Halloween Costumes for Babies (The Guide)
From elaborate sewing projects to last-minute baby costumes and frugal-minded ideas for parents who want to highlight their baby’s mind-blowing Halloween cuteness, we’ve put all our best dress-up ideas on this page. If you’ve got a related photo or story to share, feel free to comment at the bottom.
Simplest tiny newborn costumes. Is it baby’s first Halloween? For those who will probably be asleep but are still going to be on display, consider something uber-easy. And comfy!
Best costume that will actually be worn again: pajamas! Our hands-down favorite are skeleton-themed jammies. Carters saves the day with this skeleton pj-set that gets more wear after Halloween. This is the Rookie Mom go-to costume: Julian has donned the bones twice, Holden once, Milo once, and Sawyer is pictured below! Gymboree has a set in pink for only $10.
Other “You’ll totally wear that again” costumes for toddlers and kids:
You’ll totally wear that again: Laura Ingalls costume from Molly
You’ll totally wear that again: prom dress becomes princess dress from Carrie
You’ll totally wear that again: cowgirl costume from Dottie
Reusable toddler train engineer costume from me, on BabyCenter.com.
You’ll totally wear that again: cool (little) dude jackets from Caitlin
Baby as a prop to your own costume is convenient if you’ll be wearing or carrying your baby most of the time. We’ve thought of quite a few “themes” that will unify your look with your baby in a sling or carrier.
More mom and baby costume ideas like this…
Best last-minute costumes for infants. Make the baby clothes you’ve got on-hand into a new persona. We’ve got nine ideas for late-breaking baby costumes…
Best costumes for pregnant chicks:
- Embrace the belly and be Buddha, Santa Claus, or a guy with a beer belly (baseball cap, man-style sleeveless undershirt, beer in hand)
- Pregnant virgins: nun, cheerleader, girl scout, or bride
- Staying home? Paint your belly as a pumpkin like Caley
- Be athletic and paint your belly as a beach ball or basketball as below. (Image courtesy Parents.com)
- More pop culture and other ideas from pregnantchicken.
Best place for store-bought toddler costumes that will be soft, comfy, reasonably priced, and not based on a television character: Carters
Best selection if your child wants to be a pop culture character (and we found a discount link!): Get 15% Off at BuyCostumes.com
Best shortcuts for DIY parents:
- Costume kits on Etsy for tricking out a sweatsuit
- Start with a monochromatic base outfit like the one below from One Step Ahead (This warm under-layer comes in red, pink, tan and green for $14.99) and add accesories.
- Iconic OshKosh train conductor-style overalls paired with collared shirt and red bandana ($14 at Carters.com as of this writing!)
- Use a ribbon + sponges to make a dragon or dinosaur costume out of anything!
- Use iron-on printer paper to add details and designs, such as a control panel for R2D2 or a tiny necktie for an old man.
- Make a clown collar and wear it with pjs. Here’s how.
Most impressive DIY costume endeavors by other parents:
Hall of Fame: Homemade Halloween costumes from Rookie Moms readers
Hall of Fame: Even more homemade Halloween costumes for babies and toddlers
Hall of Fame: Even more DIY costumes
Still reading? If you’ve got a cute idea to share for Halloween, please send it to moms @ rookiemoms . com and we’ll add it to this guide!
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[...] For other awesome costume ideas, check out our Halloween Guide for Babies and the parents who love them enough to learn how to sew and/or shop. [...]
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Thanks for the great guide!
I’m a firm believer in at least partially DIY and/or reusable components to Halloween costumes. Last year my daughter needed some long-sleeve tops anyway, so I got a few from American Apparel, and I got black yoga pants to match the top. I bought some plain white “princess” wings from a craft store but painted them as a butterfly, so she got some sweet butterfly wings out of the deal–easily reusable again for her and another kid, and we used the clothes over & over again. The only part that didn’t work so well was the antennae/crown I made out of pipe cleaners– rejected. Oh, well.
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Bristol must have left quite an impression for people to still be picking on her. Because of the fact that you still do, is a reflection of your own insecurities!!!
[...] Need more ideas? See the Rookie Mom’s Costume Guide! [...]
Rookie moms to the rescue once again! You saved my nerves while I was pregnant, saved my sanity when my wee lad was a newbie, and just saved my sorry bum when I put off costuming to the last week. Old Navy cutie monkey costume with all the options a toddler needs (soft, warm, removable hood, gloves, and elastics to keep on the feet) and ONLY ten buckaroos with rave reviews. Well done rookie moms, well done!
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[...] Here is our complete guide to Halloween Costumes for Babies and Toddlers. [...]
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[...] Rookie Mom’s “Halloween Costumes for Babies (The Guide)“ [...]
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[...] you fall into the still undecided category for your little one this Halloween, check out the Halloween Costumes for Babies Guide from RookieMoms.com. They’ve got some great dress up ideas for babies, toddlers, and even [...]