Should Babies Wear Socks To Bed? 7 Startling Benefits

should babies wear socks to bed

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Babies cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adults. We need to provide the right sleepwear so they can stay warm at night. But should babies wear socks to bed?

Yes, babies should wear socks to bed because socks keep their feet warm, help regulate their body temperature, and contribute to easier, more restful sleep. 

We always put socks on our daughter’s feet because we noticed that they were getting colder than the rest of her body even at a comfortable room temperature. 

This simple piece of garment helped her stay warm and sleep more peacefully during the day and night.

Should babies wear socks to bed?

Yes, your baby can benefit greatly from wearing socks at night, ensuring a cozy and comfortable night’s sleep.

Let’s dive into the seven benefits that come with babies wearing socks to bed.

1. Socks maintain a comfortable body temperature

The ideal room temperature for your baby should be between 68°F and 72°F. At this temperature, your baby only needs a onesie and maybe pants.

But their feet will get cold if you don’t cover them. Socks help your baby maintain a steady body temperature during the night. 

So make sure to throw a pair of socks to reduce the risk of your baby waking up due to discomfort from cold feet.

2. Socks can help improve sleep quality

We know how mentally challenging it is when your baby does not rest well during the night.

But believe us when we tell you that your baby will get better sleep quality when they wear socks. 

They will feel warmer and more comfortable and will be less likely to experience disturbances. You’ll be surprised by how much easier it is for them to settle into a deep sleep.

3. Promotes better blood circulation

Babies’ feet are normally colder compared to the rest of their body because less flood flows to their extremities.

But when you keep their hands and feet warm, blood vessels will effectively carry blood to their extremities so they get an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients.

And if you live in a place that gets very cold like where we live, where temperature can drop below freezing, socks can prevent cold-related issues, such as frostbite.

4. Reduces the risk of illness

Your baby’s immune system is still developing and can be more susceptible to the effects of cold temperatures.

A well-known fact is that cold feet can lead to illness, especially in infants. When their feet get cold, their body moves energy away from essential functions like fighting off infections. 

But you can reduce the chances of your baby getting sick just by keeping their feet warm so their body can concentrate on maintaining good health. 

And based on our personal experience, your health will also improve when your baby is healthy and well-rested.

5. Socks prevent heat loss

You probably didn’t think of it this way but socks act as an additional layer of insulation that prevents heat loss from your baby’s feet. 

This extra warmth helps maintain a consistent body temperature throughout the night, which keeps your baby comfortable.

Babies can be vulnerable to temperature fluctuations because they are learning how to regulate their body temperature. 

When your baby experiences frequent temperature fluctuations, they are more likely to wake up because they are cold. 

So when you add this extra layer of warmth, your baby will enjoy a more peaceful and restful sleep.

6. Socks offer a sense of security

Believe it or not, wearing socks can provide a sense of security and comfort that can soothe them to sleep.

It can become a familiar routine that can affect their overall well-being. If you include socks as part of their sleep routine, they may be able to fall asleep easier. 

Putting on socks can become a reassuring bedtime ritual that signals your baby that it’s time to relax and sleep. 

We still do this with our daughter. Before going to bed, we tell her that socks will keep her feet warm and she’ll sleep better.

7. Socks can protect against injuries

Babies are naturally curious and often move their limbs during sleep. 

Just like socks can be an extra layer of warmth, they can also be an extra layer of protection against scrapes or injuries.

They work as a soft cushioning layer that helps prevent accidental scratches or abrasions. 

We don’t remember how many times our daughter banged her toes on objects, but socks helped ease the pain.

As your baby learns to control their movements, wearing socks can be a safeguard, especially for newborns with sharp little nails. 

And yes, their nails can get very sharp!

Special considerations

You should consider when it’s appropriate to put socks on your baby for sleep and when it’s better for them to go without.

When to use socks

  1. Cold weather: This one is a no-brainer. Use socks during colder weather. If the room temperature is on the cooler side, socks can help maintain your baby’s warmth and prevent discomfort from chilly feet.

  2. Air conditioning: The airflow from air conditioning can make the room cooler. So if you’re using air conditioning to keep your baby’s room cool, use socks so your baby’s feet remain cozy.

  3. Sleepwear without foot coverings: Most sleepsuits come with foot cuffs that cover your baby’s feet. In case they don’t, then it’s a good idea to put socks on your baby’s feet.

 

When to go without socks

  1. Warmer room temperatures: If the room is comfortably warm, adding socks can cause your baby to overheat.

  2. Footed sleepers: If your baby wears footed sleepsuits or sleep sacks that cover their feet, you can skip socks, otherwise your baby can get hot.

  3. Sensitive skin: If your baby has sensitive skin or develops rashes when they wear socks, it’s probably best to skip socks and use sleepsuits or sleep sacks.

 

Let’s address some safety concerns

things to consider when your baby wears socks at night

One common concern is that socks may become a choking hazard if they come off during the night. 

While this may happen and thankfully not to us, the best way to mitigate this risk is to choose socks that fit your baby snugly, without being too tight. 

Just make sure that socks are not too tight so they don’t restrict blood flow to their feet. And always check to ensure that they don’t leave marks on their skin.

Another safety issue is overheating. While socks help maintain warmth, it’s important not to overdo it, otherwise, you can overheat your baby. 

So make sure to add or remove socks so your baby maintains a safe and comfortable temperature.

Choose safe and breathable socks

We suggest you have a few pairs of socks available depending on the weather.

We like these merino wool socks because you can use them at various room temperatures, even during warm months.

A more affordable option is these cotton socks. We like these socks because they have anti-slip features which are great when your baby is learning to walk.

Whichever socks you choose, make sure that they are made from natural, breathable fabrics, such as cotton or wool. 

Cotton is a soft, breathable material that helps regulate temperature and is less likely to cause irritation to sensitive baby skin.

We tend to avoid socks with loose threads or decorations that could pose a choking hazard or cause discomfort. 

Yes, these socks may look cute but you should prioritize safety and comfort over aesthetics. 

 

What to do next?

Yes, it is okay for your baby to wear socks at night to stay warm, improve blood flow to their extremities, and get the rest they deserve. 

As we mentioned previously, we recommend merino wool or cotton socks because they are soft on a baby’s skin and will keep them warm while they sleep.

About Leslie - Latinx Montessori

Hello, I am Leslie. I am on a mission to help you support the growth and development of your child. With the right tools and proper guidance, you can navigate parenthood with confidence and assertion! My goal is to equip you with knowledge to help you construct a strong foundation for your child’s life.

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