Although your baby will be too young to understand the concept of Halloween, baby’s first Halloween can still be fun and festive. From Halloween party ideas to trick-or-treating safety tips, this guide will provide all of the information you need to ensure that you and your little one have a safe and memorable Halloween.
Ideas for Baby’s First Halloween
Plan a Halloween Outing
An outing at a local pumpkin patch or fall festival is something that baby and family can enjoy. Most fall festivals have costume contests, arts and crafts for kids, and other fun activities. Locate seasonal events in your community, and don’t forget to take plenty of pictures!
Have a Baby-Friendly Halloween Party
Consider hosting a baby-friendly Halloween party for family and friends. Invite your baby’s playmates over for a costume party and Halloween treats. Encourage guests to dress up in costumes and provide age-appropriate treat bags and activities for the children. Below are a few ideas for baby’s first Halloween party:
Play music and dance – Your baby will enjoy dancing and wiggling to the beat of the music. Play fun, upbeat Halloween music to set the mood.
Read Halloween stories – Choose an age-appropriate book filled with Halloween stories and have the kids gather around for story time. Make sure the stories aren’t too scary, though.
Take pictures – You will want to have a memory of baby’s first Halloween, so take plenty of pictures of your child in his or her Halloween costume.
Prepare finger foods and Halloween-themed snacks for kids – Consider festive snacks such as pumpkin-flavored yogurt, pumpkin pie, or other soft treats that babies can eat.
Have parents bring their favorite dessert or candy – Grown-ups will want to indulge in Halloween treats, too, so have each adult brings something to share.
Trick-or-Treating Tips
If you decide to take your baby trick-or-treating, make sure you go when it is still light outside. That way, your baby will be able to experience trick-or-treating with other small children before the older kids come out. Babies may also be more easily frightened by scary costumes or decorations at night, which is why it is better to go before dark.
Take Pictures!
No matter what you have planned for baby’s first Halloween, take plenty of pictures. Visit a local pumpkin patch and take photographs of your child dressed in his or her Halloween costume. If you would prefer to stay close to home, decorate a seasonal scene in your house or yard for a convenient Halloween photo opportunity.
Halloween Safety
Choosing a Costume – Whether you buy or make baby’s first Halloween costume, keep in mind that you want your child to be safe and comfortable. The costume you choose for your baby should fit well, not too large or small. It is also a good idea to choose a costume or material that is flame retardant. Also, beware of loose strings that baby can choke on.
Halloween Masks – Halloween masks should be reserved for older children. Wearing a Halloween mask can be frightening and uncomfortable for babies, and should be avoided. Masks that fully cover the child’s face can also cause difficulty breathing.
Face Paint – Refrain from applying make-up or face paint on babies. Babies have sensitive skin and may develop a rash or experience a bad reaction if face paint is applied. If you decide to use face paint on your child, choose a non-toxic face paint and use caution when applying the paint around your child’s eyes and mouth.
Stroller Safety – If you decide to take your child trick-or-treating, make sure that he or she is securely fastened when riding in a stroller. Sidewalks and streets can be crowded on Halloween night with trick-or-treaters and adults. Don’t leave your child unattended in a stroller and beware of the traffic as you cross the street.
These tips will ensure that you and your baby have a safe and enjoyable first Halloween. No matter what you decide to do with your child during Halloween, make sure you take plenty of pictures as a keepsake. Also, be sure to check back soon for an opportunity to show off your child’s Halloween costume in our Halloween Costume Photo Contest!