# What should a baby wear in public? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 1, 2010, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079 "2010-11-01T12:48:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2010, 9:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/41 "2010-11-02T09:51:22Z")
I forgot the major issue with baby socks- they don’t stay on the feet. My solutions- either [Sock ons](http://www.mothercare.com/gp/search/ref=sr/276-5541654-4221911?Action=submit&rh=n%3A42764041&field-keywords=sock+on) or Mock [moccasin socks](http://www.mothercare.com/Mothercare-Fairisle-Knitted-Moccasin-Socks/dp/B002NLS0VK?_encoding=UTF8&) (sockasins?)- a sock with a pad of suede on the sole. Ireland hasn’t really got a bare feet sort of climate. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2010, 9:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/42 "2010-11-02T09:51:53Z")
What kind of “in public” are we talking about? At the park? At the local public pool? In a restaurant? My own answers for those are: “some clothes would be nice, mostly for protection”, “anything from fully clothed to fully naked depending on the weather” and “fully clothed please, well, ok, shoeless is fine if the kid’s already figured out how to take them off and loves playing ‘make Mommy run after my shoe’”. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2010, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/43 "2010-11-02T11:29:09Z")
> [@irishgirl](#): > > Mock [moccasin socks](http://www.mothercare.com/Mothercare-Fairisle-Knitted-Moccasin-Socks/dp/B002NLS0VK?_encoding=UTF8&) (sockasins?)- a sock with a pad of suede on the sole. So cute! I don’t know if they’re available in Ireland or not, but here we have these wonderful things called Robeez which are soft but shoe like, and come in an insane number of adorable patterns. They’re the only babyproof foot coverings I’ve ever found! [Robeez](http://www.robeez.com/EN-US/default.htm?Lang=EN-US&PriceCat=2&RefID=GOUS_robees) ---
**Author:** ![shantih](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f6c823/32.png) [@shantih](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shantih)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2010, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/44 "2010-11-02T11:51:16Z")
> [@eclectic\_wench](#): > > I was kind of gobsmacked when I first discovered that some people have opinions about what other people’s babies should wear. As far as I’m concerned, as long as it’s weather-appropriate, the kid’s good. Beyond that, who cares? > > I was reading another board not long ago where there was a thread titled ‘And you call yourself a mother???’ I almost didn’t click because I was expecting some tale of horror. It turned out that…the OP had seen a woman with a baby that WASN’T WEARING SOCKS!!! On a day when the OP’s baby WAS WEARING SOCKS!!! And this woman STILL DARED TO CALL HERSELF A MOTHER!!!1111!! > > And another vote for ‘If it’s not walking, it doesn’t need shoes.’ Toes need to wiggle. _Please_ tell me that the thread was filled with derision for the OP, not support. ---
**Author:** ![Norse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a9adbd/32.png) [@Norse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Norse)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2010, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/45 "2010-11-02T13:19:19Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > You know what’s funny? A baby can go from fully dressed in clean clothing, combed hair, dry nose, to your “trashy” scenario in about 5 minutes. Five minutes? FIVE minutes??? In my experience, more like less-than-one minute, if the child is so inclined. And, to the OP: Whatever is needed for warmth, protection against UV and leakage-proofing is just fine with me. ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2010, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/46 "2010-11-02T14:22:02Z")
> [@Scarlett67](#): > > I asked about [the diaper thing](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=121758&highlight=diaper+trashy) back in 2002. Back then most people seemed to agree with my assessment that “just a diaper in a public place such as a store” looks trashy and careless. Most parents mentioned the concept of getting their kids accustomed to the concept of “we wear clothes when we leave the house, and diaper = underpants.” I remember that thread! I’ve had a new baby since then! 🙂 I was, of course, on the other side. I see nothing wrong with babies in just diapers, especially around these parts when it gets so hot out. They aren’t old enough to understand the concept of dressing when they go out at that age so really it’s just a matter of the parent’s personal taste. Mine probably never went out in JUST a diaper, but maybe a tee shirt and a diaper. No point in pants, and less chance of diaper rash when you allow the air to circulate more. ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2010, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/47 "2010-11-02T14:51:57Z")
My baby had enough tiny garments from friends and relatives to outfit a whole day care center for a year. She was born in October, so we didn’t go out much in public for 6 months. I dimly recall always putting socks or booties on her, and shorts/t-shirt, or a little cotton dress, when out in public. Around the house, a diaper alone was OK if it was hot, but NEVER ever just a diaper out in public! I think that looks just awful, especially in a grocery store, or Walmart! Something to beware of, I found, were summery looking onesies that were cute to look at, but they were made of polyester, or nylon. Very hot, and bad for diaper rash! When I realized I had put that hot plasticky thing on my baby, unwittingly, I felt like I had committed child abuse! I threw them away. They were evil. ---
