Dapat ba Laging Naka-Medyas si Baby? An Expert Explains

Are cold feet really bad for a baby's health? And are socked feet better for babies?

Apparently, in what’s now jokingly called the “Great Sock Debate,” parents are split down the middle. One side says that socks keep babies warm, prevent slips, and protect their tender feet from rough surfaces. On the other hand, going barefoot supports sensory and motor development, helping babies learn balance and coordination naturally.

So to sock or not to sock? Here’s advice from a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Smart Parenting Board of Experts member, Richmond Te.

Our nanays are on to a good thing; socks for babies have their benefits. They keep babies warm, they’re practical, and let’s admit it, they complete their adorable outfits. As an article about the sock debate puts it: “Socks envelop your baby’s tiny feet in comfort and warmth, acting as a shield against the chill in the air.”

For parents who are concerned that cold temperatures or cold feet may adversely affect their baby’s health, socks are an obvious solution. Plus, they also protect babies’ feet from rough floors, sharp objects, or even insect bites.

Another advantage of using socks for babies learning to stand or walk is the use of non-slip socks, which can prevent them from slipping on smooth surfaces, such as tiles, a common feature in many homes. Richmond recommends them: “Grip socks with non-slip bottoms are a safer and more practical alternative to regular socks on smooth surfaces. These socks' design addresses the issue of slipping, providing added stability.”

Wearing grip socks when we go to play in our kids’ favorite play spaces and indoor playgrounds is also more hygienic.

On the other side of the debate, childhood experts say that going barefoot has advantages. The article above highlights this as well: “Feeling different textures, temperatures, and even the solidity of the ground beneath their tiny feet can provide sensory experiences that are vital for their brain development.”

Simply put, walking barefoot stimulates the reflexes and sensory systems that babies rely on to crawl, stand, and eventually walk. Every texture—tiles, grass, sand, or wood—provides input to the brain, helping babies understand their environment and their own bodies.

Richmond explains: “Encouraging your babies to walk barefoot as much as possible is highly beneficial. This simple activity stimulates multiple areas, including reflex integration, motor skills development, and sensory integration.”

When babies are barefoot, the nerve endings in the soles of their feet send crucial signals to their brain, shaping balance, coordination, and even spatial awareness.

Richmond stresses that barefoot time allows sensory integration to flourish: “Sensory integration helps children respond adaptively to their environment, and it’s through this process that sensations are transformed into perceptions.”

Barefoot exploration is how babies learn to move and make sense of the world.

Going back to the very Filipino concern that a baby having cold feet could lead to or mean that they’re sick, Richmond points out that this is not entirely accurate. “Cold feet don’t necessarily mean that babies are unwell,” he answered. “A better indicator of their temperature is the next or trunk.”

Studies indicate that it’s normal for babies’ hands and feet to feel cooler because their circulation is not yet fully developed, and their bodies prioritize blood flow to the heart and brain before the extremities. Instead, what really matters is their overall body temperature.

Moreover, parents should not panic if their baby’s toes feel cold. And if they think their baby is lamigin, they should focus on keeping their baby warm and cozy by using blankets or warm clothes, rather than relying solely on socks.

Should we err on the side of safety and keep those socks on our babies’ feet? Studies suggest that doing so might come with a trade-off: allowing babies to wear socks too often can limit sensory input and slow motor development. They can also interfere with the natural reflexes babies use when learning to crawl, stand, or walk.

Richmond also explains: “The soles of a baby’s feet, rich in nerve endings, are highly sensitive to tactile stimuli… interruptions can have long-term effects on some children’s development.”

And if parents primarily use regular socks (instead of grippy ones) indoors, it can pose a safety risk, especially on slippery floors like tiles, increasing the chance of falls. “Wearing socks indoors, especially on smooth surfaces, can increase the risk of slipping and falling,” Richmond explains. “This could lead to injuries, including fractures, or worse, head injuries.”

Ultimately, parents should find the right balance of using socks for their babies. “It doesn’t have to be all socks or all barefoot since both have their advantages,” Richmond says. “By incorporating both, you can support your child’s development and provide plenty of opportunities for sensory-rich experiences and exploration.”

Always remember that every child is unique. Some may enjoy barefoot play, while others might be more sensitive and prefer the warmth of socks. Parents should observe their babies and adjust accordingly.

Finally, Richmond emphasizes that sensory input from the feet is foundational: “The foundation of development and learning begins with sensory integration, a process that starts in the womb. Together with this, tactile processing and proprioceptive processing play crucial roles in the early stages of life, particularly in the development of crawling and standing during the first year.”

To put it simply, each step, grip, or toe curl that babies experience when going barefoot helps build reflexes and coordination that set the stage for future milestones, such as walking, running, and even participating in sports.

In the to sock or not to sock debate, there’s no clear winner. What matters is finding what works for our child and our lifestyle. As Richmond advises: “Pay attention to their (babies) cues and avoid making assumptions. Their bodies will guide you in knowing what they require.”

Read here for practical advice from other parents on TikTok.