The 9 Best Baby Socks That Stay on, According to Parents
It’s a common question among new and expectant parents alike: Do babies need socks? The answer is yes! “In general, babies lose heat faster than adults, which can be even more apparent in premature and low-birthweight babies,” says Elizabeth Wisner, MD, a pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. “In the first few weeks of life, it’s often recommended for babies to wear socks for this reason.”
While infant socks are key to keeping those tiny tootsies warm, they’re also notorious for falling off. So which are the best baby socks to shop that’ll actually stay on? Below, browse which pairs are worth adding to your cart.
In this article:
To help you find the best baby socks on the market today, we browsed lots of different options from the most trusted brands and retailers. Here are the steps we took to create this roundup:
- We interviewed a pediatrician to understand essential features to look for as you shop for and use baby socks.
- We surveyed almost 350 members of The Bump community about the baby socks they used. We then asked parents to rate brands and specific styles based on their firsthand experience.
- We researched what was being said about baby socks in The Bump community forums to learn what parents liked (and didn’t like) about certain brands and styles.
- We read guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatric (AAP) about how to dress newborns and infants to better understand what to look for in baby socks.
- To understand how these baby socks have worked for families, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring external forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents across the country looked for in newborn and infant socks.
- We considered several aspects when sourcing baby socks to include in our roundup, likwe material, design features to keep socks from falling off, size range and price.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best baby socks that stay on
- Stay-On technology
- Fully cushioned
- Seamless toe
- Cute color options
- Only one size
- No grippers
Bombas have quickly become everyone’s favorite sock and that extends to options for even the tiniest of toes. Without a doubt, the brand makes some of the best baby socks that stay on—an aspect that 85 percent of our survey respondents considered a top priority as they shopped. This eight-pack offers a pair for every day of the week (plus an extra) and is sure to please both you and your little love. Details like the fold-over cuffs, the seamless toe box and the fully cushioned footbed all work together to create an ultra-comfortable feel that’s durable to boot.
More highlights include the super-soft cotton material and the company’s Stay-On technology that prevents slipping and shifting (one of the most annoying features of many baby socks). Plus, the neutral detailing and colors ensure they can be worn with just about anything—including a onesie—for that classic, adorable baby look. If that’s not all, Bombas also donates a pair of socks to a homeless shelter for every pair purchased.
Size range: 0 to 6 months | Material: 69% cotton/26% polyester/5% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Best baby ankle socks
- Parents love the quality
- Slip-resistant soles
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
- Some colorways sell out quickly
Our survey revealed that 95 percent of parents were big fans of baby ankle socks. In particular, several of our respondents had high praises for this style from Carter’s, mentioning that they stay on well. With this multipack, you’ll receive six pairs of ankle socks that are sure to pair well with anything in baby’s wardrobe. For added peace of mind, know that they’re made from a OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified cotton blend, meaning they’re free from over 1,000 harmful substances. Plus, thanks to the style’s slip-resistant soles, they’re excellent for crawlers, cruisers and wobbly walkers alike. While this set comes in black and white, there are plenty of other colorways to choose from as well.
Size range: 0-3 to 12-24 months | Material: 74% cotton/16% polyester/10% elastane | Care instructions: Machine wash
Our community says:
"They're easy to get on, don’t wear out with multiple washes and stay on with [my] toddler’s active lifestyle." – Kendyl, mom of two and The Bump survey respondent
"The biggest thing [I like] is that they don’t fall off easily." – Cassandra, mom of two and The Bump survey respondent
"I like [that they] can stay on the baby’s feet. I also like cute designs." – Makayla, mom of three and The Bump survey respondent
Most durable baby socks
- Durable and wash well, according to The Bump survey respondents
- Ribbed cuff detail
- Reinforced toe and heel
- Some parents wish they came in bigger packs
GAP is one of our go-to retailers when it comes to stocking up on basics for baby—and their sock offerings are no exception. Each pair is made with organic cotton, making them an ideal choice for baby and the planet. Parents also appreciate that the design is super durable, a factor that 31 percent of survey respondents told us was important to them when picking out the best infant socks. Details like the reinforced toe and heel and the stretchy material ensure that they’re equal parts practical and comfy. They’re also complete with non-slip grippers and available in a wide range of sizes, so you can continue to reach for them from infancy all the way to toddlerhood.
