Socks are helpful for newborns if they're not wearing footies—especially if you're venturing outdoors. Babies have poor circulation at first, Smith says, and their feet are often colder than ours. Leg warmers can be considered sweaters for baby's legs.
Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission. It's a common question among new parents and parents-to-be: Do babies need socks? The answer is yes! They're key to keeping those tiny tootsies warm, but baby socks are notorious for falling off.
Babies develop muscles by kicking and wriggling, so never discourage this. Feet need to be free and active, not restricted by overly tight bedding, bootees, leggings or any other foot covering. When your baby begins to crawl, they can do so barefoot. This will help their feet and toes develop normally.
Socks help your little one to fall asleep faster
Remember a baby's feet should be covered at night if they need and want them covered, you don't have to cover your baby's feet but it might benefit them and help them to relax. Covering a baby's feet at night can create the same sense of security as being tucked in.
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.
Do babies need to wear socks with sleepsuits? The great thing about sleepsuits is they will cover the baby's feet so there's no need for fiddly socks that are easily pushed off by little ones.
The "Pants-Over"
Most baby pants are made of stretchy material, allowing the legs to slide over the cuff of the socks. This can help hold them in place, even while baby is moving around. Leggings work to not only hold the socks on, but allow your baby to move around comfortably and stay warm.
Infants also tend to move their hands toward their face in jittery movements as they develop motor skills. These unintentional movements, especially when made close to the face, can easily lead to nicks and cuts. By putting mittens on while your baby takes in sights and sounds, they'll avoid unnecessary ouches.
If the top layer extends to the feet, socks aren't necessary. But if it stops at the ankle, a pair of socks under the swaddle will ensure their toes stay as ward as the rest of their bodies. In warmer weather, socks may not be necessary underneath a swaddle.
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.
Babies whose heads are covered with bedding are at an increased risk of SIDS. To prevent your baby wriggling down under the covers, place them in the "feet to foot" position. This means their feet are at the end of the crib, cot or Moses basket.
Your baby does not need shoes until they start walking, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The only thing younger babies need on their feet are socks to keep them warm. Think about it like this: The purpose of shoes (other than to look cute, of course), is to protect the feet.
Without socks, babies are able to grip the floor around them. They can start to push off the floor, push against things around them. These little movements will eventually lead to larger ones. Once they reach they bellies their feet will be an important part of learning to crawl, stand and walk.
Wearing socks will help protect their feet from the cold and make it less likely for them to slip and fall. Newborns are often unsteady on their feet, and socks can help to improve their balance. Thick socks will also make it less likely for your baby to slip.
5 to 6 pairs of socks
Depending on the season (and how hard it is to keep tiny socks on your kid's little feet) you may decide to let the baby go sockless most of the time. If you don't want to buy or register for any baby socks, look for onesies with the feet folds, such as these from Babybreez.
You can absolutely put your baby in a onesie or even pajamas underneath their sleep sack depending on the temperature. Babies, like adults, sleep better when they're cool as opposed to too warm, so keep this in mind when dressing your baby for bed.
Sleep clothing can be layered to suit the bedroom temperature and provide any needed warmth. In many cases, a onesie can be an effective primary layer of sleepwear. As a general rule, parents and caregivers should dress a baby with only one more layer than an adult would need to stay warm in that same bedroom.
Definitely! The feet tend to get cold easier compared to other body parts— this is where socks come in handy, as they keep your baby warm most especially during the cold months in our country.
However, mind that mittens can pose a SIDS risk if they have strings or tassels. Even plain mittens can lead to the same risk if babies manage to remove them. To prevent this, make sure the elastic band is tight enough, so Baby won't be able to pull the mittens off themselves.
Babies grow very quickly. All you need for the first few weeks are enough clothes to make sure your baby will be warm and clean. You'll probably need: 6 stretch suits (all-in-ones) for both day and night, or 4 stretch suits and 2 nightdresses (nighties) for the night – use socks or bootees with the nightie if it's cold.
But socks do have their place in your baby's wardrobe; you can put them on your newborn's hands in lieu of traditional mitts.
What Age Should Babies Wear Socks? Normally, you can put a matching pair of socks on your baby as soon as they are born. In fact, for newborns, baby socks are a must. In addition to being comfortable wearing socks, your baby needs them to stay warm.
68 - 72 degrees Fahrenheit: Onesie/Sleeper/Footed Sleeper + Swaddle/Wearable Blanket. This is the ideal room temperature for a sleeping baby. On the lower end of this temperature, we would suggest a footed sleeper or perhaps a onesie paired with socks.