Thu. Nov 14th, 2024

Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re a parent, you’re probably already thinking about how to dress up your little one for their first (or perhaps second) spooky season. But instead of heading to the store, why not create a DIY costume that’s both unique and budget-friendly? Here are some charming and easy-to-make ideas that will ensure your baby is the cutest one on the block this Halloween.

1. The Classic Pumpkin

You can’t go wrong with the classic pumpkin costume, and it’s surprisingly easy to create at home. Start with an orange onesie or a soft, orange baby outfit. You can use black felt to cut out shapes for the eyes, nose, and mouth, and simply attach them with fabric glue or safety pins (ensure they’re safely out of reach). A green beanie with a little felt stem on top completes the look, turning your baby into the sweetest pumpkin in the patch.

Tip: Add a pair of green socks or booties to represent the pumpkin’s vine.

2. Baby Bumblebee

Transform your little one into a buzzing bumblebee with just a few simple items. Start with a yellow onesie and use black fabric tape or strips of black felt to create the bee’s stripes. For the wings, you can cut out wing shapes from a piece of white felt or fabric and attach them to the back of the onesie with Velcro or fabric glue. A headband with soft, bobbing antennae (easily made with pipe cleaners and pom-poms) will complete this delightful costume.

Tip: If it’s chilly, add a black long-sleeve shirt and leggings underneath to keep your baby warm.

Read next: The best baby halloween costumes for 2024

3. Little Lamb

For a costume as soft and cuddly as your baby, a little lamb is the perfect choice. Start with a white or cream-coloured onesie. Using cotton balls or white pom-poms, cover the onesie by attaching them with fabric glue (or sewing if you’re feeling crafty). Add a simple felt headband with small, floppy ears, and your baby will be the fluffiest lamb in the meadow.

Tip: Use white mittens or socks to make little lamb “hooves” and add extra warmth.

4. Baby Bat

A baby bat costume is not only adorable but also very easy to make. Start with a black onesie or footed pyjamas. For the wings, cut out wing shapes from black felt or lightweight fabric, and attach them to the arms of the onesie with Velcro or sewing, allowing them to flap when your baby moves. A black hat with tiny bat ears (made from felt triangles) will finish the look, making your little one the cutest creature of the night.

Tip: If you’re up for a little extra crafting, add some glitter or metallic fabric paint to the wings for a magical touch.

5. Sweet Strawberry

Turn your baby into a delicious strawberry with a red onesie and some green felt. Cut out small black or dark brown felt seeds and attach them to the onesie with fabric glue. For the leaves, create a simple leaf collar out of green felt and fasten it around your baby’s neck (not too tight, of course). A green beanie hat tops off this fruity costume, making your little one the berry sweetest!

Tip: If you’re feeling creative, make a small felt strawberry to attach to a pacifier or toy for a matching accessory.

6. Tiny Superhero

Every baby is a superhero in the eyes of their parents, so why not dress them up as one? Choose a brightly coloured onesie and create a cape out of matching fabric or felt. Add a big felt letter to the chest (maybe the first letter of your baby’s name) and don’t forget the mask—cut out a simple mask shape from felt and attach it to a soft headband. Your little superhero will be ready to save the day!

Tip: Use Velcro to attach the cape, so it’s easy to remove for naps or feeding times.

7. Cozy Caterpillar

For a cozy and colourful costume, a caterpillar is a great choice. Choose a green or striped onesie, and sew or glue on large felt circles in different colours down the front and back to create the caterpillar segments. A green hat with antennae (made from pipe cleaners and pom-poms) will complete the transformation.

Tip: If your baby is mobile, add extra padding to the onesie to create the caterpillar’s body segments, making crawling even more fun.

8. Friendly Ghost

A ghost costume is a Halloween classic, and it’s incredibly simple to DIY. Start with a white onesie and add a ghostly face with black felt or fabric paint. You can create a simple ghost hood with white fabric or use a white hat with a felt face attached. This costume is not only cute but also comfortable for your little one.

Tip: For an extra spooky effect, use glow-in-the-dark fabric paint for the ghost’s eyes and mouth.

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By Beth Ashton

Beth Ashton is a leading expert in audience engagement and digital media strategy, currently serving as Chief Growth Officer at Bright Sites. With a dynamic career rooted in journalism and digital transformation, Beth has become a key figure in shaping how media organisations connect with and grow their audiences in the digital age. As Head of Audience Strategy at some of the UK's biggest newspapers, Beth oversaw the development and implementation of data-driven strategies that enhanced audience growth, retention, and engagement. Her approach combines deep insights into audience behaviour with creative content solutions, ensuring that media brands can not only capture attention but also build lasting relationships with their audiences. Beth is known for her forward-thinking approach to digital media, leveraging her expertise to drive significant growth across platforms. She has successfully led initiatives that increase audience interaction, optimise content distribution, and expand digital reach, all while maintaining a strong focus on the quality and integrity of content. Contact Beth at beth@parents-news.co.uk

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