Size range: 0-3 to 12-24 months | Material: 81% cotton/17% nylon/2% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash
Our community says:
"They're durable and stay on chubby ankles. They're also grippy on the bottom for walkers." – Jamie, parent of two and The Bump survey respondent
"I like the color choices and that they're cheap amd durable. They've lasted a lot of washes." – Lindsey, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
Best baby crew socks
- Stay on well, according to The Bump survey respondents
- Slip-resistant soles
- Versatile, year-round design
- Some colorways sell out quickly
22 percent of our survey respondents told us that they preferred Carter’s over any other baby sock brand—and it’s easy to see why. The retailer offers a variety of styles and lengths to choose from, including these versatile white crew socks. The set comes with six pairs that have a longer length intended to cover baby’s ankles and most of their calves. As a result, they’re ideal for times when your little one needs a bit of extra warmth. Better yet, survey respondents say the length helped these baby socks stay on well, even when crawling, cruising or when their infants tried to take them off themselves.
Size range: 0-3 months 12-24 months | Material: 73% cotton/25% polyester/2% elastane| Care instructions: Machine wash
Our community says:
"I like the long socks [from Carter's] because they stay on best." – Crystal, mom of two and The Bump survey respondent
"I like the length of the socks and that they have little grips on the bottom. I like that the designs on them are cute. My favorite thing is that they stay on even when he is crawling or on the move." – Jamie, parent of one and The Bump survey respondent
"The socks are soft and easy to put on. They're also hard for the baby to remove." – Olive*, parent of two and The Bump survey respondent
Best thick baby socks
- Great for winter, according to The Bump survey respondents
- Eco-friendly grippers
- Only one colorway
On the hunt for high-quality baby socks that are well-priced? You can’t go wrong with this multipack from Burt’s Bees Baby. It consists of six pairs of crew socks in neutral white and gray colors, so you can put them on in a hurry without worrying whether or not they match your little one’s outfit. In particular, parents who told us about these socks in our survey were big fans of how warm these options were, flagging them as a great choice for cooler weather.
Size range: 0-3 months to 4T-5T | Material: 72% cotton/26% polyester/2% spandex | Care instructions: N/A
Our community says:
"I like that they’ve been warm for winter. They stay on and seem comfy." – Emily, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
"Multipacks were well-priced; considering my baby wore these for maybe a couple of months, price was important." – Meghan, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
Best baby bootie socks
- Parents say they’re great for newborns
- Fold-over style
- Tagless design
- Could be more durable, according to parents
Baby bootie socks offer the best of both worlds by combining the thickness and warmth of a baby bootie with the versatility of a sock. This style from Target’s Cloud Island label checks both of these boxes and then some. The fold-over style is made from a terry fabric that’s equally soft and stretchy to keep tiny feet snug. Parents of little ones with sensitive skin will also appreciate the tagless design. Each pack of six comes in a variety of colors, such as this neutral option as well as green/blue and pink options.
Size range: 0-3 to 3-6 months | Material: 80% cotton/18% nylon/2% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash tumble dry
Our community says:
"They generally stay on pretty well. They're thin but at the same time thick enough to keep [baby's] feet warm." – Kristina, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
"The gripped bottom keeps my active son safe. Some socks slide down but these ones stay on his large feet. I like the thickness of the socks; they seem comfortable and supportive." – Alma*, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
Best bamboo-viscose baby socks
- Moisture-wicking, breathable material
- Interior silicone grips
- Seamless toe
- Pre-washed twice
- Size up if unsure about sizing
Bamboo is known for being lightweight, temperature-regulating and ultra-soft, which is why we’re fans of these bamboo-viscose blend baby socks. The moisture-wicking material will keep your kiddo’s tootsies feeling fresh (no matter how much crawling or running around they’re doing)—plus, they’re hypoallergenic so you know they’ll be gentle on sensitive skin. Each pair has been pre-washed twice to avoid shrinkage when washing and drying. If that’s not all, they also are complete with silicone dots on inside of the cuff to gently hold socks in place, even when baby tries to pull them off. squid socks offers sizes for newborns, infants, toddlers and kiddos alike, so if you’re a fan, you can stick with them for years to come.
