Yes, I like Fall and Halloween. The changing of the seasons, with the vibrant Autumn colors and the crisp mornings, is my favorite time of year. Something about it all intensifies all my emotions, including melancholy and happiness. Is that weird or does this happen to you, too?

And yesterday while I was out shopping and came upon some Halloween costumes, my first reaction was an intense “Awww… How cute!” The costumes were for babies and toddlers and I could not pass them up without a long look!!!! How can a parent decide which is the cutest, or most scary, for a toddler?

There are so many options. when it comes to children’s costumes.  Have a tiny infant?  Bunting-type costumes are perfect; they are cute and keep the child nice and warm.  Have a toddler?  Then the possibilities are endless.  There are the tried-and-true favorites, like witches and lions.  Or your child might choose to be a super-hero or popular TV character.  And if you have a pre-schooler, then most likely they will be choosing the costume.

Some of the things to consider when buying a costume for a small child are comfort and practicality.   One year I bought the cutest costume for my toddler, but it ended up being too hot for him to wear and we had to change at the last minute.  Another time the costume I chose had facial accessories he refused to wear, and believe me, there is no way to make some kids wear some things!  And yet another year it was so cold that everyone’s costume was covered with coats, but I guess there was no way around that.  Last year, my 3 year old wanted only a certain costume, which I could only find on-line and bought the last one available.  When it arrived it was really too small, but he did not care.  Remember that aside from how cute your child would look in a certain costume, there are other real life things to consider, such as the weather and your child’s comfort.

And do not, absolutely do not, wait until the last minute.  Selection will be limited and you will be more stressed.

Start shopping around now.  Bring your kids when necessary, to help choose and also to try on the costumes.  And remember to enjoy this part of Halloween.  It won’t be long before your kids are grown and you will only be able to “ooh” and “awww” those adorable costumes while they are on the hangers.