The Best Baby Socks to Keep Those Tiny Feet Cozy and Protected
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Verywell Family / Danie Drankwalter
Fact checked by Sabrina Rojas WeissMedically reviewed by Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD
Baby socks are so cute and also, sadly, so easily lost. Whether you have a brand new baby or a cruising toddler, little socks will make their way into (and mysteriously out of) your life, so finding something you like and can buy several pairs of will be helpful. Choosing the right socks for those new baby feet depends on their age, the climate you live in, and their stage of development.
“Around the house, it is probably easier not to wear socks,” pediatrician Heather Shafi, MD, tells Verywell Family. But when it’s chilly out or your kiddo is wearing shoes, socks are an important layer to protect the feet from blisters, the elements, and anything else. Look at materials, style, value, and your baby’s comfort (’cause they’ll let you know!) when you stock up on socks. For this list, we researched socks in a variety of styles, prices, and materials, all of which have a reputation for quality and for staying on tiny toes.
Here are the best baby socks for your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Best Overall: Bombas Baby’s First Year Sock 8-Pack
We love that the snug but stretchy knit makes the socks difficult for little hands to yank off this pick.
Pros
Multi-pack has two styles to try
Stay-up design
A pair donated for every purchase
Cons
Limited color options
Adult fans of Bombas will be pleased to know this company has successfully entered the baby sock market. Stock your baby’s dresser drawer with this cute eight-pack that includes four pairs of newborn socks and four pairs of grippy socks for babies 6 months and older. The second size is great for little ones who may begin standing or pulling themselves up. The socks are knit with a precise tension and stretch that helps them stay on without being too tight. This also makes it harder for little hands to yank them off, and Bombas always donates one pair of socks for every pair purchased.
Price at time of publication: $44
Key Specs:
Material: 77% cotton, 21% polyester, 1% spandex | Size range: 0–6 months to 6–12 months | Washing instructions: Machine washable
Best for Newborns: Out of Print Very Hungry Caterpillar Rattle Socks
Simply slip these adorable socks over your baby’s feet, and let them enjoy the music they make as they kick around.
Pros
Entertaining
Two designs
Introduction to Eric Carle’s great book
Cons
Machine washing not recommended
Since they aren’t putting their feet in shoes, newborns don’t necessarily need socks. “Footie pajamas would be a better option to keep in heat,” Dr. Shafi tells us, but that doesn’t mean your baby isn’t entertained by their own feet. That’s where the genius of rattle socks comes into the picture. Simply slip these adorable cotton-poly-blend socks over your baby’s feet (or even over their onesie-covered feet) and let them enjoy what happens as they kick around the strawberries or caterpillars and hear the noise they make—learning their first lesson in cause and effect.
Price at time of publication: $12
Key Specs:
Material: 71% cotton, 26% polyester, 3% spandex | Size range: 0–12 months (one size) | Washing instructions: Hand wash recommended
Best for Preemies: Gerber Terry Socks
This Gerber six-pack comes in preemie size, so your babe’s feet will be covered in super soft and warm terry cloth.
Buy at Gerberchildrenswear.com
Pros
Preemie sized
Affordable
Cons
Only one color
Tiny babies have tiny feet, so it can be tricky to find socks in their size. Thankfully, this Gerber six-pack comes in preemie size, so your babe’s feet will be covered in super soft and warm terry cloth. Only available in white, the socks can be pulled up or rolled down. Consider them a cozy swaddle for the littlest feet.
Price at time of publication: $22
Key Specs:
Material: 80% cotton, 17% nylon, 3% spandex | Size range: Preemie to 24 months | Washing instructions: Machine washable
Best for 6-Month-Olds: Hudson Baby Knee-High Socks
This pack includes eight pairs at an affordable price, so if you do lose one or two socks, it won’t be the end of the world.
Pros
Affordable
Comes in pack of eight
Don’t fall off
Cons
Knee-high may be too warm
At 6 months old, your curious baby is in the prime phase of pulling their socks off. Make that job a little harder for them with these super cute knee-high socks. We love that these are available in three sizes and eight pattern options. As Dr. Shafi reminds parents, “[Socks] are easily lost, so I would make an economical choice.” This pack includes eight pairs at an affordable price, so if you lose one or two socks, it won’t be the end of the world.
