Looking for the best newborn socks can be a challenge for new parents, especially when it comes to finding ones that fit well and won’t slip off. It’s important to keep your baby’s feet warm and protected, but traditional socks may not always do the trick. The AAP doesn’t recommend wearing shoes until they’re walking outside though (1).
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best newborn socks that stay on, including options for preemies and different foot sizes. Read on to discover our top picks and keep your little one’s feet cozy and comfortable.
Our Top Picks
- Best Newborn Socks That Stay On: Kakalu Assorted Non Skid Ankle Socks
- Best Organic Baby Socks: Burt’s Bees Baby Socks
- Best Baby Socks With Grips: Zaples Baby Ankle Socks
- Best For Preemies: Gerber Baby Socks
- Best For Winter: Lovful Fuzzy Soft Socks
- Best For Boys: RATIVE Crew Socks
- Best For Girls: Trumpette Baby Socks
- Best Unisex Baby Socks: Fruit of the Loom Unisex Baby Socks
- Best For Fat Ankles: LA ACTIVE Non Slip Ankle Socks
- Best For Skinny Feet: VWU Ankle Crew Socks
- Best Knee-High Baby Socks: Hudson Baby Knee-High Socks
- Best Wool Socks: Woolino Wool Baby Socks
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Newborn Socks That Stay On Picks
Kakalu Assorted Non Skid Ankle Socks – Best Newborn Socks That Stay On
- Non-slip bottoms
- Assorted styles
- Not super thin
- Stretchable
- Your baby will outgrow it in a few months
These knitted anti-slip baby socks are perfect for your active little one who can’t seem to keep their socks on! The beaded PU bottom provides superior grip and stability, ensuring that your baby stays comfortable and safe while exploring their surroundings.
These infant non-skid ankle socks are designed with your baby’s rapid growth in mind, featuring strong elasticity that allows them to stretch and fit snugly on little feet. This set includes six pairs of baby socks, each with its own unique pattern and color. The breathable material ensures that your baby won’t overheat while wearing them, making them perfect for all-day wear.
Burt’s Bees Baby Socks – Best Organic Baby Socks
- True to size
- They are soft
- Great quality
- They stay on
- The white color is a bit grey
These ankle socks are the perfect finishing touch to any outfit and feature non-slip grippers to keep your little one steady on their feet. Made from 72% organic cotton, 26% recycled polyester, and 2% spandex, these socks are not only soft but also sustainable.
The ankle height won’t pinch chubby legs, and the neutral color is versatile enough to match any outfit. With six pairs in each pack, you’ll have plenty of socks to keep your little one’s feet cozy and safe.
Zaples Baby Ankle Socks – Best Baby Socks With Grips
- Easy to put on
- Very solid grip
- The fit is perfect with a little room to grow but doesn’t fit loose
- Comfortable for baby
- Sometimes the socks can be tough to get in shoes because of the grip
This is a must-have for parents with hardwood or smooth floors at home, as the grippers on the bottom provide excellent traction and prevent slips and falls. These bottom grippers also give your baby the confidence to take their first steps, providing an extra layer of security against slippage.
Your baby’s feet will feel comfortable and cozy all day long with these cotton-rich socks. The stretchy material ensures a snug fit that can grow with your child, while the medium thickness makes them perfect for all seasons, whether worn with shoes or not. Slip them on and off with ease thanks to the pull tabs behind the ankle, and rest assured that the elastic arch strip on the top of the sock adds support and keeps the sock in place.
Gerber Baby Socks – Best For Preemies
- The socks are extremely soft and thick
- Does not leave marks around the baby’s ankles
- Affordable
- They are light
- Need to make sure you cut the threads on the inside so they don’t wrap around your baby’s toes
These socks have a snug fit and are crafted from a combination of materials to provide warmth and softness. It can be tough to find socks that fit small newborn feet just right, but worry not! Gerber offers a six-pack of preemie-sized socks lined with super cozy terry cloth. These socks are available in classic white and can be rolled up or down to suit your baby’s needs. They are like a warm, fuzzy blanket for your baby’s tiniest feet!
