If you’re a new parent, you may feel embarrassed to ask certain questions about infant care or baby clothing. Don’t be! Becoming an experienced, confident mom or dad is definitely an on-the-job learning experience. One of the most popular questions about dressing infants is, “Do babies need socks?” and "when to take off baby socks?"–as well as if socks should be worn to bed or paired with baby booties.
Read this guide to discover the answers to these questions, as well as why baby socks are important. Once you know the top reasons to buy them, you may be inspired to stock up on a few different sizes or add more to your baby registry.
1. They Help Regulate Body Temperature
According to the doctors at Stanford Children’s Health, babies have a harder time regulating their body temperature than adults do. Low birth weight or premature babies will find it even more difficult to stay warm because they have less body fat. You know you can keep baby cozy with winter clothing such as a long-sleeve Onesie from Onesies® Brand bodysuits, fleece pants and jackets. Layering accessories such as cotton socks will also help to keep them warm, happy and healthy.
While you may prefer crew socks or ankle socks for your baby, you may decide to go with longer, thicker socks in the winter. If your child’s pants hike up during car rides, sleep or play, the extra layer will help to keep their legs warm. Pair them with mittens so you can warm their hands, all while protecting their face from nail injuries.
2. They Protect Feet from Injury
After a few months, your newborn will begin to hit baby milestones, such as resting on their tummy, rolling and crawling. Some babies will even begin to walk before their first year is done. No matter how your little one is getting around, their feet can come into contact with all kinds of dangerous surfaces and objects.
It’s inevitable that your child will step on a toy, walk on rougher surfaces or venture a few feet outside. No-skid socks will keep their toes and soles warm and padded from danger. Add an extra layer of comfort and security with a pair of booties. Most infant booties also come with no-skid bottoms, so your child doesn’t slip when they’re cruising.
3. They Keep Toes Warm Outdoors
If your baby doesn’t walk yet, they don’t really need hard-soled shoes to get around. Along with a Onesie and a pair of pants, socks with booties are all you need to stroll in the park, visit the store or have a bite to eat in your favorite restaurant. While you may be able to skip socks during summer, they’re an essential layer during most months of the year. This is especially true during winter when thick socks can prevent hypothermia and illness.
When you and baby leave the house in cold weather, always pack one or two extra pairs of socks in your diaper bag. If a sock comes off their feet (which happens quite often), you’ll have backups to keep him or her comfortable. Plus, in the event that you need to be outside longer than desired or if the temperature drops quickly, you can layer one pair of socks on top of the other.
Buying the Best Socks for Your Baby
Whether you’re building your baby registry or want to restock your socks for a new season, you should know that not all infant clothing is the same. The best baby girl and boy socks out there are a combination of cozy, durable and stylish. We think you’ll like our terry and jersey knit varieties, which are both durable and comfortable.
Shop for the styles with wiggle-proof technology to prevent little socks from falling off energetic feet. Many of our baby socks also come with deep heel pockets and more ankle support to help baby play, smile and laugh longer. Buy them in multipacks in a neutral white color or have some fun with colors and prints. Baby girl socks come in bunny prints, ballet slipper styles and feminine shades like purple, peach and pink.
If you need baby boy socks, you’ll enjoy choosing from stripes, animal prints and cute sayings. Pair them with a comfortable long-sleeve Onesie from Onesies® Brand bodysuits, cozy pants and ultra-plush Velboa booties at night for a more restful bedtime. Whether you’re getting ready to play or take a nap, the right socks will keep baby more comfortable.
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FAQs
The most important reason for your baby to wear socks is to keep their feet and toes from becoming cold. Babies have poor circulation at first, and their feet are often colder than ours. That means if you're feeling cold, your baby is likely colder.
Why are socks important for babies? ›
The most important reason for your baby to wear socks is to keep their feet and toes from becoming cold. Babies have poor circulation at first, and their feet are often colder than ours. That means if you're feeling cold, your baby is likely colder.
