Originally published October 28, 2015. Updated September 4, 2026.

Whether it is your baby’s first Halloween or your toddler insists on wearing a cape every day, dressing up little ones is one of the most entertaining parts of the season. These 18 costume ideas range from classic and cuddly to clever, creative, and easy to make at home.

Click each idea to see costume photos and inspiration.

  1. Baby Pumpkin — A classic, comfortable choice for a first Halloween. See pumpkin costume ideas.

  2. Baby Burrito — Wrap your little one in a soft blanket and add felt “fillings” for a hilarious photo.

  3. Tiny Cow — A spotted romper, little ears, and a soft tail make an adorable farm-inspired costume. See baby cow costume inspiration.

  4. Cuddly Teddy Bear — This cozy costume is perfect for babies who prefer comfort over complicated accessories. See toddler bear costumes.

  5. Little Pirate — Add a striped shirt, bandanna, and soft eye patch for a swashbuckling toddler look.

  6. Baby Mermaid — A colorful tail, seashell details, and a sparkly headband create an enchanting costume.

  7. Baby Dinosaur — A hooded dinosaur costume is warm, playful, and easy for little ones to wear. See dinosaur costume ideas.

  8. Tiny Octopus — Use a colorful outfit and soft stuffed tentacles for a wonderfully wiggly costume. See an octopus costume example.

  9. Baby Owl — A no-sew owl costume can be made with felt, a hooded sweatshirt, and soft fabric details. See owl costume inspiration.

  10. Run-DMC-Inspired Rapper — A black tracksuit, sneakers, and a large personalized chain create a music-inspired costume.

  11. Mini Superhero — Let your child choose a favorite color and create a simple cape from felt or fabric.

  12. Little Artist — Add a beret, paint palette, and colorful smock for a creative costume. See more artistic costume ideas.

  13. Baby Flamingo — Pink clothing, a feathered tutu, and a simple headpiece create a fun, colorful look. See a flamingo toddler costume.

  14. Little Chef — A child-sized apron and chef’s hat make an easy costume for a toddler who enjoys helping in the kitchen.

  15. Gift Box — Decorate a lightweight cardboard box with wrapping paper, leaving plenty of room for your child to move safely.

  16. Mario or Luigi — Overalls, a colorful shirt, and a paper or fabric hat make a recognizable sibling costume.

  17. Baby Firefly — Dark clothing, glowing details, and a pair of wings create a magical nighttime costume. See current baby costume trends.

  18. Family-Themed Costume — Build the baby’s costume around the rest of the family, such as a shark, astronaut, candy, or favorite storybook theme. See family costume inspiration.

Costume Safety Tips

Choose costumes that allow babies and toddlers to see, walk, crawl, and move comfortably. Avoid loose strings, small detachable pieces, sharp accessories, and anything that could cover a child’s face or interfere with breathing. Never leave a baby unattended while wearing a costume, especially one with a hood, headpiece, wings, or other accessories.

For babies, the best costumes are usually soft, lightweight, and easy to remove for diaper changes. A comfortable child is much more likely to enjoy the celebration—and cooperate for that perfect Halloween picture.

The links above lead to current costume galleries and inspiration pages. Some pages may include shopping links or sponsored recommendations. Always verify product availability, sizing, materials, and safety information before purchasing