With so many baby products to shop for, you don’t want to forget about the socks. Baby socks keep your little one’s feet warm, comfortable and help them walk. For these reasons, baby socks should be at the top of your shopping list. A good pair of baby socks can be the difference between crying and nap time.
There are some special considerations when buying baby socks. Unlike adult socks, the fabrics and materials matter. Furthermore, the sizes of the socks are more complicated and based on things like age or gender. Luckily, we’re here to help. We’ll be taking you through the ten best baby socks and offering shopping tips along the way.
- Things to Consider When Shopping for Baby Socks
- Top 10 Best Baby Socks 2023
- 1. Best Overall Baby Socks: Rative Non-Skid Anti-Slip Crew Socks
- 2. Best Premium Baby Socks: Aminson Anti Slip Non-Skid Ankle Socks
- 3. Best Unisex Baby Socks: Zaples Baby Non-Slip Grip Ankle Socks
- 4. Best Thin Baby Socks: Luvable Friends Unisex Baby Socks
- 5. Best All-Natural Baby Socks: Touched by Nature Baby Organic Cotton Socks
- 6. Best Budget Baby Socks: Fruit of the Loom Baby Socks (14-Pack)
- 7. Cherokee Little Girls 12 Pack
- 8. Hudson Baby Unisex Cotton Rich Newborn Socks
- 9. Hanes Baby Boys Ankle Sock 10-Pack
- 10. Gerber Baby Girls Socks
- Everything You Need to Know About Baby Socks
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
Things to Consider When Shopping for Baby Socks
There are a few things you need to consider before making a choice, so it’s essential to look over a few factors that impact baby socks before you start looking at your options. Primarily, you want to consider your child’s gender, foot size, sock needs, and how much you’re willing to spend.
Sizes
Next, you need to consider the different sizes. Baby socks list sizes by age, but it isn’t easy to understand at first glance. Regardless of how old your child is, it’s crucial to get socks that fit. The good news is that most baby socks have many sizes for you to choose from, so if you like a particular product, you can always order more pairs in a larger size when your child grows.
Pairs
Knowing how many pairs of baby socks you’re getting is also essential. Typically, baby socks are sold in pairs of six or twelve. Still, it depends on how many pairs you need and how much you’re willing to spend. The more pairs you need, the more expensive the socks will be. On the other hand, if you’re looking to fill in wardrobe gaps or save money, there is nothing wrong with getting six pairs of socks instead of twelve.
Gender
Before you begin shopping, consider the gender of your child. Socks designed for boys come with designs and themes like rockets, trains, and cars. On the other hand, baby socks for girls typically have more feminine themes like mermaids or princesses. Depending on your child’s gender, it’s a common idea to choose baby socks that reflect this. There are also baby socks with unisex designs if you have multiple children, or if over the age of five your young one’s feet are starting to diverge from standard sizing.
Materials
While most baby socks are made with a blend of cotton and polyester, there are variations. For example, for additional flexibility, some manufacturers include spandex in their baby socks. Unfortunately, while spandex increases flexibility, some children develop skin irritations when introduced to spandex.
For these reasons, you need to consider what type of materials you’re comfortable using. We recommend starting with baby socks made with 95% cotton and 5% polyester. These are balanced socks that are thick, comfortable, and flexible.
Knowing what to look for in baby socks makes shopping a breeze. Now, you’re ready for a look at some of the best options. Read on to learn about the ten best baby socks. For more information about making a decision, check out our full guide below.
Top 10 Best Baby Socks 2023
1. Best Overall Baby Socks: Rative Non-Skid Anti-Slip Crew Socks
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Gender: Boys
- Sizes: 3 months to 5 years
- Pairs: 12
- Material: Cotton and spandex
Rative socks are designed for babies and toddlers. Twelve patterns feature cars, helicopters, and planes. These socks also include features to keep your little one safe. There are non-slip grips on the heel of the sock, which prevents children from falling. Every pair of Rative Non-Skid Anti-Slip Crew Socks comprises 95% cotton and 5%, providing warmth and comfort.