Size range: 0-6 months to 4T-5T | Material: 85% viscose made from bamboo/12% nylon/3% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash, line dry
Best budget-friendly baby socks
- Two different lengths included
- Elastic cuffs help socks stay on
- Basic colors match with anything
- Larger sizes sell out quickly
- Thin material
We know baby socks are probably one of the last things you want to splurge, which is why we’ve included this 20-pack as our pick for the best baby socks that are easy on the wallet. With it, you’ll get 10 pairs of ankle socks and 10 pairs of crew socks in white, gray and black, so you can be sure a pair is always ready to go for baby. Parents love the two-style mix and the super-soft fabric—not to mention the affordable price point. Moreover, these baby socks are also available in toddler sizing, so if you’re a fan you’ll be able to stick with them for years to come.
Size range: 0 months to 5T | Material: 98% polyester/2% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash
Best organic baby socks
- Very thick and warm, according to parents
- Seamless toe
- Cushioned footbeds
- One size only
- Some colorways sell out quickly
Searching for the best organic baby socks? Look no further than this sweet set from Quince. They’re made with organic cotton, of course, as well as polyester and spandex for added stretchiness. Each pack consists of several cute color options, so you can find the best fit for your little one. Other details you’ll appreciate include the cushioned footbeds, seamless toe boxes and fold-over style, all created with comfort and convenience in mind. These infant socks are so comfy, you may even want a pair for yourself!
Size range: 0-6 months | Material: 79% cotton/19% polyester/1% rubber/1% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.
In short, yes. Especially if you live in a cold climate, socks are a key part of keeping baby warm. As a rule of thumb, the AAP advises parents “to dress the baby in one more layer of clothing than you are wearing to be comfortable in the same environment.” That being said, there are some times when being barefoot is preferable. “When infants are doing ‘tummy time’ or trying to crawl, being barefoot may be more helpful as it allows for more traction and foot flexibility,” notes Wisner.
Once baby is on the move, it can be helpful to transition your child to socks with grips. “When you notice your infant pulling to stand or trying to walk, make sure to use socks with rubber grips to prevent slipping,” says Wisner.
Not sure what to consider when picking out baby socks? According to our survey, a whopping 85 percent of parents highly prioritized baby socks that stay on above all else. After that, 64 percent of survey respondents told us that they looked for options that have non-slip grips and 55 percent opted for styles that are easy to put on. To streamline your shopping experience, keep these factors top of mind, as well as the following:
- Size. Baby socks tend to have limited sizing, typically with ranges from 0-3 or 0-6 months up to toddler options. With that in mind, it can be tricky sometimes to find suitable pairs for infants with wide ankles or calves that don’t roll down. If you’re facing this issue, parents in The Bump community forums recommend sizing up.
- Length. Just like adult socks, options for infants come in a variety of lengths. According to our survey, 95 percent of parents prefer baby ankle socks over other styles while 11 percent favor no-show socks and 9 percent like knee-highs. All in all, what length you choose for baby comes down to personal preference.
- Durability. In addition to infant socks that stay on, parents who responded to our survey also looked for pairs that could withstand regular washing; 31 percent cited durability as a top factor. While browsing, keep an eye out for thicker materials and well-constructed designs to ensure they’ll last for months to come.
About the writer:
Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor at The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. O’Regan-Reidy has researched an array of topics, from prenatal vitamins and postpartum pads to the best non-wifi baby monitors, toddler learning towers and everything in between. With over a four-year career in digital media, O’Regan-Reidy has written dozens of baby clothing articles, aiming to create engaging, helpful content that informs new and seasoned parents.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Elizabeth Wisner, MD, is a pediatrician and an allergy and immunology specialist at the Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.
Healthy Children (AAP), Tips for Dressing Your Baby, June 2016
The Bump March 2024 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of almost 350 parents from The Bump community, and asked what brand and style of baby socks they’ve used with their children.
Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.
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