Toddler Costumes

Toddlers love dressing up, but choosing toddler costumes is not always an easy task. Safety and comfort considerations are paramount, but the child also has to like the costume. There are many ways to make choosing your toddler's Halloween and everyday dress-up costume easier and more fun for everyone.

Toddlers are just getting comfortable with walking, and they are just beginning to exercise their independence. Some things to consider when evaluating the safety of a toddler costume:

• No Trippers. Long pants or skirts can trip up a new walker, as can shoelaces or loose shoes. Ensure that footwear fits properly and that any laces are securely tied. Check length and cut, hem, or tape up overly long items.
• No Chokers. Toddlers may still have a habit of putting things into their mouths, so ensure that there are no small bits on costumes or accessories that might find their way into your child's mouth.
• No Stranglers. Make sure that there is nothing around your child's neck that might become too tight, or that might be caught on something and pose a strangulation hazard. Such items include necklaces, scarves, and string ties.
• No Blinders. Make sure that the eyeholes of masks do not obstruct your child's vision, and be certain that the mask fits securely.

Toddlers do not tolerate discomfort well. There are several items to consider when evaluating a costume's "comfort level."

• Fit: Too loose is irritating, and too tight is restricting. Your child will become frustrated in either situation. Also important is ease of access for bathroom needs. Toddlers may still be in diapers or in training pants, and you want it to be easy for them to get to the potty while in their costumes.
• Fabric: Many fabrics are very scratchy or very hot. Hold the fabric lightly against your inner wrist or neck for two or three minutes to test for these problems. If it makes you itch or sweat, it will be at least twice as bad for your child. Tulle netting like that used in princess and ballerina costumes is especially bad for this age group.
• Face: Toddlers generally do not like masks or hats. Simple face paint (don't get too elaborate; your toddler can't sit still for long!) is a better alternative for most situations. Avoid close-fitting hats, but cowboy hats and tiaras are usually tolerated well.
• Flexibility: Be flexible. Don't insist that your child keep the costume on if s/he wants to remove it. Carry a change of clothing (pajamas and slippers would be fine) in case the child wants to change. If you want to take pictures, take them immediately after the child is dressed.

Depending on your budget and level of creativity, you must also decide whether to make your child's costume, buy it, or rent it. Unless you want something very fancy and have a large budget, avoid renting for toddlers. It's just too easy for them to soil or tear the costume. Buying a costume allows you more authenticity of look, so if your child must be a Power Ranger or Snow White, buying is probably necessary. But if you are reasonably good at crafts and creative thought, you can make many toddler costumes from things you already own. A princess costume can start with a long, frilly nightgown and a plastic tiara, for instance. Or a dinosaur can be created from dark green sweats with triangles of felt basted to the back.

Toddlers don't usually want to be scary. They want to be their favorite television or movie character, or they want to dress up in one of the "career costumes" that are perennial favourites. Some of the most popular costumes for toddlers are:

• Superheroes: Superman, Spiderman, Wonderwoman, the Flash, the Incredibles
• Television: SpongeBob, Teletubbies, the Wiggles, Dora the Explorer
• Movies: VeggieTales, Thomas the Tank Engine, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger
• Animals: lion, tiger, puppy, cat, dinosuar
• Careers: doctor, nurse, fireman, policeman, teacher, cowboy, astronaut, pirate, football player, cheerleader
• Fantasy: king, knight, fairy, princess, witch, devil

• Costume Ideas to Make at Home
• Rainbow Brite Costume Ideas
• How to Make Medieval Costumes

• Sexy Halloween Costumes
• Masquerade Costumes
• Group Halloween Costumes
• Adult Halloween Costumes
• Abba Costumes

• Power Rangers Costumes
• Homemade Pet Costumes
• Jungle Theme Costumes
• Toddler Cinderella Costumes
• Category:Types of Costumes