The Best Baby Costumes

Buying Guide

Few things are exciting as having a new baby in the house; getting a chance to celebrate so many “firsts” can be a lot of fun. At some point, this will probably include dressing your little one in a costume, whether it’s to celebrate a holiday, have fun with houseguests, or indulge your desire to see how adorable your child looks as a favorite fruit, animal or TV character.

You don’t need a special occasion to dress your baby up like a unicorn or bear. In fact, there are onesies with fun character details that will bring a smile to your face when you’re merely lounging around the house.

Until your child is old enough to have their own preferences, you’ll get to pick costumes out for them — this stage doesn’t last long, so enjoy it! As you’re choosing a costume, there are some considerations (other than pure cuteness) that you’ll want to take into account.

First, look at comfort. Some costumes may not be as breathable, which is nice for cold weather but may keep your child too warm if it’s mild out. Check the materials the item is made from. You might prefer cotton, which allows air flow and can be softer and more natural, or easy-care polyester, which offers breathability, strength and additional warmth.

Does the material restrict movement? A lightweight onesie with a theme would be ideal for everyday or night wear, but something more involved, with different pieces and fasteners, might be best for outings or photo shoots.

You’ll also want to look at care instructions for the clothing. Most of your infant’s wardrobe can likely be tossed in the washer between wears, but that isn’t the case with all costumes. Some require hand-washing, so if you prefer not to do this, pay close attention to washing and drying instructions while you’re shopping. If it’s a costume your child will only wear once or twice, though, a challenging care process might not be as big a deal if you love the look.

• Diaper changes are inevitable. Make sure the costume you choose has snaps or a zipper in the crotch area to make diaper changes easy.
• Some baby costumes come in sizes for toddlers, too. With these, households with multiple children can choose coordinating costumes for a little extra fun.
• It can be tempting to go for a warmer option if your child will be wearing the costume in the winter months. Consider how much time you’ll be spending indoors, though. If the heater is going full blast, your infant might be uncomfortable.
• With a little creativity, you can create a costume on your own. You’ll even find ideas online to inspire you. This can help you save money while also creating a unique look for your child.
• Keep in mind that babies grow quickly. The costume you buy today might not fit a few months from now. If the one you’re buying is intended for long-term wear, you might want to size up to give your baby room to grow.
• Look at how a costume fastens. Velcro is easy and safe, with no danger of small fingers getting caught in the fastener. But Velcro isn’t as sturdy or secure as a zipper.
• Headpieces can be fun, but they also can become a nuisance. A costume with a removable headpiece may be best for your infant, since it provides options.
• If your baby is walking, a costume that has feet attached might be better than one that leaves the feet bare. But if you choose a costume with feet, make sure the bottoms are padded and ridged to provide stability as your child moves around.
• Some favorite characters come in different costume options. If you’re looking for a specific one, make sure you shop around to find exactly the material and size you need.