Price at time of publication: $13
Key Specs:
Material: 73% cotton, 25% nylon, 2% spandex | Size range: 0–6 months to 12–24 months | Washing instructions: Machine washable
Related: The 11 Best Baby Walking Shoes of 2023
Best for Summer: Jumping Beans 10-Pack Crew Socks
These short white crew socks are easy to put on, so they’re a perfect choice for hot summer months.
Pros
Affordable multi-pack
All white makes for easy laundry
Cons
No color options
Summer months may call for a few wardrobe changes throughout the day as kids move from bare feet to sneakers to sandals and possibly back. These short white crew socks are easy to put on, so they’re a perfect choice for hot summer months—and a great addition to your baby registry. The thin fabric keeps feet protected and cool, and the affordable 10-pack is a simple way to stock your sock drawer. Since they’re all white, there’s no stress about matching socks once the laundry is done.
Price at time of publication: $16
Key Specs:
Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex blend | Size range: 3–12 months to 2–4 years old | Washing instructions: Machine washable
Best for Winter: Zutano Cozie Fleece Baby Booties
With a combination elastic ankle and a two-snap strap, these booties really do stay on better than any others.
Pros
Lots of color options
Can be worn alone or over socks
Snaps keep them on
Cons
Sizing variations can be hard to distinguish
Many parents of winter babies will tell you to skip the socks and go right for these well-loved booties. They can be worn alone, over socks, or covering footie clothing. We love the range of sizes and 37 color options, so there’s an option for everyone. With a combination of elastic ankle and a two-snap strap, these booties really do stay on better than any others.
Price at time of publication: $22
Key Specs:
Material: 70% cotton, 30% polyester | Size range: 3 months to 24 months | Washing instructions: Machine washable
Related: The Best Toddler Sandals for Happy Little Feet
Best for 12-Month-Olds: Old Navy Unisex Crew Sock 8-Pack
Simplicity at its finest, these crew socks are affordable and come in packs of eight, so it’s easy to stock up.
Pros
Affordable
Multiples sizes
Cons
Not especially warm
Simplicity at its finest, these crew socks are affordable and come in packs of eight, so it’s easy to stock up. The rubber soles feature some slip protection but won’t be noticeable in shoes. The sock size is printed on the bottom, which is a helpful reminder when you’re ready for the next size up. Choose from all-white socks for easy laundry matching or two other color combinations.
Price at time of publication: $13
Key Specs:
Material: 73% cotton, 25% polyester, 2% spandex | Size range: 0–6 months to 4/5T | Washing instructions: Machine washable
Best for Toddlers: EZ Sox Toddler Socks
Each pack comes with four pairs of socks, and the styles range from colorful mermaids to plainer socks.
Pros
Pull up loops for toddlers
Four pack of socks
Cons
More expensive
When your toddler enters the “I can do it myself” phase, arm yourself with these cute socks that feature loops on either side, making it a much easier process for little hands to pull on their own socks. Since toddlers are always on the go, these also have non-skid grips on the bottom. Each pack comes with four pairs of socks, and the styles range from colorful mermaids to plainer socks.
Price at time of publication: $20
Key Specs:
Material: 80% cotton, 17% polyester, 3% spandex | Size range: 1–3T–5 to 9 years | Washing instructions: Machine washable
Related: The 16 Best Toddler Shoes of 2023 for Small Feet on the Move, Tested and Reviewed
Best Non-Slip: Zaples Baby Non-Slip Socks
Unlike other non-slip socks, the grip dots go from toe to heel, helping to keep them from sliding on wooden floors or steps.
Pros
Grip over full sole
Affordable multi-pack
Very cute designs
Cons
Reports of shrinking after wash
We love these non-slip ankle socks for early walkers up through fast-moving toddlers. Unlike other non-slip socks, the grip dots extend from toe to heel, helping to keep them from sliding on wooden floors or steps. Meanwhile, the ankle socks have enough elastic at the top to keep them from slipping off, too. They’re also thin enough to fit into shoes and to please any littles that are fussy about having something on their feet.