Lovful Fuzzy Soft Socks – Best For Winter
- They are soft and stretchy
- They don’t leave marks
- Cute designs
- Pretty warm
- They do not have any grippers on the feet
These cozy animal socks are like plush blankets for your little one’s feet! The soft, thick texture is sure to keep your baby’s toes warm and toasty, especially during winter. Each pair features a cute animal character that will bring a smile to your baby’s face.
With vibrant colors and playful designs, these socks are a fun addition to any outfit. The stretchy opening and overall fit are just right for little feet, providing a comfortable and snug feel that won’t be too tight.
RATIVE Crew Socks – Best For Boys
- They are a good thickness
- The grips aren’t too bulky
- They hold up over time
- They are soft and fit well
- They leave a mark but not too much
These socks are made with a blend of combed cotton and spandex, making them super soft and breathable. They’re also colorfast, which means they’ll stay looking bright and vibrant wash after wash.
But that’s not all – these socks are built to last. They can withstand all the running, jumping, and playing that your little boy can dish out, and they’re machine washable too. Plus, with grippers on the bottom, these socks provide added traction to help prevent slips and falls on slick surfaces like tile and wood.
And let’s not forget about the fun patterns! From stripes and cars to animals and trains, there’s something for every little guy. Sold in packs of six or twelve, these socks are perfect for year-round wear, whether your child is just learning to walk or is already on the go.
Trumpette Baby Socks – Best For Girls
- Socks that stay on
- Cute girly design
- Great quality
- They give the illusion of shoes with the sneaker design and “laces”
- They run a bit small so your newborn will outgrow them
With this six-pack of crew socks, your baby’s feet will be stylish and comfortable all day long. The vibrant colors and fun patterns will brighten up any outfit. The high cotton content ensures that these socks are breathable, durable, and flexible for optimal mobility.
What sets these socks apart is their bottom application that prevents slipping, making them perfect for active babies. The stay-on elastic gather ensures a secure fit and keeps the socks in place. If you opt for the bow design, make sure to double-check that they are tightly fastened. You might even consider adding a few extra stitches for added security.
Fruit of the Loom Unisex Baby Socks – Best Unisex Baby Socks
- They are very breathable
- Stretch well to fit while a child grows
- Perfect sock for crawling around and learning to walk
- True to size
- They leave a bit of lint in between a kid’s toes
These socks are perfect for your growing infant’s needs! The ribbed sections on the socks are super stretchy, which means they’ll last twice as long before you need to purchase more. Plus, they have grippers on the bottom to help prevent slips and falls.
The cuffs on these socks are incredibly easy to wear and slip on your baby’s feet, and they’ll provide a snug fit that will keep your little one’s feet warm and comfortable all day long. With a blend of 63% cotton, 33% polyester, 2% spandex, and 2% rubber, these socks are a high-quality choice for parents. You can choose from a variety of colors and sizes to find the perfect match for your baby.
LA ACTIVE Non Slip Ankle Socks – Best For Fat Ankles
- Stays on
- Comfortable
- Grippy
- Heel pull tabs
- Leaves a lot of lint on the toes
These socks are a lifesaver for parents struggling to find socks that fit their baby’s chubby ankles! The bottom of these socks features super-strong grippers that extend from heel to toe, providing non-slip traction for crawling and walking babies.
They’re made from a soft blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex that can be easily machine-washed without losing color or softness. The elastic and cushioned heel tabs make them comfortable to wear, and the soft cushions surrounding the ankle provide extra protection for delicate baby skin.
VWU Ankle Crew Socks – Best For Skinny Feet
- Very thick and warm
- Vibrant colors
- Stretchy yet not constricting
- Do not shrink in the wash
- The elastic around the top of the sock unravels after a couple of months
These cozy socks are perfect for keeping your little one’s skinny feet warm and comfortable on chilly days! Made entirely of ultra-soft cotton terry, they provide excellent warmth and comfort. Their stretchy material not only ensures a snug fit but also allows them to grow with your baby’s feet without leaving marks.
