Taking your toddler out for their first Halloween trick-or-treating adventure is undoubtedly one of the best parts of being a parent. A cute costume and a little Halloween spirit can combine to create great memories, adorable photos and yearly fun. Read on to find out what's hot in toddler costumes and for some tips for keeping your kids safe this Halloween.



This Year's Top Toddler Costume Ideas

Cuddly Critters

Nothing is sweeter than a cuddly toddler in a cute critter costume. Bunnies, ladybugs, penguins, bumblebees and butterflies all make the top of the list when it comes to creature costumes. Flower-inspired outfits are popping up in Halloween costumes this year too, so choose a flower to best match your little blossom and get ready for a lot of gushing as you go door-to-door.

Little Devils

Most tots don't want to be scary, but if your little girl or boy is begging to be a goblin, witch or a vampire, you've got lots of options. Cute witches in striped tights and little devils in red jumpers with head band horns are wickedly cute. Be sure to keep pointy broomsticks, pitchforks and accessories out of the way of young ones.

Petite Professionals

Want to outfit your tot in a future profession's costume? Whether homemade or

store-bought, a doctor, firefighter, ballerina or cowboy costume cannot be beat for cute-factor. This year's biggest tot as adult dress-up trend is definitely fireman and policeman.

Cute Characters

This year's hottest tot costume is undoubtedly the pirate! Avoid eye patches, but consider a drawn-on mustache and beard as well as a Jolly Roger bandana and striped shirt. If your toddler loves cartoon characters like Dora, Sponge Bob, Thomas the Tank or superheros like Superman and Spiderman, let them show their adoration in their costume. Models of these retail costumes are typically kid-safe and made of non-flammable materials.

Safety Tips for Toddler Costumes

If you're getting ready to dress up your little one and go door to door this Halloween, there are a few things you need to know to be sure of safety and comfort.

Safety First

To keep your toddler safe and sound this Halloween, be sure to follow these simple costume safety steps:

?Use make up is instead of masks. Masks can obstruct vision and lead to bumps, cuts and bruises.

?If you're opting for a mask, pick one with large open eye holes or modify them yourself.

?Attach reflective tape to your child's costume for extra visibility in the dark

?Be mindful of any tiny accessories like buttons, baubles and necklaces that might make their way into your toddler's mouth.

?Watch your toddler closely around small candies, trick-or-treat bags and balloons.

?Look out for shoelaces, belts and hems that may trip your tot.

Consider Comfort

Most parents know that toddlers are not particularly good at enduring any discomfort. Here are some tips for keeping your kid comfy on the big night:

Fit

?Be sure your child's costume isn't too tight or too loose. A baggy, dragging costume can cause tripping.

?Make sure that the costume can be easily removed in case of potty emergencies.

Fabric

?Test the fabric for itch-factor. No child will be able to bear even a little bit of costume itch.

?Try not to overheat your sweetie or leave them chilly. Keep your eye on the weather for an indication of Halloween temperatures and be sure to dress your child in layers for easy temperature control.

Accessories

?Your child may not like wearing anything on their head or over their face. Unless you know your toddler will tolerate it, try to avoid masks and hats and opt for face paint instead.

You've chosen your toddler's Halloween costume and checked it for fit, comfort and safety, now be sure to take those all-important photos before you venture out into your neighborhood for treats. You can't be sure your child will want to keep the costume on long, so snap those shots early in the evening and carry a change of clothes in case there's a costume crisis.

Your child will only be this age once, so get out there and have fun with your little one this Halloween. Get into the spirit of the season and dress up in a matching costume, get a group of friends together for a tot-friendly Halloween party and start a seasonal family tradition.

Crystal McAllister loves Halloween and coming up with out-of-this-world costumes for her two kids. She is a contributing editor of thebabydepartment.com, an online resource for parents about baby products, crib safety, educational toys and more.