Big sister tries to help dress baby brother—what happens is pure two under two chaos

A toddler. A pair of tiny socks. And one very wiggly baby.

In the viral TikTok posted by @marsmomdiary, a determined sibling takes on a mission that every parent knows is borderline impossible: dressing a baby who wants absolutely no part of it. The goal? Slip socks onto her squirmy little brother’s feet. The result? A hilarious, heart-melting battle of wills.

Misses. Tries again. Baby kicks. Socks flop. There’s no frustration—just pure, unfiltered persistence from a pint-sized caregiver whose fine motor skills haven’t quite caught up with her determination. Parents watching can’t help but see the sweetness behind the struggle. The video now has over 2.8 million views in just one week.

Why this moment matters more than we think

On the surface, it’s a funny sibling moment. But watch closely and you’ll see something bigger: the earliest flickers of caregiving instincts.

Even in toddlerhood, older siblings often mirror the nurturing behaviours they’ve observed from parents—rocking dolls, patting backs, offering toys… and yes, attempting to put socks on a wiggly baby. These clumsy, love-soaked efforts help plant the seeds for empathy, patience, and problem-solving.

Trying to help is a crucial developmental step. Even if the execution is clumsy, the intent lays the foundation for prosocial skills. By encouraging these attempts (and laughing through the chaos), parents help children strengthen bonds with their siblings while learning resilience.

Related: The ups and downs of helping a toddler prepare for the arrival of a new sibling

The universal struggle: dressing a moving baby

Any parent will tell you that dressing a baby is an Olympic sport. The kicking legs, the rolling, the grabby hands. Add a toddler “helper” into the mix and you’ve got a comedy sketch in the making.

That’s why this video hits so hard for parents. It taps into that shared memory bank of impossible-but-hilarious dressing sessions. It’s the chaos, the giggles, and the “almost got it!” moments that make it irresistible to watch (and rewatch).

What people are saying

TikTok commenters couldn’t get enough of both the effort and the baby’s sass:

@tanique1: “U know what, I’m a baby.. I don’t have time for this.”
@agentstatic: “He said, matter of fact it’s warm in here, you don’t need socks.”
@tapinnchill: “He was trying so hard.”
@kubafalkowski33: “He was like: nah do it yourself.”

Related: ‘Did it hurt?’: A sibling’s sweet reaction to his little sister’s boo-boo melts hearts

Why we should cheer for the “trying” phase

Child development specialists remind us that the attempt is everything. The act of wanting to help—even without success—matters far more than the outcome. These moments show a child’s willingness to engage, to connect, and to contribute to family life.

And for parents? It’s a reminder to value progress over perfection. Whether it’s a toddler offering a pacifier, fetching a nappy, or valiantly attempting sock duty, these small acts are early seeds of empathy.

So, the next time your toddler tries to “help” with the baby, resist the urge to take over. Let them fumble. Let them try. Because one day, those same wobbly attempts might turn into the steady, confident care of a lifelong friend.