What Sets It Apart
Rative socks are unique because of the non-slip grips on the bottom. Most baby socks only have grips on the front and back of the sock. While this works well enough, these socks have non-slip dots across the entire sock. Furthermore, the non-slips create patterns that go with the design of the socks.
Things to Consider
These socks are very high-quality, but they’re not perfect. Depending on the size and age of your child, the socks might be too tight. Reviews suggest that tightness occurs towards the top of the ankle, which leads to reduced blood flow and skin indentations. If you like these socks but need less tightness around the ankle, Aminson’s socks are a great choice.
Who It’s For
If you have a baby boy or toddler under five years old, these baby socks are an excellent choice. You get twelve pairs, which is a great start, and the designs are perfect for growing boys. These socks are safe, fun, and there are plenty of sizes to choose from. If you have a baby girl but like this design, here is the same company’s offering for girls.
Pros
- Non-slip grips across the bottom of the socks
- Comes with twelve unique designs for boys
- Comfortable and thick, made with 95% cotton
- Great value
Cons
- The socks are tight around the top of the ankle
- Only for boys
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Gender: Unisex
- Sizes: 0-5 years
- Pairs: 12
- Material: Cotton and spandex
Aminson Anti Slip Non-Skid Ankle Socks are comfortable and safe. They’re made with 95% cotton for comfort and 5% spandex for flexibility, and there are plenty of sizes and patterns to choose from. While the socks include basic shapes and stripes, they’re gender-neutral. There are also plenty of colors and styles to choose from, depending on your preferences. These socks also come with non-slip padding and anti-slip cuffs to prevent them from slipping off.
What Sets It Apart
They’re great because of the flexibility they bring to the table. While other baby socks are flexible, these socks are one of the only options for children with thicker legs. Furthermore, if your child is growing rapidly, the sizes are more flexible than other products.
Things to Consider
These socks have one flaw, but it depends on your child. If your child is between shoe sizes, there is a good chance the socks will be too small or too large. While this problem corrects itself quickly, the problem is frustrating for brief periods. If you’re looking for socks with more accurate sizing but like the design and styles of these ones, Rative socks are a great alternative.
Who It’s For
Aminson Anti Slip Non-Skid Ankle Socks are the right choice if your child is going through a growth spurt. Regardless of gender, the sizes are flexible and designed to grow with your child. They’re not perfect, but more often than not, your child will grow into these socks.
Pros
- Many flexible sizes
- Simple patterns and styles for unisex appeal
- Non-slip padding
- Non-skid angle cuffs
Cons
- Not a good fit for slow-growing children
- While the sizes are flexible, there are periods where the socks are too big or small
3. Best Unisex Baby Socks: Zaples Baby Non-Slip Grip Ankle Socks
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Gender: Unisex
- Sizes: 0 months to 7 years
- Pairs: 9
- Materials: Cotton
Zaples socks are comfortable, safe, and easy to work with. The cotton design keeps the socks comfortable, while the non-slip grips make the socks great for the initial months of walking. There are a handful of gender-neutral designs and colors, and there is a diverse range of sizes to choose from.
What Sets It Apart
Zaples Baby Socks are unique because of the pull-down tab they come with. This tab makes it simple for parents to remove the socks. The pull-down tab is also handy for making adjustments that prevent your child’s legs from feeling restricted. These socks also feature ribbed cuffs that prevent the sock from rolling down your child’s ankle.
Things to Consider
While they are made well, the lack of spandex and polyester reduces flexibility. The socks are flexible enough, but you need to have the right sizes. Without the right size, your child’s foot will be constricted. If you’re looking for baby socks that are more forgiving but just as safe, Aminson socks are a great choice. They come with similar features, but they’re more flexible.
Who It’s For
They’re a great choice if your child is learning to walk. The combination of non-slip padding and ribbed cuffs makes the socks ideal for walking on slippery surfaces. You won’t have to worry about your child slipping or the sock rolling down their ankle.