What happens if babies don't wear socks? ›
Babies are very sensitive people. They can either get too hot or too cold quickly, and the repercussions of leaving your baby's temperature unattended can be disastrous. Baby socks help regulate body temperature by providing an extra layer of comfort.
Why is it important to wear socks? ›
Socks provide your feet with protection, moisture control, temperature regulation, and comfort. Socks provide protection by adding a layer between the shoe and your foot, easing friction and preventing blisters. Modern socks also have cushioned soles and padding to provide even more comfort.
Why children should wear socks? ›
This can help children to steer from feet infections, like Athlete's Foot or fungi that can be spread in public areas. An important role that socks have for children is to protect them from injuries from sharp objects and unexpected accidents, including broken glass at home or when outdoors.
What was the original purpose of socks? ›
People were attempting sock-like foot coverings made from plant matter as early as the Stone Ages. About the year 5000 BC, cavemen were wearing what we now call socks but they would not be recognized as anything other than something to protect the feet and to keep them warm.
Do socks help babies sleep? ›
Socks help your little one to fall asleep faster
Studies have shown that having warm feet can help baby drift off to sleep quicker.
What are the effects of not wearing socks? ›
Blisters, foot odor, and fungus, none of which are fashionable, are often the results of not wearing socks. Socks are designed to keep your feet safe from uncomfortable friction, infections, and bacteria.
Does a baby need socks in summer? ›
In the summer, breathable socks are essential for newborns. They also protect the foot from UV rays. In the winter, layering socks and other clothing is essential to keep your baby's feet warm. During transition months, socks can also help protect your baby's feet from the elements.
How many socks does a baby need? ›
Socks and Booties (4-6 pairs): Tiny feet can get cold easily, so make sure you have enough socks and booties to keep them warm and cozy. Special Occasion Outfits (1-2 pieces): Don't forget to have a few special outfits for milestones like birthdays, holidays, and family photoshoots.
Not only will they help your shoes feel more comfortable, but they'll also prevent their shape from deforming. We all know how stinky and uncomfortable that can be - not to mention unsightly. Wearing socks is one of the best ways to prevent it because they create a barrier between your feet and shoes.
Is it okay to wear socks 24/7? ›
Wearing socks 24/7 has been linked to fungal infections such as athlete's foot and an increase in sweat production due to trapped heat around the foot area. On the other hand, wearing no socks at all can also cause problems such as blisters and dry skin due to friction against shoes.
Do socks keep feet clean? ›
Clean socks play a pivotal role in maintaining foot hygiene, preventing infections, and ensuring overall comfort. Neglecting to change your socks can lead to consequences such as foot odor. This may be caused by the combination of sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells.
Why do babies take off their socks? ›
Another reason babies remove their socks might be that they are learning how to use their fingers and toes. They want to explore what they can do with these new skills, which is only natural! It is important not to give up on keeping their socks on just because they have taken them off once or twice.
Are socks good or bad? ›
Socks provide a layer of much-needed insulation against frosty temperatures. Well-made socks with wicking materials like Merino Wool can even help prevent feet from getting sweaty. And if you've been active outside only to stop and get the chills, you know that staying dry is crucial to staying warm.
Should babies wear socks when learning to walk? ›
For now, barefoot is still best for your baby's foot development. A pair of socks or booties with non-skid soles is also fine for chilly toes. When your baby starts walking, choose shoes that: are lightweight and flexible (remember to avoid hard, stiff shoes that restrict foot movement)
Why do babies benefit from barefoot? ›
Australian parenting expert Maggie Dent claims that barefoot play allows an individual to develop balance and flexibility. This is ultimately linked to correct posture, gross-motor skills, eye-foot co-ordination, spatial awareness, and balancing of the chemicals that cause anxiety.
Why do babies feet need to be covered? ›
The main reason for covering feet in young children should be simply to keep them warm. Anything that inhibits toddlers from crawling, which is what toddler shoes tend to do, can cause problems later in life. So it's simple.
