In this blog post, we'll dive deeper into a crucial developmental stage for little ones: putting on socks. A seemingly simple task, but actually quite complex. It requires not only muscle strength and coordination, but also insight, perseverance, and a little practice. In this blog post, we'll explain what a child needs to master this skill and how you can start practicing it at home.

1. Motor skills: small actions, big steps

Putting on socks requires both fine and gross motor skills. Think of opening the sock, sliding the foot inside, and pulling the sock securely over the heel. A child must be able to use both hands together, bring their foot toward them, and maintain sufficient balance while sitting or standing.

 2. Insight into steps and direction

Besides motor skills, cognitive skills are also needed. A child will understand how to hold the sock, what the top and bottom are, and the order in which the actions occur. Sometimes, the child will need to get creative, for example, if the sock is inside-out or twisted.

3. Physical conditions

The body also needs to cooperate. A child needs sufficient strength in their hands and flexibility to pull the foot toward them.

4. Motivation and practice

And then there's motivation: does the child want to do it themselves? That's often the key to success. Give a child the space to practice, even if it takes a little longer or goes wrong at first. Independence comes through repetition and building confidence in their own abilities.

On average, children acquire this skill around the age of 3 or 4. But you can playfully start tackling this challenge with your toddlers even earlier. Every child learns differently. Some need more time than others, and that's perfectly fine. So don't worry if it takes a little longer! We have a few handy tips for you to try at home. And if you have any doubts, don't hesitate to contact us.

Socks plan

For many children, especially those with mild (neuro)motor challenges, visual support can be helpful during the learning process. A step-by-step approach using pictograms or photos of the various steps can help them automate various aspects of the task. For this purpose, we designed a step-by-step plan with explanations for parents and one with visual support for the children.

It's essential to encourage your child throughout this process, be patient, and take the time to carefully complete each step. It's perfectly normal for it to take some time for them to fully master this skill. So stay patient and continue to encourage them positively throughout the process. Have fun practicing!

Some tips to practice putting on socks at home

• Agree that your child will put on one sock and you the other, and only later will they put on both socks themselves. If necessary, start by having them pull up the last part of the sock first. Then you can gradually increase the amount until your child is doing more and more independently.

• Practice with mom or dad's socks. These are a bit bigger and looser, making them easier to put on.

• Also choose socks that are slightly larger afterwards so that they are less tight to pull over the toes and heel.

• Let your child take off or put on your socks. You can start by pulling the sock over your toes.

• To practice with your toddler/preschooler, you can use scrunchies or hair ties. These can be pulled around the foot just like a sock, without having to worry about heel positioning or the increased amount of fabric that will follow.

This blog was written by physiotherapist Emma Detobel