Remember when we were kids and our parents put us in those very popular one piece plastic costumes? What torture. You couldn't breath through the mask let alone see, and God forbid one of your friends pull the mask back and snap it against your face. Then there was the non-breathing plastic one piece suit that tied up in the back. Forget running or lifting your arms or you were sure to put a big rip in it, ruining the rest of your evening for the heartbreak.
Costumes have come a long way since then. There are many different materials and styles to choose from. We no longer have to put our children in a plastic heatbox, but we must also remember we have to keep the children warm. Many of us live in areas where Halloween can be a frosty night where our childrens teeth are chattering while they going door to door. The best thing you can do is make sure you buy the costume big enough to put a full warm wardrobe underneath, but not so big that they are tripping over it. A turtle neck and sweatpants or leggings are a wonderful idea.
Fancy shoes for those princess dresses are a waist, as most kids don't make it three to four houses before the shoes are pinching their feet and they want to take them off. We know what that's like, don't we ladies? Army boots don't let the poor guys ankles bend and they and up crabby and unhappy. Gym shoes are the best, they are safe and comfortable for running house to house.
For infants, a one piece bunting style costume are one of the best ideas. Make sure there are no pieces in the costume that may harm the child. The companies may put the product out there, but it is your job as a parent to make sure it is safe. Don't bother dressing an infant in princess costumes or pirate costumes that will be uncomfortable for them, they will only cry the whole time. Instead think of a nice warm fuzzy animal or a sweat pea. Most of those types of costumes comes with bonnets that will also keep the infants head covered and warm.
Most of the time a toddler has an idea of what they want to be, it's just a matter of guiding them in the right direction so you both will be happy. These little guys and gals are in the in-between stage where the little froggie costume would still be cute, but you could also do the fire fighter or cow girl. Once again remember their comfort and warmth for the long hall around the neighborhood.
Young boys and girls like to look, "Cool for School" and those Halloween parties. Most schools will not allow masks and that's what most of the boys costumes have. In this case a cool fighter pilot or astronaut with official looking nasa patches would be great for your little guy, and an easy to put on princess gown or cheerleader costume would be great for the girls.
What ever size child you have, please make sure they are warm and have a bright enough light with them to keep them safe. People get a little crazy at that time rushing from house to house and driving to neighborhoods they are not familiar with to find that pot of gold for their kids. Keeping them safe is the best thing you can do for them.
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