Price at time of publication: $17
Key Specs:
Material: Cotton blend | Size range: 0–6 months to 4–7 years | Washing instructions: Machine washable
Best That Stay On: Bombas Toddler Calf Sock
Not only are they beautiful, these socks feature the same honeycomb arch support as the brand’s adult socks.
Pros
Stay up
Unique patterns
Seamless toe
Cons
Expensive
Toddlers will be lucky to have their very own pairs of Bombas socks. Not only are they beautiful, but these socks also feature the same honeycomb arch support as the brand’s adult socks, providing some support as they maintain a good fit around the foot. Around the ankle, these socks feature what Bombas calls “stay-up technology,” referring to the fact that they're knit with just enough stretch and tension to stay on and up without being too tight.
Keys Specs:
Material: 74% cotton, 18% polyester, 7% spandex, 1% nylon | Size range: 5–8.5T (one size) | Washing instructions: Machine washable
How We Selected the Best Baby Socks
While we have shopped for plenty of kids’ socks, we also researched a lot of sock offerings. We aimed for sites that offered a variety of styles and sizes, affordable prices, and comfortable socks that promise to stay on. Other factors included recommendations from our pediatrician, Heather Shafi, MD, shipping and return policies, and affordability. User reviews (and complaints) were also helpful in finding brands that live up to their promises of quality, accurate sizing, and customer service.
What to Look for in Baby Socks
Materials
Select a material that is soft and comfortable on your baby’s feet. Picking fabric that can be machine washed and dried will make your life much easier and save time and energy, two precious resources for new parents.
Style
The best style is one that your kiddo comfortably wears. Keep an eye on thick seams that may bother delicate feet. By design, longer socks are harder to pull off. If socks seem to disappear in your laundry, aim for packs of socks in all one color, so you’ll always have a match.
Special Features
Certain features may make socks more (or less) appealing to your kiddo. “A sock that goes mid-calf height is less likely to fall off,” Dr. Shafi reminds us. If your baby wears socks in the house and is beginning to walk, grips on the bottom may make them less prone to slip and fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are babies supposed to wear socks?
This is a personal choice that depends on what works for you and the climate you live in.
“Small babies that don't walk yet can keep their feet warm with onesies, but small socks will usually come off due to them rubbing their feet or crawling.” It’s easier to rely on footie pajamas covering those tiny toes than baby socks that infamously fall off.
What features make socks stay on?
Longer socks are harder for kids to remove. Also, some have extra elastic to keep the sock on more securely. While it should fit well, avoid socks that are too tight. You’ll know if a baby’s sock is too tight “if they leave significant marks on your child's feet or ankles,” says Dr. Shafi.
Is there BPA in socks?
In 2022, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), a California-based activist group, found amounts of bisphenol A (BPA) higher than the state’s allowed levels in over 100 brands of socks, including Hanes, Jefferies, Fruit of the Loom, and Adidas.
BPA is used as an additive in certain synthetic materials like polyester and spandex, which are commonly used in socks. BPA is a known endocrine disrupter; in children, it may interfere with the development of their nervous system, affect behavioral development, and lead to childhood obesity. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that more research is needed to confirm the adverse health effects of BPA, and the science of BPA absorption through skin has not been settled.
Despite the CEH’s warning, no recalls have been made and no other independent organizations have confirmed the findings. If you prefer to avoid polyester and spandex as a safety precaution, look for options made with cotton and other natural fibers, like our best non-slip pick, the Zaples Baby Non-Slip Socks.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 12-year-old son, 9-year-old son, and 5-year old daughter. Maya’s kids are all super active, and the number of socks in her laundry is insane. She has transitioned her sons to all black or white socks, but her daughter loves all kinds of colorful socks, which is a big pain when it comes to sorting laundry. Maya has one rule about socks: You cannot wear them outdoors without shoes.
