I Said I’d Never Take My Baby Out Without Socks On
“I’ll never take my baby out without socks on.”
That sentence bothers me so much.
Mostly because I’m the one who said it.
Before I was a mom — even while I was pregnant — I said it multiple times. I had all these strong opinions about what I would and wouldn’t do as a mother. I think a lot of us do.
And then Maddie was born.
My entire perspective shifted the moment she was placed in my arms.
The “I’ll Never” Phase
It wasn’t just the sock comment. It was any sentence that started with:
“I’ll never…”
“My child will always…”
“As a mom, I would never…”
Motherhood has a funny way of humbling you.
Because the truth is — you don’t actually know until you’re in it.
The Sock Situation
My child does not wear socks.
Or shoes.
We have tried everything:
Zip-up shoes
Shoelaces
Soft bottoms
Hard bottoms
Every cute little pair you can imagine
She will cry and throw a full fit until they are pulled off. For her, it’s a sensory thing. The feeling just overwhelms her.
Her pediatrician thinks she’ll likely grow out of it once she starts walking more independently — and we’re hopeful that’s true.
But for right now? Socks just aren’t happening.
The Looks in Walmart
You would be surprised at the hateful looks we get when we take her out.
Especially in places like Walmart.
The side-eyes.
The judgment.
The silent commentary.
And honestly?
If I ever made another mom feel that way before I had children — I am so sorry.
Because now I understand.
Motherhood Will Humble You
Children humble us in ways we never expect.
You truly cannot say “I’ll never” until you are actually a parent. And even then — you probably shouldn’t.
Motherhood isn’t black and white. It’s not a checklist. It’s not about proving you’re doing it “right.”
It’s about learning your child.
And every single child is different.
What Moms Actually Need
Moms do not need judgment — especially from other moms.
Trust me, we get enough of that from the rest of the world.
We don’t need unsolicited advice.
We don’t need the looks.
We don’t need the whispers.
What we need is support.
If your children are healthy, safe, and loved — you are doing your job.
Parent in the way that works best for you and your child.
And maybe let’s all retire the phrase:
“I’ll never.”
Because motherhood has a way of lovingly proving us wrong.