Pros
- Ribbed cuffs
- Non-slip padding from heel to toe
- Unisex designs
- Wide range of sizes
Cons
- Less flexible than other brands
4. Best Thin Baby Socks: Luvable Friends Unisex Baby Socks
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Gender: Unisex
- Sizes: 6-12 months
- Pairs: 8
- Materials: Cotton, nylon, polyester
Luvable Friends Unisex Baby Socks are designed for newborns. They’re made with 85% cotton, 12% nylon, and 2% spandex, making the socks comfortable and flexible. The lower percentage of cotton than most baby socks also makes the material thin. There is no need to worry about children being uncomfortable during warm summer days. Overall, these are great socks for children under one-year-old.
What Sets It Apart
These are unique because they’re thinner than most baby socks. Typically, you don’t want thin socks, but if your child is indoors, often having a reliable pair of indoor socks is a great idea. They won’t cause discomfort, and they’re flexible enough to remain comfortable as your child grows. The thin material also reduces the risk of your child getting too warm during summer days.
Things to Consider
These are great baby socks for newborns, but the lack of cotton is concerning. A blend of materials with only 85% cotton is alarming because it means the socks are thin. Thin socks mean less warmth and comfort, especially during the winter months. These socks also don’t come with non-slip padding, which makes them dangerous for walking.
If you live in a colder region or need thicker baby socks while your child learns to walk, we recommend Rative Crew Socks instead. They’re made with 95% cotton.
Who It’s For
Luvable Friends Unisex Baby Socks are perfect for newborns that won’t be leaving the house or walking. They’re light, flexible, and comfortable, but they lack the thickness needed to offer support in shoes and can’t be worn outdoors alone. Furthermore, we don’t recommend choosing these socks if you live in colder climates. Still, they’re an excellent choice for the first few months of infancy.
Pros
- Great for indoor use
- Flexible material
- Thin fabric prevents your child from getting too hot
Cons
- No non-slip padding
- Only suitable for children under one-year-old
5. Best All-Natural Baby Socks: Touched by Nature Baby Organic Cotton Socks
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Gender: Unisex
- Sizes: 0-24 months
- Pairs: 8
- Materials: Cotton, polyester, spandex
Touched by Nature Baby Organic Cotton Socks are made with natural cotton fibers that are soft and comfortable. Furthermore, spandex and polyester are added into the mix to make the socks flexible. There are no pesticides added to any of the materials, so you don’t need to worry about skin irritations happening with infants. These socks also feature simple unisex designs, and they’re machine washable.
What Sets It Apart
These socks are unique because they’re organic. There are no pesticides or artificial fertilizers used in these baby socks, preventing skin irritation in younger children. Plus, these baby socks are also comfortable. Most companies sacrifice comfort for safety, but Touched by Nature does a great job incorporating both.
Things to Consider
These socks are excellent for children with sensitive skin, but they need to be air-dried. Cleaning them in the washing machine is hassle-free, but waiting for socks to air-dry takes hours. These socks also don’t have anti-slip grips, making it difficult for children to walk on wooden or tile surfaces. If you’re looking for baby socks that you can dry in a drier, these socks by Aminson are a great alternative.
Who It’s For
These socks are a great choice if your child has sensitive skin or if they’re under three months old. During this period, an infant’s skin is 30% more sensitive than adult skin. This means that artificial fertilizers and pesticides can have an impact on their health. For these reasons, we recommend keeping a pair of these socks handy during the early months.
Pros
- Made with three comfortable and flexible materials
- Made without pesticides and artificial fertilizers
- Unisex striped design
- Machine washable
Cons
- They need to be air-dried, which takes hours
- No non-slip grips
6. Best Budget Baby Socks: Fruit of the Loom Baby Socks (14-Pack)
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Gender: Unisex
- Sizes: 0 months to 4 years
- Pairs: 14
- Materials: Cotton, polyester, and spandex
The Fruit of the Loom 14-Pack is an above-average pack of baby socks. The socks are made with 63% cotton, 33% polyester, and 2% spandex. This blend of fabrics makes the socks thin, comfortable, and flexible. These socks also come with ribbed cuffs and non-slip grips for safety as your child learns to walk and stand on their own.
What Sets It Apart
It’s unique because of its value. For the same price as most baby socks, you get more pairs. When your child is growing, you can never have too many pairs of socks, so it’s nice to get started with a generous amount. This makes it less frustrating to match pairs and replace them if they tear or get lost.
