The 7 Best Baby Socks That Stay on, Tested by Infants
In a nutshell:
Based on our in-depth product testing process and survey feedback from The Bump community, we chose the squid socks Classic Collection as the overall best baby socks due to their ultra-soft and durable materials, exceptional gripping features and convenient ease of use.
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? As a parent of an 11-month-old, my baby and I tested out multiple pairs of socks from some of the top brands on the market to see which socks were up to the task. Over the course of testing, I quickly learned two things: first, all parents deserve a raise for even being able to get a pair of socks on a squirmy 11-month-old. Second, not all socks are created equal. There were certain brands that did a better job of providing all-day comfort, ensuring proper fit and, perhaps most importantly, staying on my baby’s feet.
If you’re interested in stepping up your baby’s sock game, read on to learn about the best infant socks and dive into the qualities and features that make a pair of baby socks worth adding to your cart.
With all the options out there, finding a quality pair of baby socks can feel like an intimidating task. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how we made it happen:
- To find the best newborn socks that actually stay on, I, along with a group of independent, third-party product testers, tested an extensive collection of baby socks on kids ranging in age from 4 months to 11 months. We paid close attention to multiple considerations, including ease of use, comfort, durability and value.
- 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.
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
- Internal silicone grips
- Ultra-soft, breathable material
- Hypoallergenic
- Grippy bottoms
- Line-dry recommended
If you’re looking for the gold standard of socks for babies, look no further than squid socks. These were super easy to put on, due to the soft and stretchy viscose material, which is made from ultra-breathable bamboo. These socks are designed to stay on the feet, and you can tell right away that the brand puts time and care into ensuring that they live up to that promise. The internal grippers—which consist of sticky “squiddy dots” inside of the cuff—allowed for the socks to stay on, even after full-day adventures crawling around both inside and out.
My baby has wide feet and thicker calves, but when it came to fit, these socks offered all-day comfort and didn't leave a mark when I took them off. Plus, the grips on the bottom of the socks are just as effective as the grips on the inside. The round, silicone grippers offer plenty of traction for crawling and cruising around, and my baby was able to explore as he pleased without slipping (which is rare for him). But the best part? If you fall in love with squid socks—which I certainly did—you’re in luck: they offer sizes that extend up past the preschool years, so you can stick with the brand for years to come.
Size range: 0-6 months to 4T/5T | Material: 85% viscose from bamboo/12% nylon/3% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash, line dry
Our product testers says:
“These feel like the Rolls-Royce of baby socks… the softness, versatility and technical features of these socks makes the price worth it.”
Most durable baby socks
- Sturdy, soft materials
- Functional ankle cuff
- Washes well
- Colors might not be for everyone
Bombas is synonymous with high-quality socks for adults, and it’s refreshing to know that their innovative approach to quality extends to the baby realm as well. Our product tester Bernadette, the mother of a 4-month-old, had high praise for the durability of Bombas Baby Socks, telling us, “I’m very satisfied with the quality of these socks; from the material, the colors and the construction, I’d give 10 out of 10 on everything.”
Bernadette raved about how easy these socks were to put on—she could even do it with one hand! The sturdy cuffs of these socks help keep them in place throughout the day, while the material has an athletic feel with plenty of give and breathability. Bernadette told us, “my baby’s feet haven’t come out clammy or cold when she wears them.”
For parents who prefer a splash of style, Bombas offers their baby socks in a wide range of eclectic color patterns that are sure to turn heads on the playground. Bernadette was blown away by their quality and craftsmanship, and felt that they are definitely worth their price tag. “Based on the price point you would expect something nice,” she told us, “but these socks are so much more.”
Size range: 0-6 months | Material: 69% cotton/26% polyester/5% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Our product tester says:
“I’m sure these socks could be passed down to younger siblings and still be the same quality. My little one likes to tug, bite, stretch the toes of the socks, and they keep their form and stay on her feet… I’ve washed them three times in a two week span and they feel brand new.”
Best baby socks for chubby ankles
- Good for chubby ankles
- Affordable price
- Breathable
- Not as durable as premium brands
- Could use better grips on the bottom
Old Navy is a reliable brand for babies and toddlers, so it was no surprise that their socks carried on that tradition. I had no problems getting these socks onto my baby’s feet, and once he was in them, they provided solid performance throughout the day. But the fit—specifically for chubby ankles—was what set these socks apart. While many shorter socks were too tight around my baby's ankles, causing marks to be left behind once they were removed, these socks provided all-day comfort and didn’t leave any marks or lines behind.
The grips on the bottom of these socks are solid, and the materials, while not exceptional, are on par with what you would expect from a budget-friendly brand. The soft materials were breathable enough to wear on a hot summer day, but the material didn’t feel as durable as some of the more expensive options. All in all, these are a reliable option that I’ll definitely reach for repeatedly. And at an affordable price point, I would definitely recommend these socks to parents who need some solid options to populate their baby’s sock drawer.
Size range: 0 Months to 5T | Material: 72% polyester/26% cotton/2% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry
Our product tester says:
“The length of these socks worked well for my baby, and despite the fact that he has chubbier ankles and wider feet, their shorter length didn't seem to bother him throughout the day.”
Our community says:
"There isn’t anything I don’t like." – Samantha, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
Best budget-friendly baby socks
- Exceptional traction
- Affordable price
- Unique colors
- Not as durable as premium brands
These stylish socks from H&M offer an array of excellent features at a budget price. The circular grips on the bottom of the socks particularly stood out to me—they were a step up from other brands, including ones that come at a higher price point. My baby could easily stand and crawl around in these socks, even on slippery wooden floors. And while the material doesn't have a super-premium feel, it's lightweight and soft and is breathable enough for indoor and outdoor summer wear. Plus they fold over easily, which makes them far easier to put on and to adjust the height.
