Kids' Halloween Costumes

From LoveToKnow Costumes

Halloween is all about children, and kids' Halloween costumes are the most critical part of the celebrations for most youngsters. How do you know what costume is right for your youngster?

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Know Your Kid

When looking for kids' Halloween costumes, the first thing to take into consideration is your child's preferences -- and not just for characters. More important to know is what kinds of clothing your child can tolerate for an hour or more of walking up and down the streets.

If your child hates hats and refuses to wear them, then a costume with a hat or full-head mask is a bad choice. Claustrophobic children will do better in face-paint than in a mask. Youngsters who have sensitive skin and are intolerant of "the itchies," won't be comfortable in scratchy fabrics or costumes with velcro closures. How long will your little princess be able to clump up to front porches in those fancy Cinderella slippers? (Carry along a pair of comfy shoes for that inevitable moment when she insists on ditching them.)

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Picking Your Character

Choosing a character is going to depend on two things: your child's desires and your budget. Of primary importance is your child's preference, of course. Most youngsters want to be their favorite superhero or movie character. Some children want to dress up as doctors, pirates, nurses, firemen, policemen, astronauts, and the like. A minority want to be animals. You may have to gently lead your child into a choice of character that is not the first choice, but that fits in your budget. For example, many children want to be Snow White, but her costume is such that it must be bought or rented, and your budget may not support that expense.

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Make or Buy Kids' Halloween Costumes?

Next, decide whether you want to make a costume from items that you have on hand or whether you want to buy or rent a costume. If you are a talented seamstress, there are many excellent costume patterns available in your local fabric store or online. If you are creative and "crafty," you can make some really cool (and inexpensive) costumes from simple things like sweats, T-shirts, and various other items.

A simple "Ninja" costume, for example, may be made by putting your child in solid black sweats, black socks, black gloves, a black balaclava-style hat, and black tennis shoes or house slippers. This costume can be accessorized with a dollar-store set of knives and throwing stars. Many different kinds of costumes lend themselves well to this approach: pirates, clowns, princesses (start with an old bridesmaid's or prom dress), prisoners, angels, and so on. Even some superheroes may be partially created by buying your child the superhero pajamas and accessorizing. Spiderman, Superman, Batman, or Mr. Incredible (for boys) or Wonder Woman, Catwoman, or Mrs. Incredible (for girls) can be done this way.

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Safety Considerations

Your child's safety is the most important thing to consider when evaluating any costume. Make sure that the child can see clearly through the eyeholes of the mask, and that the mask fits securely but not too tight. Make sure that pants and skirts are high enough off the ground that they don't present a tripping hazard. Likewise, make sure that shoes are securely tied and properly fitted so that they don't cause your child to trip. Accessories (including the all-important treat bag) should be attached in such a way that they do not distract your child from walking or pose a risk of injury if your child falls on them.

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