Things to Consider
Fruit of the Loom makes great baby socks, but there are a few drawbacks. First and foremost, the socks are thin. With only 63% cotton, they’re not great for the winter months. Another disadvantage is that the socks run small. This means that the socks will be too tight for a child’s feet and legs, depending on how quickly they grow.
If you need more reliable socks for every month of the year and thicker socks, Aminson socks are a great alternative. They’re made with 95% cotton, and the sizes are more accurate.
Who It’s For
The Fruit of the Loom Baby 14-Pack is an excellent choice if you’re looking to get started. You get a generous amount of above-average socks that will last you months. Plus, they’re not bad for walking or warmer summer months because of the low cotton content. Overall, if you just need some stocks to get you started, these will do the job.
Pros
- Comes with 14 pairs of baby socks for a great price
- Unique blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex is flexible and comfortable
- Ribbed cuffs
- Non-slip grips
- Affordable price
Cons
- Runs too small, especially for girls
7. Cherokee Little Girls 12 Pack
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Gender: Girls
- Sizes: 12-24 months, 2-4 years
- Pairs: 12
- Materials: Polyester, spandex
This 12-pack is designed for growing girls. These socks are made with 98% polyester and 2% spandex, making the socks breathable and flexible. They also make the socks lightweight and easy to walk in. There are also many colors and design options to ensure your child’s personality flourishes. For cleaning, these socks are safe for the washing machine and resistant to shrinking.
What Sets It Apart
Cherokee socks are unique because they don’t shrink. While cotton is thick and comfortable, polyester holds up better in the washing machine and drier. For this reason, the socks don’t shrink and remain true to their size, even after frequent cleaning. This increases the longevity of the socks, which saves money in the long term.
Things to Consider
The Cherokee Little Girls 12-pack is an excellent choice for growing girls, but they have limitations. First and foremost, there are no sizes for babies between 0 and 12 months old. Secondly, the socks are only for little girls. While this is fine for parents with daughters, parents with boys will have to look elsewhere. If you like the polyester design but need socks for a younger child, Fruit of the Loom 14-Pack is a great alternative.
Who It’s For
This is an excellent choice if your baby girl is about one year old. The closer your daughter is to one year old, the longer the socks will last. These socks are also best used in the warmer months because they lack cotton, which is better at insulating heat during the winter months.
Pros
- Long-lasting and shrink-proof
- Comfortable and flexible
- Breathable
- Machine washable and dryer safe
Cons
- Only suitable for girls
- No sizes for babies under one-year-old
8. Hudson Baby Unisex Cotton Rich Newborn Socks
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Gender: Unisex
- Sizes: 0 months to 6 years
- Pairs: 8
- Materials: Cotton, Nylon, Spandex
Hudson Socks are ready for everyday use. The socks are made with 73% cotton, 25% nylon, and 2% spandex. With a high percentage of nylon and cotton, these socks are flexible, thick, and comfortable. There are many unisex designs and styles, and the sizes are accurate for both genders.
What Sets It Apart
These socks are unique because of the fabrics Hudson Baby uses. For flexibility, most manufacturers use a cheap type of polyester. While that’s fine for older children, nylon is safer and more comfortable for babies. So, Hudson Baby was able to use premium fabrics without increasing the price.
Things to Consider
Although great, they lack essential features. For example, these socks don’t come with non-slip grips or ribbed cuffs. Unfortunately, this makes the socks less safe for children learning to walk. If you like the fabrics used in these socks but need anti-slip grips, we recommend Aminson socks instead. These baby socks are made with similar fabrics, support the same age groups, and come with non-slip grips.
Who It’s For
Hudson Baby Unisex Cotton Rich Newborn Socks are perfect for parents that need flexible socks. While you can find flexibility elsewhere, Hudson Baby uses premium nylon that won’t cause skin irritations in children with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Premium nylon prevents skin irritations
- Flexible and comfortable
- Great age range
Cons
- More expensive than your average pack of baby socks
- No non-slip grips
- No ribbed cuffs
9. Hanes Baby Boys Ankle Sock 10-Pack
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Gender: Boys
- Sizes: 6 months to 5 years
- Pairs: 10
- Materials: Polyester, rubber, spandex
This pack comes with ten pairs of premium Hanes socks. The socks are made with 97% polyester, 1% rubber, and 1% spandex. These fibers make the socks comfortable, flexible, and breathable. The 10-pack also comes with a handful of different colors to please growing boys. They’re simple socks, but they get the job done.