The quality of these socks feels as expected for the price—they’ve held up well after a couple of wears, but I don't expect them to last for a particularly long time compared to other brands. There are already some threads coming loose on the top end of the socks, and my baby only wore them a couple of times. But I expect them to provide plenty of solid wears before my son outgrows them, and in the meantime, I love the earthy, eye-catching colors. These socks offer a pleasant change from the basic black, white and gray options that other comparable brands offer. Overall, these socks have plenty of features worth getting excited about, especially considering the price.
Size range: 0 months to 9 years | Materials: 75% cotton/21% polyamide/4% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cool, tumble dry low
Our product tester says:
“These colorful socks provide excellent traction for crawling and cruising around the house and outside. While they lose points on the durability side of things, they'll provide plenty of solid wears, and the colors will add a splash of fun to any sock drawer.”
Our community says:
"Love how H&M has different and very cute sock options for baby girls. So many cute options and lengths!" – Elizabeth, mom of an 8-month-old and The Bump survey respondent
Best thick baby socks
- Soft, thick fabric
- Versatile for all-year use
- Great grips on the bottom
- Cute colors
- Thickness might not be for everyone
If you’re looking for baby socks that offer plenty of thickness for colder months, these organic socks from Quince are right up your alley. Our tester Kayla immediately loved the feel of these socks, telling us, “I was incredibly impressed with the fabric. You could feel the quality just taking them out of the package.” And while she thought the thick materials would offer plenty of warmth in the winter, she also said these socks were breathable enough for comfortable summer wear. “The fabric was smooth to the touch and not at all scratchy. My baby wore these in July and August but didn’t get too warm with them on,” she reported.
The socks maintained their quality even after multiple washes, and offer plenty of cozy cushioning and high-quality grips, which come in handy for walkers and crawlers. Kayla was very impressed with the staying power of these socks, mentioning that she didn’t have to worry about her baby losing these socks while out and about. “She doesn’t crawl or walk but does kick her legs a lot, and the socks didn’t budge.” Fashion-conscious parents will also love these socks, as the adorable color options will fit seamlessly with any outfit.
Size range: 6-12 months | Materials: 79% cotton/19% polyester/1% rubber/1% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Our product tester says:
“They’re great. I was really impressed. They stayed on well without being too tight. They’d be great in cool or warm weather.”
Best organic baby socks
- Organic material
- Breathable materials
- Durable
- Lack of traction
- Can be tricky to put on chubbier ankles
Parents might love Burt’s Bees for their legendary lip balms, but the eco-conscious brand is also no stranger to the baby sock game, and they’ve come through with baby socks made from high-quality organic fabric. Getting them in hand, I thought the material felt great, and very soft. My son wore them in the summer, and they seemed breathable enough for him to stay comfortable in the heat.
The quality and durability of the socks were impressive. The organic cotton material is soft to the touch, and they feel like they'll last a while, even after multiple washes. For a company known for their earth-friendly values, it was no surprise that these socks are made with quality materials that will ideally not need to be replaced every few months.
These socks were relatively easy to put on. It took a bit of effort to get them around my son’s chubbier ankles, but once they were on, they stayed up pretty well. He couldn’t remove them once they were on his feet, but in fairness he didn't try too hard to get them off! My only complaint was the grips on the bottom, the text-based design didn’t provide the same traction as other brands. I would definitely recommend these socks to parents who have babies that are starting to wear shoes, when grip isn’t as essential.
Size range: 0-3 Months to 4-5 Years | Materials: 72% organic cotton/26% recycled polyester/2% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle
Our product tester says:
“For the price point, these socks are a solid option for parents seeking an organic cotton product from a familiar, trustworthy brand.”
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 socks for special occasions
- Unique, fun designs
- Thin, summer-friendly material
- Might not be warm enough for colder months
Whether your baby is getting ready to walk (or crawl) down the aisle in a wedding party, or is getting dressed to the nines for a family gathering, a special occasion calls for a solid pair of baby socks that won’t fall down. These eye-catching baby socks from GAP fit the bill, and Kayla found that they would be perfectly suited for a summer soiree. (These socks have a thinner material, and Kayla warned that they might not be warm enough for the winter.) “These socks were very cute and frilly,” she told us. “I’d consider these to be ‘girly’ in design.”
Kayla had no problem getting these socks on her 8-month-old’s feet, and noted that the height of the sock went to right below the knee. She was impressed by the fact that her baby didn’t attempt to remove the socks at all, even while wearing them at daycare. She did worry that the thinner material might not last as long as thicker options on the market, but this concern wasn’t shared by our survey respondents—multiple parents in The Bump community praised the durability of these baby socks.
Size range: 0-3 to 12-24 months | Materials: 81% cotton/17% nylon/2% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash
Our product tester says:
“They’re very cute socks and would be great for special events baby may attend (like a wedding or a dressier event). If I needed these for a particular outfit or event, I would buy them again.”
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
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.
- Traction. This is especially important for babies that are crawling or learning to walk. In testing, I found that socks with circular grips tend to have better traction than socks with text-based grips (like a logo) on the bottom. Proper traction ensures that your baby can stay as sturdy as possible, even when walking on slippery surfaces like wood.
About the writer:
Daniel Stecker is a writer and producer who currently works in digital marketing, helping brands develop their written voice and create top-notch content. He has also worked in the kids television space, and has been in writer’s rooms for several hit shows, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood from PBS, Creative Galaxy from Amazon Prime, and Charlie’s Colorforms City from Netflix. When he isn’t chasing his energetic one-year-old around the house, Daniel enjoys reading, playing basketball, and seeing live music.
Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.
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.
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