My youngest daughter was born last October, and while this Halloween-loving momma was excited for her little pumpkin, finding a Halloween costume fit for a newborn can be hard. You need to consider your Halloween plans. Will baby be in a stroller, carrier/wrap, or car seat? If yes, you'll want an outfit without anything attached to the back (like angel or bug wings) and that allows baby to be strapped in through the legs. That means no bunting/sleep-sack style costumes. However, those are a good choice for a cute photo shoot at home, or if baby will spend the whole Halloween party in your lap.
Also be sure to select something ultra-soft for delicate newborn skin. Outfits that are too complicated should also be avoided because they make diaper changes difficult. Costumes with separate hats/head pieces are a good option for teeny tots who will probably sleep through most of the excitement. Keeping these tips in mind, there are still lots of great costumes. These are our favorites. — Angele Sionna
Babble Best: Star Wars Costumes by Rubie's — $18-$22
The force will be strong with your tiny tot in these costumes. Both have adorably fun headpieces (Yoda ears or Leia hair buns) that keep little heads warm. The outfits themselves are simple robes, which means baby can wear weather-appropriate gear underneath. Plus it's easy on/easy off for diaper changes. Mom, Dad and the rest of the fam can dress up as characters too, as there are plenty of coordinating costumes for older children and adults. Leia and Yoda come in several sizes from newborn on up. More a fan of the Darkside? Rubies makes a Darth Vader newborn costume as well.
Get the newborn Yoda costume from Amazon for $22
Get the newborn Princess Leia costume from Amazon for $19.95
Get the newborn Darth Vader costume from Amazon for $17.99
Newborn Halloween Costumes : Runners-Up
Rock-A-Bye Elvis by Forum Novelties — $19
This is a fun take on a bunting-style newborn costume. It has a convenient velcro bottom for quick diaper changes. Baby's hands fit through the little openings in the front too, so he can still hold your finger for reassurance. The company makes equally funny newborn muscleman and ballerina bunting costumes.
Get the Elvis costume from Amazon for $18.69
Get the Ballerina Princess costume from Amazon for $19.99
Get the Muscleman costume from Amazon for $18.44
The BaaBaaBaby Lamb by One Step Ahead — $21
Here's an instant parent-child costume: you go as Mary and baby goes as your cuddly little lamb. This one is not only precious, but it's super soft, has snap legs for easy diaper changes, a separate headpiece, and separate bootie covers to go over socks or shoes. It comes in two sizes for 6-18 pounds and 19-25 pounds. If you have more than one child, you can make them all a part of your flock.
Get the lamb costume from One Step Ahead for $20.95
Baby Superman by Rubie's — $18
He eats faster than a speeding bullet, cries louder than a locomotive, and is able to grab your attention with a single coo! This bunting-style costume is soft and allows baby to wiggle around. It doesn't have a headpiece to keep baby's head warm, but that also means there's nothing to agitate your superhero.
Get the Superbaby costume from Amazon for $17.44.
Cuddly Crocodile by Cinema Secrets — $37
New for 2008, this crocodile has a separate headpiece with googly-eyes and attached hand covers. It will keep your little gal or guy snug. Daddy can go as Captain Hook to make an adorable combo. Or if you have newborn twins, pair the croc with a friendly Captain Hook bunting, also made by Cinema Secrets. Mom and older siblings can go as Tinker Bell or Peter Pan!
Get the Cuddly Crocodile costume from BuyCostumes for $36.99
Get the Captain Hook costume from BuyCostumes for $26.99