Halloween is just around the corner, and one of my favorite things about this time of year is seeing the tiniest trick-or-treaters at my doorstep. Your baby’s first Halloween can be a delightful time, even if you don’t participate in trick-or-treating or even go anywhere. Halloween newborn photos are one super cute way to celebrate the season with your new family member.
Here are a few other ways you can prep for your baby’s first Halloween.
Make Some Halloween Crafts
There’s nothing more treasured by parents than crafts made by their little ones (that is, of course, other than their little ones!)
At this age, crafting is more for parents than babies, and there are tons of keepsake craft ideas out there for fall-obsessed parents.
- Cut out construction paper pumpkins, paint your newborn’s hand and foot, and make “Baby’s First Halloween” pumpkin decorations.
- Let older babies finger paint pumpkins with non-toxic paint or help you scoop out the pumpkins you carve.
- Put together Halloween sensory boxes. This lets you flex your creativity and keeps your baby happy! This activity is for older babies, but here are some great sensory bin ideas from the Adventure In A Box blog.
Take Halloween Newborn Photos
Newborn photos during Halloween are an absolute must, whether you get them done professionally or you decide to document the entire month with the help of your smartphone. Book professional newborn Halloween photos at least a few weeks in advance so that you can get pictures out before the big day.
If you’re opting for non-professional photography, there are a few things to remember. First, use your imagination when it comes to staging! You don’t have to go out and buy an arsenal of props to show that it’s your baby’s first Halloween. Utilize fall leaves in your backyard, seasonal colors you have lying around your house, and any other props you might have that can add to a staged photo.
Finally, remember that you don’t have to stage every photo. I took some of my most favorite photos of my son while I was in the moment. Cherish every minute!
Take Them To The Pumpkin Patch
It’s not fall in the Austin, TX area if you don’t visit a pumpkin patch before Halloween. You might not think they’ll remember it as a baby, but you will. And what you remember as a parent in those first few months of their life will make all the sleepless nights worth it. Plus, pumpkin patches are a sensory delight for older babies! So many colors, smells, and sounds for them to listen to. Some pumpkin patches even have farm animals, which can be fun for babies to interact with.
Consider A Party For Extra Halloween Newborn Photo Fun!
Small gatherings are an excellent way for babies to interact with other babies — and when they’re all in costumes, it’s honestly one of the most adorable things you’ll ever see. But what do you do at a Halloween party for babies?
- Foods to serve babies trying out soft food:
- Pumpkin puree
- beetroot juice or cranberry juice to play with on trays
- Green pea puree or avocados
- Foods to serve for babies who have been introduced to solid foods
- DIY popsicles on baby-friendly sticks (especially popular among teethers!)
- Canned orange fruits — like peaches or clementine slices
- Goldfish crackers with supervision
- Teething cookies or biscuits
- Activities:
- Sensory bins
- Kid-friendly Halloween music
- Salt-dough handprint and footprint stations
- Dancing
- Parent puppet shows
Halloween parties for babies are also a benefit to parents — they help parents get a little social during one of the most socially isolating years of parenthood.
Have More Than One Costume Or Outfit On Hand
Blowouts. Spit-ups. General mess. Babies are cute, but they aren’t going to make it through the night without messing up their costumes.
As a general precaution, have at bare minimum a costume on hand for your baby and a backup outfit. I’d recommend the second option be a comfortable Halloween-themed outfit rather than a costume, in case baby gets uncomfortable in their costume.
Most of all, enjoy October with your little one, whether you wear a costume, go trick-or-treating, or just spend a quiet night in.
If you’re after professional Halloween newborn photos, look no further. Book a newborn session with me ASAP to ensure you get your photos before the 31st.