What Sets It Apart
These Hanes socks are unique because they’re primarily made with polyester. Most baby socks are made with cotton, which is thick and comfortable, but polyester is more flexible. This makes these Hanes socks one of the most flexible and breathable packs around.
Things to Consider
While polyester is an excellent material to use in socks, it lacks thickness and comfort. In the winter months, these socks won’t keep your child’s feet warm, and they don’t offer much support in shoes. If you’re looking for thicker socks, you should go with a cotton sock-like Zaples instead.
Who It’s For
If you’re shopping for an older boy, these socks are a great choice. While there are sizes for younger children, these socks offer the most value for children over two years old. The breathability of the polyester makes them perfect for toddlers getting used to walking around in shoes.
Pros
- Breathable and flexible
- Shrink-resistant polyester
- Budget-friendly
- Great for toddlers
Cons
- Best suited for older children, between 2-5
- No non-slip grips
10. Gerber Baby Girls Socks
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Gender: Girls
- Sizes: 0-24 months
- Pairs: 6
- Materials: Cotton, rubber, spandex, nylon, polyester
Gerber Baby Girls Socks come in many different shapes and sizes. While you can choose the white socks, there are other colors and patterns. Furthermore, Gerber advertises these socks as baby girl socks, but they’re not a bad choice for growing boys either (if you get the sizes right). You’ll just have some trouble adjusting the sizes. Still, these baby socks are well-rounded and well-made.
What Sets It Apart
Gerber socks are unique because of the materials they’re made out of. You’ll come across plenty of baby socks made with cotton and polyester, but Gerber takes this to the next level. These socks are made with 79% cotton, 11% nylon, 6% polyester, 2% spandex, and 2% rubber. This combination of fabric makes the socks more flexible and comfortable than most baby socks.
Things to Consider
Using many fabrics is a good idea, but it doesn’t always work. Rubber is not a great material because it’s prone to causing skin irritation. Furthermore, spandex suffers from the same problems. These baby socks also don’t come with non-slip padding to prevent your child from slipping.
If you’re looking for baby socks with less fabric and more padding, Touched by Nature offers a great alternative. They’re made with organic materials and features non-slip padding.
Who It’s For
Gerber Baby Girls Socks are a great choice if you need an extra pair of socks. We don’t recommend using these as your primary choice because they lack non-slip padding. Still, the unique combination of fabric is comfortable and flexible, so you don’t need to worry about needing an upgrade after a few months.
Pros
- Breathable and comfortable
- Shrink-resistant
- Machine washable and dryer safe
Cons
- Spandex and rubber may cause skin rashes in infants
- Only suitable for girls, unless your child's size lines up
- No non-slip padding
Everything You Need to Know About Baby Socks
Baby socks aren’t the most challenging things to shop for, but you still need to be careful. The wrong pair of socks will lead to an irritable child, which is the last thing you want. To help you choose the best baby socks for your child, we’re going to take you through some shopping tips to narrow down your options.
Starting With Gender
Before shopping for baby socks, you have to consider the gender of your child. Children grow at different rates, and there are shoe sizes for each sex. For these reasons, getting boys or girls’ socks is a deal-breaker. You want those cute socks to fit, right?
Boys
We’ll start with boys. Boys have bigger feet than girls, even at birth. This is why baby sock manufacturers make sizes for each sex separately. Luckily, babies don’t have big feet. Typically, babies have similar foot sizes for the first few months and years of their lives. This makes shopping for baby socks a breeze.
Our favorite choice for baby boys is these socks by Rative. These baby socks come in simple colors, have a ton of size options, and have sizes for most age ranges. Plus, they have anti-slip grips for babies learning to walk.
Girls
There are also many options for baby girls. Baby socks for girls come with more feminine designs, like unicorns or princesses, but the design is similar. Furthermore, socks for baby girls are smaller than socks for baby boys. For these reasons, you need to choose carefully and make sure the socks you’re looking at are designed for baby girls.