The cuff also provides extra warmth and makes it more difficult for the socks to slide off when unrolled. These socks come in different sizes, with the cuff reaching mid-calf depending on your baby’s foot size. The large-area anti-skid grippers on the bottom ensure your baby’s safety while they explore the world around them.
Hudson Baby Knee-High Socks – Best Knee-High Baby Socks
- Colors are vibrant
- The material is stretchy and thin
- Warm for winter
- Great material
- Runs small
These knee-high socks from Hudson Baby are a must-have for your little one’s wardrobe. With their charming designs, they will not only keep your baby’s legs warm but also add a pop of cuteness to their outfit. From playful stripes to cute animal prints, these socks come in a variety of styles that your little one will love.
These socks not only look great, but they also provide protection to your baby’s legs as they crawl and explore. Made from a blend of spandex, nylon, and cotton, these socks are soft and stretchy, ensuring a comfortable fit. They come in different sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your child.
Woolino Wool Baby Socks – Best Wool Socks
- Colors are vibrant
- The material is stretchy and thin
- Warm for winter
- Great material
- Runs small
Not only are these socks soft and pleasant to the touch, but they are also made from high-quality merino wool, which is known for its ability to regulate body temperature and keep feet dry and toasty.
These socks are particularly useful for preemies and infants receiving medical attention, as their comforting warmth helps promote a healthy body temperature. Plus, the silky texture of the wool prevents sweating and itching, and it naturally fights odors.
How To Choose The Best Baby Socks?
- Size: Baby socks should be snug but not too tight. They should come up to the ankle or mid-calf, depending on the style.
- Material: Socks made from natural fibers like cotton or wool are the best choices for baby socks. Synthetic materials can irritate the skin and cause discomfort.
- Design: Look for socks with a simple design and smooth seams. Avoid socks with embellishments or frills, which can irritate the skin.
- Price: It’s important to find socks that are affordable since babies will outgrow them quickly. However, don’t sacrifice quality for the price. Look for socks that are well-made and will last through multiple washes.
Do Babies Need Baby Socks?
Baby socks tend to be significantly softer than regular socks, which can be important for delicate newborn skin. Additionally, baby socks are often designed with grip pads on the bottom, which can help prevent slips and falls. Some styles of baby socks also come with built-in scratch protection, which can be important for infants who are still learning to control their hands. Overall, while baby socks are not absolutely essential, they can be a nice way to add an extra layer of protection and comfort for your little one (2).
What Features Make Socks Stay On?
One is a tight fit. This means that the sock is snug against the foot and not too loose. Another is a grip on the heel. This helps to keep the sock from slipping off. Another feature is a reinforced toe. This helps to prevent the sock from wearing out too quickly.
Should Baby’s Feet Always Be Covered?
Most parents believe that it is important to keep a baby’s feet covered and warm at all times. However, there are a few circumstances in which it is okay to let a baby’s feet be exposed. For example, if a baby is very hot and sweaty, it is okay to let their feet air out for a bit. Additionally, if a baby has a rash on their feet, exposing the rash to air can help it to heal.
Do Babies Sleep Better With Socks On?
There is no researchers-backed answer to this question. However, some parents find that their babies sleep better when they wear socks to bed. It is possible that the socks help babies feel more secure and comfortable. How cold the room is will also determine if it’s better to have your baby wear socks, it’s best to avoid wearing socks when the nursery is warm (3).
Do Pediatricians Recommend Socks For Babies?
Infants should frequently be left barefoot so they can completely wriggle their toes, according to pediatricians. In fact, according to some medical professionals, barefoot play is essential for the development of a baby’s feet. Protecting their little feet while venturing outside makes sense if you reside in a location that gets quite cold.
