A Blog For Mums
If you’ve ever found yourself in the supermarket queue with one sockless baby foot and no idea where the other sock went, you’re not alone. It’s one of those oddly specific but universal parenting experiences: baby socks just don’t stay on.
You dress your little one in the cutest outfit, carefully pop on matching socks, and within minutes — poof — they’re gone. One under the car seat, the other in the laundry basket with no explanation.
So why does this keep happening? And is there actually a solution? Let’s take a look.
There’s no single reason why baby socks are so slippery, but several factors team up to make keeping them on feel like a losing battle:
So, it’s not your imagination: baby socks are basically designed to fail.
Let’s be honest. Some baby socks are more for show than function. Here are a few “solutions” that usually don’t live up to the hype:
Fortunately, not all hope is lost. There are tried-and-tested methods parents swear by when it comes to keeping socks on those tiny, twitchy feet.
These clever little inventions are soft elasticated fabric covers that slip over baby socks and gently grip around the ankle and foot arch. They were specifically designed to stop socks from being pulled off, and they work surprisingly well — especially in the early months.
An easy win. Sleepsuits, rompers and leggings with built-in feet remove the need for socks altogether. No socks, no problem. Ideal for naps, pram walks, and general pottering around the house.
Brands like Zutano and JoJo Maman Bébé make fleece or cotton booties with Velcro or popper fastenings that actually stay on. They’re warm, cosy, and secure — especially useful in cooler weather or for babies who hate having their feet covered indoors.
Some parents find success with slightly more expensive socks that are well-sized (not too stretchy, not too tight) and have snug cuffs that gently grip the ankle without digging in. Look for ribbed designs or socks marketed for “active” or “wriggly” babies.
Tights under trousers aren’t just for girls — they’re a brilliant, gender-neutral way to keep legs and feet warm without needing socks at all. And they’re much harder for babies to wriggle out of or pull off.
When you’re indoors and it’s warm enough, bare feet are often just fine. Most babies prefer them. If your baby is otherwise dressed appropriately and the room is comfortable, there’s no harm in giving up the sock battle altogether.
In most cases — no. Socks are more about comfort than necessity indoors. Unless your home is especially cold or you’re going outside, a barefoot baby is usually perfectly happy. As long as they’re dressed warmly overall and not showing signs of being cold (cold tummy, hands, or general fussiness), you’re probably worrying more than they are.
That said, keeping socks on becomes more important on walks, car journeys, or any situation where baby toes might be exposed to the cold. In those cases, footed clothing or secure booties are your best bets.
In our household, Sock-Ons were a genuine game changer. They looked a bit odd at first, like tiny foot braces, but they did the job. We also made heavy use of footed sleepsuits and eventually just started buying multi-packs of the same socks so we didn’t notice the losses as much.
We also gave up trying to match socks. If it was clean and vaguely the right size, it went on.
Like so many baby challenges, the sock struggle is a short-lived one. Before you know it, you’ll be buying actual shoes and wondering how you ever obsessed over tiny cotton foot tubes. In the meantime, do what works, laugh at the ridiculousness of it all — and maybe keep a stash of spare socks in the changing bag.
Because if there’s one constant, it’s this: baby socks will disappear. Possibly into another dimension. But you’re doing just fine.
Child Clothing and Equipment
