Emma, I hear parent-internet is abuzz about baby feet. Has Hemingway\u2019s six-word story gone viral?<\/p>\n
Not this time, though some may find it just as heartbreaking. There\u2019s a generational divide over whether or not babies need socks, and it\u2019s confusing grandparents around the world. Young parents are opting for barefoot babes \u2013 on TikTok, in playgrounds, at the supermarket, in the comfort of their own warm and cosy home. Everywhere.<\/p>\n
Are young parents right, or just unconcerned with icy tootsies?<\/p>\n
If I\u2019ve learned anything as a new parent, it\u2019s that we\u2019re all just trying to get to bedtime as peacefully as we can without being beaten up by the world and\/or our kids in the process.<\/p>\n
But, to answer your question, new parents are often encouraged<\/a> to give their babies lots of barefoot time<\/a>, especially if they\u2019re learning to roll or crawl, as it helps give them sensory input and doesn\u2019t limit their developing feet. Babies also have trouble regulating their own temperature, so in some situations a synthetic sock will make little feet too sweaty. In others, it\u2019s still recommended to cover their feet \u2013 if you\u2019re going outside for a walk in winter, for example.<\/p>\n They\u2019re also annoying to keep on your child\u2019s foot when it\u2019s not necessary. So, when nan and pop visit and mention the lack of baby footwear, it can be a little frustrating for tired and overstimulated parents.<\/p>\n And how are parents expressing this frustration?<\/p>\n On TikTok, of course. Some of my favourites date back years<\/a>; there\u2019s the \u201cSock Scan Initiated<\/a>\u201d, the \u201cYou sure about that?<\/a>\u201d meme, running from a serial killer<\/a> but it\u2019s an old lady asking where your baby\u2019s socks are. Then there\u2019s the \u201cTell me your MIL watched the baby without telling me<\/a>\u201d trend. Simple. Effective. Relatable.<\/p>\n