Baby Animal Costumes

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There’s something about a baby dressed as a tiny woodland creature that stops you in your tracks. Whether you’re planning ahead for Halloween, need something for a themed photoshoot, or just want a costume they can wear for a few chilly autumn walks, animal costumes are one of the easiest ways to get a genuinely adorable outfit without much fuss. Below you’ll find ideas for skunks, squirrels, lions, wolves, chickens and bears, along with some practical tips on sizing, fabric and safety that are worth thinking about before you buy.

A few things to check before you buy

Baby costumes look irresistible in photos, but a few practical points make a real difference once the costume actually arrives.

• Size up if you’re between sizes. Most baby costumes come up smaller than regular baby clothes, partly because of the extra fabric for ears, tails and hoods. If your baby is a fast grower or you’re buying weeks ahead of when you need it, go with the larger size.
• Check the fastenings. Look for costumes with poppers or zips down the front or along the legs, especially for the newborn months when you’ll be doing frequent nappy changes. A costume you have to pull over the head isn’t much fun at 2am.
• Mind the hood and ears. Cute as they are, floppy ears, hoods and long tails can be a trip hazard once your baby is crawling or pulling up to stand. Keep an eye on your baby while they’re wearing anything with loose bits, and take the costume off for sleep, in the car seat and in the pram.
• Fabric matters more than it looks. Fleece and cotton blends tend to be kinder on newborn skin than synthetic fur trims, which can feel scratchy against the neck and face. If your baby has eczema or sensitive skin, it’s worth checking the fabric content before you order.
• Never let a baby overheat. Fleece and fur costumes are warm, sometimes too warm for indoor trick or treating or a warm evening out. Layer accordingly and check the back of your baby’s neck now and then to make sure they’re not too hot.

If you’re ever unsure whether a costume fabric or fit is suitable for your baby, particularly for a newborn or a baby with a skin condition, it’s worth having a quick chat with your health visitor or GP.

Baby Skunk Costumes

Skunk costumes are a fun choice precisely because they’re a bit unexpected. Most come as a simple black jumpsuit with a white stripe down the back and a matching tail, so they’re easy to get on and off and don’t usually involve fiddly extras like a separate hood or headband.

Baby Squirrel Costume

Squirrel costumes usually feature a soft brown or grey bodysuit with a stuffed tail and sometimes a headband with little ears rather than a full hood, which can be more comfortable for babies who don’t love things on their heads. They work well for autumn themed photos as well as Halloween.

Baby Lion Costumes

Lion costumes almost always come with a mane, either sewn into a hood or as a separate headpiece. If your baby isn’t keen on things touching their face, look for a style with a small soft mane framing the hood rather than a large stiff ruff, which tends to be easier for them to tolerate and safer for younger babies who can’t yet push things away from their face themselves.

Baby Wolf Costumes

Wolf costumes tend to run a bit more “spooky” than the others on this list, with some styles going for a proper werewolf look complete with fangs printed on the hood. If you’d rather keep things cute than creepy, look for softer grey and white tones with a simple pointed hood rather than anything with an open mouth design near your baby’s face.