Baby’s First Halloween Costume Ideas

Baby’s First Halloween Costume Ideas

Written by: Kassy Bradshaw

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Time to read 4 min

Celebrate your baby’s first Halloween with these simple but adorable costume ideas. Make their first Halloween something to remember!

Halloween Costume Ideas

Your baby’s first Halloween is one you’ll never forget—tiny costumes, adorable photos, and memories to look back on for years. While your baby will be a show stopper no matter the costume, here are some fun ideas to spice up their first night of spooky-cute fun! 

1. Classic Pumpkin

A baby in a pumpkin outfit
https://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/baby-pumpkin-costume-new/?epik=dj0yJnU9a2JwVDdJOWZndjVLdFFNV1Rtb2FLaVR2dVQwTDBzQU0mcD0wJm49dlZhdjJYUTE4UnlnOWJ4c0U4SkJZZyZ0PUFBQUFBR2pKc2Vv

A timeless favorite for a reason! A plush pumpkin outfit is cozy, recognizable, and perfect for those keepsake first Halloween photos. Plus, you can easily find sizes that are soft, warm, and baby-friendly.

2. Little Bumblebee

A baby in a bumbleebee costume
https://youandmie.com/2013/11/07/happy-bee-lated-halloween/

Sweet as honey, a bumblebee costume is playful and instantly recognizable. Bonus: you can coordinate with siblings or parents as a whole garden theme (flowers, bees, butterflies!).

3. Baby Cowboy or Cowgirl

A toddler in a cowboy costume.

Saddle up! A tiny cowboy hat, bandana, and little boots make for an unforgettable first Halloween look. Pair it with denim or a cozy romper for comfort—and maybe let parents dress as the rest of the rodeo crew.

4. Storybook Character

A toddler in a wild things costume
https://coolmompicks.com/blog/2017/10/17/easy-no-sew-diy-halloween-costumes-babies-toddlers/

From “Where the Wild Things Are” to Peter Rabbit, dressing baby as a beloved book character makes the ensemble sentimental and photo-worthy. Perfect for book-loving families.

5. Little Astronaut

A baby astronaut
https://www.domesticfashionista.com/2024/11/astronaut-sibling-halloween-costume.html

Shoot for the stars with a cozy astronaut romper or space-themed onesie. Pair with a soft “helmet” hat for a space explorer look that’s out of this world.

6. Movie Classics

A baby in a cinderella outfit
https://www.loveloveloveblog.com/diy-family-halloween-costumes/

Bring the magic of Disney to your baby’s first Halloween! Whether it’s Simba, Elsa, or a tiny Mickey, character costumes are a hit for little ones and instantly recognizable.

7. Baby Doctor

A baby in a doctor costume
https://www.target.com/p/baby-aspen-big-dreamzzz-baby-m-d-three-piece-layette-set-in-doctor-s-bag-gift-box-ba16010gn

A tiny set of scrubs or a lab coat makes for an adorable “career day” style Halloween. It’s sweet, simple, and comfortable for your little one.

8. Food-Inspired Costume

A baby in an avocado outfit
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/92675704829232994/

Taco, hotdog, avocado, cupcake—there are so many hilarious baby costumes shaped like food. These always get laughs and make for great photo ops.

9. Baby Bat

A baby in a bat costume
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1759287347797014/

If you still want a nod to classic Halloween, a baby bat costume is the perfect mix of spooky and sweet. Look for a soft sleeper with wings attached to keep it comfy.

10. Garden Gnome

A baby in  gnome costume
https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/kitchen-table-quilting-12258245/garden-gnome-costume-tutorial-roundup-4587617258

Whimsical and unexpected, a baby gnome outfit (complete with a little pointed hat and beard bib) will have everyone smiling.

Tip for Parents:

Prioritize Comfort Over Complexity

Babies’ first costumes should feel like clothing, not a costume obstacle course. Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or fleece are gentle on sensitive skin and help prevent overheating or irritation. Avoid scratchy materials, tight elastic, or heavy layers that could make your little one fussy

Choose Easy On & Easy Off Designs

Halloween often involves diaper changes, feeding, and moving between different environments. Costumes with snaps, zippers, or velcro make quick changes a breeze — especially when you’re juggling a fussy baby, a stroller, and a camera.

Skip Masks & Unsafe Headgear

Tiny masks, rigid helmets, and tight headgear can obstruct breathing and vision. They can also cause irritation or leave your baby uncomfortable during photos or outings. Instead, choose a themed hat, hood, or headband that complements the costume without restricting movement.

Avoid Small Parts & Choking Hazards

Babies explore with their mouths, so avoid costumes with loose beads, buttons, sequins, or removable decorations that could detach and pose a risk. Securely attached details are your safest bet.

Think About Temperature & Layers

Fall weather can vary widely — chilly evenings one minute, warm afternoons the next. Plan your costume with comfort in mind: layering allows you to add or remove warmth easily. For cooler nights, try a thermal onesie or cozy layers under (not over) the costume.

Safety First: Flame Resistance & Visibility

Traditional Halloween decorations often include candles or jack-o’-lanterns, so choosing flame-resistant costumes adds peace of mind. Look for flame-retardant fabric labels when possible. For evening trick-or-treating, adding reflective tape or a glow stick to outfits or stroller toys increases visibility in low light — making your baby easier for drivers and other families to see.

Plan for Photos, Then Play

Baby’s first Halloween lasts longer in photos than it does in real life! If they aren’t thrilled about wearing a full outfit for long, plan a quick photo session and follow it with a more comfortable outfit for the rest of the evening. This way, you capture the memories and keep your baby happy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kassy helps create a seamless, thoughtful online experience for moms shopping Freshly Picked by caring for every detail of the website, from the front-end design to the behind-the-scenes functionality. As a new mom, she’s learning the ins and outs of motherhood while finding beauty in the everyday moments—big and small. When she’s not fine-tuning the website, you’ll likely find her with a good book, enjoying a sweet treat, or soaking up time outdoors when the Arizona heat gives her a break.

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