It’s no secret that socks are an essential part of your newborn’s attire. From protecting their feet from injury to helping them better regulate their fluctuating body temperature, there’s no end to the benefits a simple pair of socks can provide.
However, when it comes to shopping for these garments, it can be a bit more complex. Between the different brands, types, and materials circulating your local stores, there’s no telling which ones would be the best fit for your child. Here, we’ve compiled a list of what to look for when buying socks for your newborn baby as well as a few tips and tricks for making the most of this process. This way, you’ll never feel lost when shopping for socks ever again!
Key Factors To Consider
While many newborn socks will look similar at first, there are several key characteristics that can set them apart from one another. It’s these features that give you an indication of whether your baby will receive the most benefits from wearing them. These are some of those core elements to keep in mind as you’re browsing for your baby’s next pair of socks.
Sock Materials
The first thing you should consider when shopping for baby socks is the material your chosen pair consists of. Like adult socks, baby socks come in a variety of different materials including cotton, polyester, and even bamboo. Each fabric has their own set of unique advantages and drawbacks when it comes to your newborn’s feet. As such, it’s important that you think of each carefully when making your choice.
For starters, cotton is one of the warmest choices, made plush and thick to help trap in heat. It’s also among the most affordable, which makes it a popular option for those wanting to save a bit of cash as their baby grows.
Bamboo and polyester, on the other hand, are more lightweight and breathable for those warmer summer months. Polyester is more synthetic, but highly durable and likely to last until your baby outgrows them. They’re especially great garments for active babies, as they’re less likely to wear down and will wick moisture away from your newborn’s skin.
Newborn bamboo socks are currently growing in popularity for combining the durability and breathability of polyester with the natural, skin-sensitive softness of cotton. For many new parents, these socks become the best of both worlds and are a great option for keeping your baby protected and comfortable year-round.
Overall Sock Construction
You’ll also want to think about the construction of certain types of baby socks. Many traditional socks contain an inner seam along the toe joints that rub against the skin. For babies with especially sensitive skin, this can cause discomfort, rashes, and even bleeding if you aren’t watching carefully. Because of this, parents are opting for socks with different construction designs—namely, seamless.
Seamless socks, like their name suggests, don’t have the large bulging seam along the interior of the garment. Though you can still see where the manufacturer joined the fabric, this section doesn’t create a bump that rubs against the foot. This way, your baby can better move around without that part digging into their toes.
Along with the sock’s toe seam, make sure that you’re inspecting the sock’s top closure type. Double and single rib stitching are the two most common forms of top closures. While double rib stitching is more secure, they can be too tight and leave a mark. Single rib stitching isn’t as tight, but can easily cause your baby’s socks to fall off.
The Style of the Sock
Another crucial feature to look at when buying socks for your newborn baby is the overall style. Whether you prefer the look and fit of ankle socks or the secure warmth of longer styles, there are a series of different options to pick from for your baby. This choice is primarily based on the desired aesthetic you want for your newborn’s wardrobe. However, keep in mind that with more skin contact comes an increased risk of discomfort on the part of your child. So, if your newborn has sensitive skin, consider ankle socks instead of taller varieties.
Sock Sizing and Measurements
Above all, know what size socks you’re looking to buy for your child. It’s common knowledge that newborns grow quickly, and you might feel tempted to purchase slightly bigger socks to ensure they last longer. However, you still want to make sure that you have enough pairs in the designated newborn sizes. Otherwise, you risk them sitting too loose and falling off when you least expect it. As a general rule, sizes zero through four are ideal for newborns as they’ll grow very fast and need the extra space. Between three and 12 months, though, you’ll want between size four and five and a half.
Additional Tips for Buying Baby Socks
If you’re still struggling to pick the right pair, we have some additional tips for you as well. After all, there’s no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to baby garments, and what works for another child might not work for yours. So, utilize these tips and tricks for ensuring you make the right decision for your baby’s needs.
Double-Check That They Aren’t Too Tight
You might think you’re stuck with a pair of socks after you’ve already bought them. Fortunately, baring any damage, this isn’t the case. As such, don’t be afraid to take a pair home and give them a try on your newborn. When you do, you’ll want to double-check the sizing and construction, maybe even give them a pull or two to see if they’re too tight. If they are, take them back and exchange them for a size up.
Don’t Buy Too Many Pairs
It might also be tempting to purchase a large selection of socks, especially after you find the type that’s perfect for your newborn. But keep in mind that you can have too many of them. Since your baby will outgrow them very quickly, it’s more cost effective to purchase only one pair at a time. There’s even a reduced chance your child will lose them as they won’t be crawling yet at this stage. Additionally, if you pick the right socks, like our own Squid Socks, you won’t need to worry about losing them at all.
Squid Socks are specially designed to stay on your newborn’s feet, no matter how hard they pull. This way, you’ll never need to go searching for the missing match and you won’t need to shop for new socks nearly as often. So, give our site a look if you want something a bit more secure for your child.
