Video:Tips for Buying an Infant Halloween Costume

Transcript:Tips for Buying an Infant Halloween Costume

Hello my name is Michelle Davidson for About.com. Today we are going to go over some tips for buying an infant Halloween costume.

Avoid Costume Materials and Accessories that Irritate the Infant

When choosing a costume first look to see what the costume is made of. Make sure the material of the costume is flame resistant. Also make sure the costume is made of a material that is gentle on the babies skin, cotton is always a good choice. Remember, Halloween costumes are not always made of the best quality materials so it is important that you look over it carefully (for loose pieces) to make sure there are no loose pieces or strings.

It should also be weather appropriate. If you live in a hot climate do not put your baby in a furry bear costume, on the other hand a hula dancer, may be a bad choice for cold climate. If the weather is unpredictable it is good to make sure the costume is loose enough to layer warm clothing underneath.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid a lot of accessories. If your infant does not tolerate a hat in day to day life he or she will not like it any better on Halloween. Also be wary of any costume that requires a cape or another accessory to be tied around the neck this is a strangulation risk, instead look for Velcro closures (on Capes). Masks are not safe for babies and should never be worn. Face paint can irritate a baby’s skin, and will often be rubbed into their mouth or eyes. If you do use it, make sure it is nontoxic and FDA approved for infants.

Keep the Infant Comfortable in Properly Fitting Halloween Costumes

The child should be comfortable, and the costume should facilitate the special needs of infants at different stages. A baby that is constantly on the move needs a simple loose fitting costume that allows for easy movement, while a newborn may prefer to be snugly wrapped in a bunting costume, just make sure that the bunting is not so large that the material blocks the baby’s mouth or nose.

Make sure that no part of the costumes makes it hard for an infant to see. Consider diaper changes, make sure the costume is well designed with easy access. You never know when a baby may spit up or have a leak plan ahead and have a spare outfit available. If you are traveling in the car Halloween make sure that the costume fits easily into the car seat, and does not pull a hood or other piece in front of your infant’s face.

Look for Deals on Infant Halloween Costumes

There is no need to spend a fortune on this costume. Look online for the widest variety. Your local costume shops will have a selection as well as any seasonal Halloween store. You can also find them in the Halloween aisle of many grocery stores and big box retailers. You can also look at specialty children’s clothing stores, they have a wide variety of clothing that could double as a costume, for example they often sell snowsuits that have cute little ears and a tail attached .Now all you have left to do is decide just what you want baby to dress up as.

Thank you for watching and for more information, check us out on the web at About.com.