A common question among new parents and parents-to-be: Do babies need socks? The answer is yes! They’re key to keeping little tootsies warm, but baby socks are notorious for shedding. So which are the best baby socks to shop for that will really last? Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favourites. We’ll fill you in on the benefits of socks and what to look for, and which pairs are worth adding to your cart.
In a word, yes. “In general, infants lose heat faster than adults, which may be more apparent in premature and low-birth-weight infants,” says Elizabeth Wisner, MD, a physician at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. “In the first few weeks of life, it is often recommended for babies to wear socks for this reason.”
Especially if you live in a cold climate, socks are key to keeping baby warm. But there are times when being barefoot is better. “When babies are doing ‘tummy time’ or trying to crawl, being barefoot can be more beneficial because it allows for more traction and foot flexibility,” says Wisner.
When the baby is moving, socks with grips can help. “When you notice your baby pulling to stand up or trying to walk, be sure to use socks with rubber grips to prevent slipping,” says Wisner.
Whether you’re looking for a no-show or more budget-friendly option, you can shop the best baby socks below.
Best baby socks ever
Bombas have quickly become everyone’s favorite socks, and they make without a doubt the best baby socks around. This seven-pack of socks is sure to please, with super-soft cotton and the company’s Stay-On technology that reduces slippage and shifting (one of the most annoying features of many baby socks). Plus, the neutral detailing and colors ensure these socks can be worn with just about anything—including a onesie for that classic, adorable baby look.
Scope size: : 0 to 6 months | Fabric: 69% Supima cotton, 26% polyester, 5% spandex
- 97 percent of parents say these socks stay put
- Seamless toe design for maximum comfort
- Bombas donates a pair of socks for every purchase you make
- Some customers indicate that these socks are on the small side
Best baby socks for preemies
Photo: Amazon
Babies already have tiny feet, but preemies seem to have very small feet! If your little one was born early, or just very small, be sure to buy the terry socks from Gerber. This set of six cozy and soft baby socks has a special preemie size for something you can count on, even for the youngest toes.
Size range: Preemie to 24 months | Fabric: 79% cotton, 11% nylon, 6% polyester, 2% spandex, 2% rubber
- All pairs are white for easy pairing out of the laundry
- Parents say these socks are a bit small
Best baby socks for newborns
Photo: Robeez
If you’re looking for options in a ton of colors and almost guaranteed to last, Robeez offers some of the best baby socks around. They feature a special elastic ankle gather to ensure the socks are snug and stay in place, along with non-slip grips on the bottom. Another design genius feature: The multi-detail socks are lined, so your newborn’s little toes don’t get caught in the inner fabric loops. It’s a favorite among The Bump editors! This particular six-pack has sweet subtle stripes—but if you’re not a fan of the palette, there are a bunch more options from Robeez to choose from.
Size range: 0-12 months | Fabric: Cotton, modal, nylon and spandex
- Stay-on elastic gather keeps socks in place
- Has the seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association
- The material is thin and comfortable
- Parents say they are small
- Elastic can be tight on chubbier ankles
Baby’s best knee high socks
Photo: Burt’s Bees Baby
Baby knee high socks are a great option because you can pull them up high to keep your little one’s legs warm when they’re wearing a onesie, shorts or baby dress. They can even protect little knees in the first months of crawling too! This three-pack from Burt’s Bees Baby includes knee-high socks that are cute, comfortable and stay in place when pulled up.
Size range: 3 months to 5T | Fabric: 72% organic cotton, 26% recycled polyester, 2% Spandex
- Basic colors match anything
- Attractive cable-knit detailing
- Available in different sizes
- No additional colors available
Best baby no show socks
Photo: Amazon
It’s not every day you find a set of baby no-show socks that are really expensive, but today is different! This six-pack of baby no-show socks features adorable woodland creatures in a soft, neutral color palette that’s perfect for little feet—and you can be sure they won’t awkwardly step out of their shoes.
Size range: 0 months to 5T | Fabric: 72% organic cotton, 26% recycled polyester, 2% Spandex
- Attractive cable-knit detailing
- Available in different sizes
Best baby grip socks
Photo: Sticky Be Socks
Sticky Be makes some of the best baby grip socks out there. This six-pack of tight socks is ideal for babies 6 months and older who may be pulling up, cruising or even taking those first steps, as they help prevent slips and falls. Sticky Be socks feature generous grips that are well distributed across the bottom of baby’s feet, so you know they have the support they need.
Size range: 6 to 24 months | Fabric: 100% cotton
- Basic colors to match with different clothes
- Also available in other colors
Best organic baby socks
Image: Gap
Made from 100 percent organic cotton and featuring the brand’s signature (and adorable!) brown bear, these baby socks from Gap are some of our favorites. They fit snugly and pull high to prevent slipping, and they’re soft for ultimate comfort. This organic baby socks set also features three pairs: two colors and one white.
Size range: 0 to 24 months | Fabric: 100% organic cotton
- Elastic around the ankle allows for a secure fit
- Not available in other colors or styles
Best wool baby socks
Photo: Nui Organics
For ultimate warmth and comfort for your child, use wool baby socks—just like you would wear in cold weather. This five-pack from Nui Organics features merino wool socks that are warm yet breathable, moisture-absorbing and odor-resistant. We love the pretty, earthy colors that can match most baby clothes, and the rib knit that’s designed to stay put.
Size range: 0 to 24 months | Fabric: 85% merino wool, 10% elastic, 5% polyamide
- Temperature-regulating merino wool
- Natural anti-bacterial
- Okeo-Tex 100 follows
- Elastic can be tight on chubbier ankles
Best baby rattle socks
Photo: Amazon
Babies love to explore their little feet, which is why baby rattle socks are such a great product. We’re obsessed with this adorable set of rattle socks featuring beloved characters from Mo Willems’ books. Socks that keep baby warm and cozy at the same time? We are sold out!
Size range: 0-12 months | Fabric: 71% cotton, 26% polyester, 3% spandex
- The elastic cuffs help the socks stay in place
- Only one size is available
- Just wash your hands
Best budget baby socks
Photo: Walmart
It’s understandable not to want to splurge on socks, which is why we’ve included this 20-pack as our pick for the best baby socks that are easy on the wallet. You get 10 pairs of ankle socks and 10 pairs of crew socks in white, gray and black, so you can be sure to always have a pair ready for baby. Parents love the two-style mix and the super soft fabric—not to mention the price point!
Size range: 0 to 5T | Fabric: 98% Polyester, 2% Spandex
- Two different styles are included
- The elastic cuffs help the socks stay in place
- Basic colors match anything
- The material is thin
- Some reviewers say the elastic is too tight around the ankle
How We Picked the Best Baby Socks
To help you find the best baby socks on the market today, we’ve browsed a wide variety of options from the most trusted brands and retailers. We consider features such as material, design features to prevent socks from falling off, size range and price when choosing the best baby socks. For each pair, we read user reviews to find out how the socks are performing for other families and don’t consider any baby socks below the average four-star rating. Since The Bump’s writers and editors are parents themselves, we’ve also included our own favorite baby socks that we’ve used and loved with our kids.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
Elizabeth WisnerMD, is an allergy and immunology specialist at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.
Plus, more from The Bump:
The Best Newborn Clothes to Stock
The 14 Best Organic Baby Clothing Brands
The Best Expensive Baby Clothes You Can Buy
