Whether it’s your first Halloween with your baby or you’re trying to navigate your toddler’s Halloween experience, I’m here to help. Let’s talk about celebrating Halloween with your baby or toddler, tips for trick or treating, and how to handle sleep around Halloween.
How can we celebrate my baby's first Halloween?anchor
Every first is exciting with a baby, and their first Halloween is no different! Let me share my favorite ways to celebrate Halloween with a baby:
Dress up, but stay home to pass out candy.
Go pumpkin picking.
Attend a local Trunk-or-Treat event.
Host a Halloween playdate with friends.
Try a taste-safe sensory bin.
Set up a Halloween-themed photoshoot.
Dress up in your costumes for a walk around the neighborhood.
Have Halloween-themed snacks or a festive meal.
Attend a Halloween party at a local mom’s group, library, park district, church, play space, or other community event.
Try one of my Halloween crafts!
Bonus Tip: If you need help working out your schedule around Halloween activities, check out these tips.
Tips for trick or treating with small children:anchor
Here are my best tips for trick or treating with babies and toddlers:
Start the night with a well-rested little one. Babies and toddlers are typically more flexible when they’re well rested. Prioritize good naps the day of trick or treating.
Start your night early. Even if you start a bit earlier than others, there will be plenty of excitement for your little one! Take a walk to see decorations, or try a community event early in the evening.
Bring the stroller. The stroller can help you get in a catnap or even start night sleep while you’re out and about. If your little one falls asleep in the stroller and doesn’t transfer easily, you may need to do a mini bedtime routine or provide a little extra support. That’s okay!
Stay close to the house. In case you have more tricks than treats (Think meltdowns or blowouts!), you’ll want to be able to get home quickly.
Have everything prepared for bedtime before you leave. Be sure your diapering essentials are handy, lay out the swaddle or sleep sack, and close the blinds. Do a mini bedtime routine when you get home (5-10 minutes). If your baby falls asleep on the way home and transfers to the crib, you don’t need to wake them to do a bedtime routine.
Expert Tip: Pay attention to how your child is reacting throughout trick or treating. If your little one is showing signs that they are done after a few houses, consider that a success!
How to help if your child is afraid of Halloween decorations or costumes:anchor
Here are some ways to help your little one if they are afraid of Halloween costumes or decorations:
Read books about Halloween. Books can help your child learn about new situations, ask questions, and rehearse what they might do if they see something scary. You can see some of my favorites here.
Take neighborhood walks during the day. Everything seems scarier in the dark. Walk around the neighborhood and look at decorations during the day to help your child see things in the light. You could even try creating a mini scavenger hunt of neighborhood decorations for older children.
Prepare your little one for what to expect. Read books or watch shows about Halloween and trick or treating so your child knows what to expect.
Don’t be afraid to skip Halloween or go home early. If Halloween isn’t fun for your little one this year, there’s no need to force it. You can still have fun and celebrate at home. Try again next year!
Do you have any advice for Halloween costumes?anchor
When picking a costume, choose one that’s weather appropriate and has easy diaper access. For babies, consider making your baby carrier or wrap part of your costume. Pajamas make a great base for costumes to keep little ones cozy. Character pajamas can even be a costume on their own.
Bonus Tip: If you get your baby all dressed up, try to get those cute costume pictures before you leave the house.
Final Thoughts: anchor
Rest assured that one fun night is not going to ruin your good little sleeper. If sleep is feeling spooky all the time, I do have classes to help. My 5-24 Month Collection is a fully-customizable approach to sleep training. I’ll guide you through a step-by-step plan to remain emotionally connected to your baby while helping them achieve 10-12 hour nights and solid naps. If you have a 2, 3, or 4 year old, my Toddler Sleep Training class will give you the tools you need to meet your toddler where they are developmentally and help create a great sleeper.