**Author:** ![eclectic\_wench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ac91a4/32.png) [@eclectic\_wench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eclectic_wench)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2010, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/48 "2010-11-02T18:00:19Z")
> [@shantih](#): > > _Please_ tell me that the thread was filled with derision for the OP, not support. You’d think. Disturbingly, opinion was split enough that it turned into a full-on fight (‘OMG I cant BELIEVE anyone wd do that esp when there are so many poor women who would LOVE to have a precious little baba and treat it RIGHT!!!’ versus ‘Overreact much?’), and then a fight about the fight, and then a fight about the fight about the fight, and then I got bored and wandered off. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/50 "2017-06-20T11:02:37Z")
How would you dress a chimpanzee for a public outing? Now, dress your baby similarly, but leave off the hornrimmed glasses. ---
**Author:** ![Emiliana](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f0a364/32.png) [@Emiliana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emiliana)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/51 "2017-06-20T11:50:45Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > How would you dress a chimpanzee for a public outing? > > Now, dress your baby similarly, but leave off the hornrimmed glasses. Thought about that for awhile, did you?😛 ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/52 "2017-06-20T12:19:49Z")
> [@Emiliana](#): > > Thought about that for awhile, did you?😛 Not long enough, or I’d have gone with horn-rimmed instead of hornrimmed. If I could live my life over, and only change one thing . . . ☹ ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/53 "2017-06-20T12:22:19Z")
Babies should wear zombie costumes. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/54 "2017-06-20T13:20:02Z")
Sorry - what did we decide about baby monocles? Yea or nay? ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/55 "2017-06-20T13:31:06Z")
I hate spoiling the party, but seriously, [people need to wise up.](https://pics.me.me/just-because-he-can-reach-the-mirror-doesnt-mean-hes-21752696.png) ---
**Author:** ![ZPG\_Zealot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/e47c2d/32.png) [@ZPG\_Zealot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZPG_Zealot)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/56 "2017-06-20T13:41:37Z")
> [@Sattua](#): > > I know that a lot of people have strong opinions about how thoroughly clothed infants should be while in public places… so what do you think? There are three issues covered here: > > 1. Appropriate footwear > > 2. Diaper coverage > > 3. Pajamas vs. “real clothes” > > PS: I am talking about INFANTS… babies too young to walk. A mouth gag above all else. ---
**Author:** ![MagicEyes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@MagicEyes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MagicEyes)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/57 "2017-06-20T14:17:05Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > Sorry - what did we decide about baby monocles? Yea or nay? Monocles are acceptable, but only if they’re worn with a little tiny top hat. ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/58 "2017-06-20T14:54:22Z")
FWIW, baby in question now shops at H&M. She has a rockin’ sense of style. ---
**Author:** ![Patx2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/73ab20/32.png) [@Patx2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patx2)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/59 "2017-06-20T15:18:57Z")
I said pajamas. How old is the baby in question? I think pajamas are always fine for a baby. As far as shoes, is the baby walking? The best answer though, is the little one needs to be protected from the cold, the sun, any and all weather elements. ---
**Author:** ![brainstall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/35a633/32.png) [@brainstall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brainstall)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/60 "2017-06-20T15:52:52Z")
I’m picturing zombie babies with little brain stains on their onesies… ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2017, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079/61 "2017-06-20T16:00:07Z")
Mods, can we change the title of this thread to “What should a first grader wear in public”? We generally dress our children in adorable preppy outfits befitting the advanced income of their parents. > [@eclectic](#): > > I was reading another board not long ago where there was a thread titled ‘And you call yourself a mother???’ I almost didn’t click because I was expecting some tale of horror. It turned out that…the OP had seen a woman with a baby that WASN’T WEARING SOCKS!!! On a day when the OP’s baby WAS WEARING SOCKS!!! And this woman STILL DARED TO CALL HERSELF A MOTHER!!!1111!! The other day, I was Baby Bjorning my 4 month old through the NY Waterway terminal and a woman stopped with a “SIR!! Your BABY is kicking her socks off!!” Sure enough. I looked down and she only had one sock on. Fortunately my wife was able to retrieve the other sock. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-a-baby-wear-in-public/559079.md?page=4)