Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Baby Costumes

Last updated on August 6, 2024
Best Baby Costumes

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Our Picks For The Top Baby Costumes

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Top Pick

Noubeau Faux Fur Dalmatian Romper Baby Costume

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Noubeau

Faux Fur Dalmatian Romper Baby Costume

Children can choose from several different animal and holiday-friendly designs, then crawl, walk and sleep in this lightweight costume every day. The soft material makes it super comfortable, even for children that have sensitive skin.

Overall Take

Suitable for Three SeasonsLightweight material makes this long-sleeved baby costume perfect for winter, spring or fall.

 Runner Up

Spooktacular Creations Easy Diaper Change Monkey Baby Costume

Spooktacular Creations

Easy Diaper Change Monkey Baby Costume

Adorable is the best word to describe this monkey baby costume. Not only does it have furry feet, a tail and a headpiece with ears, but it even comes with a plush banana. The material is nice and soft, as well as warm, which is an added bonus if Halloween's in your area tend to be on the cooler side.

Overall Take

Super SoftAfter Halloween, this baby costume can be used as a set of winter pajamas.

 Runner Up

Dxhycc Polyester One Size Fits Most Children’s Black Cat Costume

Dxhycc

Polyester One Size Fits Most Children's Black Cat Costume

This black cat costume is versatile and ideal for playing dress-up at home or going out for Halloween. It comes with several pieces, including a skirt, ears and tail. The costume also has a cute bowtie.

Overall Take

Versatile OptionWear this costume for dress-up or Halloween.

 Also Great

LENSOUS Medical Doctor Baby Costume

LENSOUS

Medical Doctor Baby Costume

Transform your little one into a doctor this Halloween using this adorable baby costume. The one-piece set is made using a material that is nice and soft, so baby will stay comfortable throughout the day. As an added bonus, the costume includes a pair of pretend glasses.

Overall Take

Most EconomicalWhen shopping on a budget, this baby costume is the way to go.

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.

What to Look For

  • 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.

More to Explore

Today, onesies are a staple of any infant’s wardrobe. But the garment actually started as adult wear. Called pajamas (or ”pyjamas” in the U.K.) these one-piece clothing items began as a brief fashion trend in Britain in the 1600s. The trend picked back up again in the late 1800s, when an early version of adult onesies became popular.

In the 1930s, the trend became popular for sleepwear, with Winston Churchill even commissioning his own version, which he called “rompers,” to wear in meetings with heads of state during the 1940s and ’50s. The garments were also called “siren suits,” as they provided something comfortable yet covered to wear outside at night when air raid sirens drove sleepy Londoners from their homes during World War II.

Onesies became popular for young children in the 1950s, when the baby boom led to a huge market for infant apparel. Parents were looking for a way to keep babies warm, and onesies did the trick. But the trend has taken on new legs in recent years, with themed onesies becoming popular with teens and young adults looking for comfortable but fun loungewear options.

From our partners