6 Ways to Get Ready for
Baby’s First Halloween

Your child’s first Halloween is definitely a time for celebration. There’s nothing more fun than dressing up your little ghost or goblin for the first experience of trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. However, before you set out with your stroller and treat bag in hand, there are a few key things to prepare for the evening so your baby’s first Halloween is serene and soothing, not scary.

1

Keep the costume simple

Even if you have a fabulous idea for an adorable DIY costume that has four different parts – plus accessories – save that until your little goblin is more mobile. Remember that your child is still in diapers, and choose a costume that’s well-suited for babies. Pick something simple enough to put on and take off easily; you may have to change a diaper in the middle of a chilly October night. Great ideas include cozy animal costumes, plush pumpkin costumes and Halloween themes, such as charming witches or devils. Keep accessories to a minimum; a few are fine, but make sure they’re soft and not something your child can accidentally remove easily.

2

Shop thoughtfully

It’s easy to get lost in a whirlwind of fun accessories and supplies, but when you’re searching for costumes and decor for your baby’s first trick-or-treating excursion, keep a budget in mind. Your child may only wear the costume and many of the accessories once, so choose something adorable but sensible. If you buy decorations, make sure they’re things that you can use year after year. Wall hangings, string lights and yard decorations are always favorites. Consider getting a “baby’s first” item or two to commemorate the occasion.

3

Bring everything you need, nothing you don’t

As a first-time parent, you’re no doubt excited about this special day. However, keep in mind that your baby is still an infant and isn’t aware it’s Halloween. Instead of bracing the chilly night air in a costume, perhaps dress up the house in some terrific Halloween decor and have a small party with other parents of babies and toddlers. You’re always able to add a quick walk around the block with the entire crew later on, and everyone is on hand to help each other out if the babies and toddlers get fussy. It’s a great way to begin a new Halloween tradition.

4

Take plenty of pictures

Whether you choose to trick-or-treat or stay home with friends and family, take lots of pictures. While staging pictures with babies can require some patience, related items in the background such as Halloween toys and books can set the scene without being too staged. Take as many photos as possible of your baby in their adorable outfit, whether or not you go trick-or-treating. This is a photo night you definitely want to add to the family album later on.

5

Go early when trick-or-treating

There’s no rule that says you have to wait until well after dusk to start trick-or-treating. Remember that it might be cold outside and you have a small child. Neighborhood parents and friends will understand. If you do live in an area where it’s chilly, make sure to pack a few blankets, quilts and extra supplies for your baby. Even if a blanket musses up that sweet Halloween costume, remember it’s your number-one priority to keep your baby warm.

6

Simply have fun

Like any other experience in your baby’s first year, your baby’s first Halloween is going to be a learning experience. There may be a missing bottle during the night or a diaper change while you’re out trick-or-treating. The most important thing is to relax and have fun. Beyond finding the perfect costume, getting the right Pottery Barn Kids tabletop accessories or snapping that perfect picture, it’s the memories that you make with your baby that are the most important. Whether you’re gathering with friends or taking your baby out trick-or-treating for the first time, it’s sure to be a night to remember.