Our favorite choice for baby girls is the Gerber Baby Girls Socks. These socks are comfortable, small, and cute. Plus, they run smaller than most baby socks, so you don’t have to worry about them being too big during the early months.
Unisex
Unisex baby socks are designed for children of all genders. While this sounds great, it doesn’t always translate to comfortable, form-fitting baby socks. Unisex socks work well, but the drawback is accounting for baby girls and boys. For these reasons, unisex baby socks may run large or small. The good news is that most manufacturers get the sizes right; you just have to experience and figure out which company makes the right socks for your child.
A great unisex baby sock to start with is the Hudson Unisex socks. We love these socks because they’re comfortable, flexible, and safe.
Matching Baby Socks With Your Child’s Age
Knowing what size you need for each gender is helpful, but things get complicated once the little ones start growing. This makes shopping for baby socks difficult because fabrics and non-slip grips are essential factors to consider. To make things straightforward, we’ll break down the best baby socks for each age group.
0-6 Months
During the first few months of infancy, your child needs to be warm and comfortable. Your child can’t walk yet, so you don’t need to worry about non-slip grips or breathable socks to wear in shoes. This makes shopping for infants easy because you have more options. Any sock that’s thick and warm is a great choice.
One of our favorite choices for babies between 0-6 months is the Touched by Nature socks. These baby socks are a great choice because they’re made with thick, all-natural cotton. With these socks, you don’t need to worry about skin irritations or allergies.
6-24 Months
Once your child is between 6-24 months, things get complicated. During this period, your child will go through notable changes. Instead of being your little munchkin, they’re going to be up on two feet walking around the house. Furthermore, children in this age range will be outside and wearing shoes more often. For these reasons, we recommend baby socks with anti-slip grip, ribbed cuffs, and breathable fabrics.
For children in this age range, we recommend the Aminson Ankle Socks. These socks come with anti-slip grips, work for both genders, and use flexible spandex.
2-5 Years
After the first two years of your child’s life, you have more sock freedom. The type of sock and style you choose becomes less important because your child is becoming a toddler. Also, during the 2-5 year period, we recommend doing away with unisex baby socks. This is because boys and girls start to develop their own foot sizes.
For boys, we recommend starting with the Hanes 10-Pack. These socks are great for children over the age of two years old, and they’ll last until your child is about five years old. While they’re basic compared to other baby socks, they’re durable, breathable, and flexible.
For girls, we recommend the Cherokee Little Girls 12-Pack. The fabric is comfortable, the designs are cute, and the socks have great longevity. Plus, you can wash them in the washing machine and dry them in the dryer without worrying about the socks shrinking.
FAQ
How Many Pairs of Baby Socks Do I Need?
You can never have too many pairs of baby socks. Once your child leaves the hospital, we recommend having between 8-12 pairs of baby socks. You should have a few more pairs of socks than days of the week. This is also a starting point; we recommend looking into new baby socks frequently.
Do Baby Socks Need Grips?
Whether or not baby socks need grips depends on how old your child is. If they’re learning to walk, grips make the learning process easier. So, we recommend using baby socks with grips once your child starts to walk. There is nothing wrong with using them after this period either; who doesn’t like having grips on their socks for stability?
What’s the Best Fabric for Baby Socks?
There are many fabrics and materials used in baby socks. While every fabric has pros and cons, there is a clear winner for baby socks. Cotton is the best choice for infants and babies because it’s thick, warm, and comfortable. Plus, cotton doesn’t lead to skin irritations that other fabrics can, like spandex. With that said, as your child grows older, we recommend looking into new fabrics and doing some experimenting.
Final Thoughts
Baby socks are more than cute pieces of apparel; they keep your child warm and comfortable. They’re a product you’ll find you are frequently purchasing. The good news is that baby socks are budget-friendly and straightforward to shop for. You just have to know what you’re looking for. Plus, you’ll need many pairs to fill your child’s wardrobe, so feel free to try a few different options! Once their feet are warm, you may want to keep the rest of them comfy too. If so, check out our article about the best pajamas for babies too.