not bought a full size up "to last longer," because too much extra room makes a slipper harder for a child to keep on and reduces the snug warmth that makes sheepskin worth choosing in the first place. Genuine sheepskin is naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, which is part of why it's traditionally used for children, but getting the fit and care right matters just as much for kids as it does for adults. Here's what to know before you buy.
Why genuine sheepskin works well for children
Sheepskin's natural wool fibres regulate temperature without overheating small feet, and because it's a single natural material rather than a synthetic lining bonded to fabric, it's naturally hypoallergenic, which is one of the reasons genuine sheepskin has long been a traditional choice for babies and young children. Our children's moccasin sheepskin slippers are made the same way as our adult lines, in genuine sheepskin, just sized down and in colours kids will actually want to wear.
Sizing children's slippers correctly
Measure, don't estimate
Children's feet grow quickly, so it's tempting to size up "to get more wear out of them," but this works against you with sheepskin. A slipper that's too loose won't hold heat properly and is more likely to slip off during play, and it also won't benefit from the way genuine sheepskin moulds to the foot over the first few wears. Measure your child's foot length at the end of the day and match it to the current size, rather than sizing ahead for growth.
Check fit again partway through the season
Because children's feet change size faster than adults', it's worth rechecking fit partway through winter, especially if your child has had a growth spurt. A quick check indoors, standing rather than sitting, gives the most accurate read on whether there's still enough room at the toe.
Look for secure, simple fastenings
A slip-on style is usually easiest for children to manage independently, which matters for younger kids getting dressed on their own. If a child struggles to keep a slipper on during play, a snugger size or a style with a bit more ankle coverage is generally the fix, rather than moving to a larger size.
Caring for children's sheepskin slippers through a full winter
Children's slippers see more hard wear than most adult footwear, from mud tracked in from the garden to general roughhousing, but the same simple sheepskin care applies. Brush gently to lift a flattened pile, spot-clean marks with a barely damp cloth rather than a full wash, and always let them dry naturally away from radiators if they get wet, since direct heat is the one thing that can genuinely damage sheepskin. Our full Sheepskin Care Guide covers all of this in more detail, and it applies just as much to children's sizes as adult ones.
Beyond slippers: keeping the whole family warm
If sheepskin slippers work well for your child, our children's lambswool insoles are a simple way to add the same warmth to their existing school shoes or wellies through the coldest months.
Shop children's sheepskin slippers
See our children's moccasin sheepskin slippers, or browse the wider children's collection for insoles and accessories.
FAQs
Should I buy children's sheepskin slippers a size up so they last longer?
It's better to size to your child's current foot length. Too much extra room reduces the snug warmth sheepskin provides and makes slippers more likely to come off during play.
Is genuine sheepskin safe for young children and babies?
Yes. Genuine sheepskin is naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, which is a large part of why it has traditionally been used for baby and children's footwear and bedding.
How do I clean children's sheepskin slippers after they've been played in?
Spot-clean marks with a barely damp cloth and let them air dry naturally away from direct heat. Avoid machine washing, which strips the natural oils that keep sheepskin soft and supple. Full guidance is in our Sheepskin Care Guide.
How often will I need to replace children's sheepskin slippers?
Mainly as their feet grow rather than due to wear, since genuine sheepskin holds up well to regular use with basic care, the same as our adult ranges.