Do babies need to wear socks all the time? Why or why not? These are questions I asked when I had my firstborn, and I’m glad to have found the answers in the process. Let me share them with you!
Babies are very delicate in nature. As parents, we have this huge responsibility of making sure that they always eat the right food, wear the right clothes, play with the right toys, among others. Sometimes, it could get a little bit overwhelming, especially for first-timers. Everything we do has to be done accordingly and properly.
Even the tiniest things such as wearing socks have to be well thought of. Remember, babies have tiny feet that need all the protection and care they could get. However, it is not all the time that they need to be wrapped. It is important to know when is the right time babies need to wear socks.
In the first place, why does a simple thing as wearing socks seem to be huge of a deal? Let us find out!
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Why Do Babies Need To Wear Socks?
Why are wearing socks important? After all, it is said to impede proper foot development among newborn babies. Given that there is some truth to this, why do babies need to wear socks? Here are some of the most common reasons:
1. It Helps Maintain The Right Body Temperature
As I have mentioned earlier, babies are very delicate. They require special attention at all times. One of the things we need to make sure is that they remain warm. Maintaining proper body temperature is one of the reasons babies need to wear socks.
2. It Prevents Skin Irritation
Also, they have extremely sensitive skin. Wearing socks is one way to prevent exposure to harmful objects that may damage your baby.
This also applies when you take your baby out for a walk or stroll. Socks help protect their feet from the damaging effects of the sun. Given their sensitive nature, babies could easily get a sunburn.
3. It Is Required Every Time They Wear Shoes
Of course, having socks on your baby’s feet also helps absorb excess moisture. More importantly, it lessens the skin friction between the shoes and his or her feet.
This means that there is no way your baby can get irritated whenever he or she wears shoes. Simply speaking, wearing socks is a must when he or she wears shoes— just like how it goes for us adults.
4. It Keeps Them Comfortable
Babies usually get overstimulated when they are cold. You do not want this to happen, especially when they are about to sleep. It could cause extreme discomfort that will leave your baby restless throughout the long, cold night.
CAUTION: Being exposed to low temperature also leads to poor blood circulation. Of course, you would not want your baby experiencing this at a very young age. It might even result in serious health risks, eventually.
For this reason, putting socks on your baby’s feet before he or she goes to sleep at night is highly recommended. At least, you would not worry about him or her as you go to sleep, too.
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When Do Babies Need To Wear Socks?
Now, given these reasons, you might think it is okay for your baby to wear socks all the time. This is a common mistake for a lot of parents out there. So, let us get it straight once and for all— there are only certain times and/or instances when babies need to wear socks.
CAUTION: Wearing socks every day may lead to some serious health risks in the long run. This is especially true for newborn babies.
It is even riskier when it comes to tight socks. Some pairs tend to become tighter the longer they stay on your baby’s feet. This leads to utter discomfort and sometimes, even pain. In the case of extremely sensitive skin, tight socks cause scarring. Signs of irritation may also be visible in the form of red marks.
When you see these signs, it is best that you let your baby’s feet breathe for a while. You can do this by not putting socks on for a certain period of time.
TIP: When dressing your baby, the rule of thumb is to dress them with more layers of garments than you are comfortable to wear. This provides the exact level of protection your baby needs against harmful elements in the environment.
Of course, one of the times it is really necessary for your baby to wear socks is when it is cold. Be it indoors or outdoors, socks help keep your baby warm during the winter.
There are times when it cannot be avoided to go out. If you have to do it when it is snowing outside, socks are enough to prevent frostbites on your baby’s feet. Of course, protective clothing materials during these adverse weather conditions are not limited to socks. You may need mittens, blankets, among others to keep your baby comfortable.
Meanwhile, during the summer, there is almost no need to put socks on your baby’s feet. Given the high temperature, your baby will just sweat and feel uncomfortable wearing socks.
Tip: You will know that your baby’s feet need socks when they are cold, and you will know this by feeling them. If his or her feet are colder than the other parts of your baby’s body, then it is telling that he or she needs to wear socks. Always check the body temperature of your baby. Babies need to be warm at all times; it is part of the measures to keep them healthy.
What Is The Right Pair Of Socks For Babies?
Different socks have different purposes for different occasions. Nonetheless, what matters the most is that you know how to pick the right pair for your baby.
First of all, it has to fit perfectly. Go for those that are not too tight. This helps prevent impeding the normal development of your baby’s feet. Also, it prevents irritating your baby’s skin and disturbing his or her blood circulation.
The material of the socks is also an important factor to consider. Usually, baby’s socks are made of cotton and/or fiber. You do not want those that may cause allergic reactions.
To Sum It Up…
Babies need to wear socks at the right moments for the right reasons. It is a practice to keep them warm and comfortable, especially when it is cold. However, there are also times when they should not wear a pair. For example, you would not put socks on your baby’s feet when it is scorching hot. It would only cause discomfort.
Do you have any ideas or concerns to share? Feel free to reach out to us through the comment section below!
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