Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
19 Amazing Halloween Costume Ideas for Kids
When it comes to Halloween, no effort is too much. Homes are decorated to turn them into spooky manors, treats are stocked and the best of all costumes are diligently fussed over. Dressing as the scariest ghoul, banshee, or vampire is every child’s dream.
Halloween is a time for celebrating with the community and is an evening of pure fun and innocence. This holiday is something for which you and your child can work together to make it memorable.
Halloween - What Is It?
Halloween is celebrated across many countries. It is the shortened form of All Hallows’ Evening which is the eve of the All Hallows’ Day. This day marks the beginning of a three day period dedicated to remembering the dead including saints (hallows).
The tradition can be traced back to pagan times though, in recent years, it has taken a more festive and commercial spirit of activities that include trick-or-treating, apple bobbing, carving pumpkins, and of course Halloween costume parties.
Scary Halloween Costume Ideas for Girls and Boys
There are many options available for kids and adults alike when it comes to Halloween costumes. Halloween costume enthusiasts usually have two options. The first is buying a costume from a store or online. This allows for more extravagant costumes with minimal fuss, but can also prove to be generic.
The second option is to create the costume at home with whatever resources you already have. Your child’s costume will be unique and involving your child while designing her costume will give her a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Here, we bring some of the best Halloween costume ideas for children that you and your child can recreate to make a costume that is smashing.
1. Witch
One of the most classic costumes for Halloween, the witch costume has taken the fancy of many young girls especially in the wake of the hugely popular Harry Potter series. A witch costume is simple but its essence lies in the pointy hat. Many stores sell this costume, but you can also make this at home with papier mache. The hat is worn with a dress that has a cape. Stick to colours that are dark, usually black or purple. You can ask your child to help you embellish the cape or the hat or both. Think big and go for bedazzled rhinestones or sequence. Pair with a broom to get into the character.
2. Zombie
Now, this is a look your child is sure to enjoy. All you need is tattered clothes, face painting colours, and a zombie-like visage. You can involve your child in the actual face painting and decide which parts of her face, hands, or feet are decayed (not literally). Use a dark red lipstick to show lips as covered in blood. Don’t forget to master the zombie moan for the full effect!
3. Vampire
This mythical creature has seen a recent surge in popularity due to movies and TV shows that have vampires as their protagonist. There are many vampire costumes you can select from stores or you can also dress your child in a black dress will red highlights. Use powder or face paint to make your child’s face pale and add fangs. Get into the small details to work on your child's face, like you can show fake blood, dripping from the fangs.
4. Mummy
With recent movies on this ancient Egyptian creature, the Mummy is a hugely popular Halloween character. This look can be achieved by kids easily. Use toilet paper or body bandage rolls to cover the entire body of your child. Use a kohl pencil to darken the rolls. Use a white cloth cut into strips for the head. You can go the extra mile to show organs peeking out from the gaps in the bandage.
5. Carl From Up
Any kid will look adorable when they dress up as the old man from 'UP'. Use brown pants, white shirt, and a cardigan to get his look right. You can make a walker using pipes and tennis balls for the base. Get kid-size glasses and neatly comb down your child’s hair. Get a few helium balloons and tie them to the waistband for the full effect.
6. Princess
Almost all girls dream of being a princess and Halloween is the perfect excuse to dress up like one. Use a full-bodied flared frock, typically in pink, with embellishments and ruffles. Most stores sell tiaras but you and your child can make a unique crown at home using stock paper and lots of glitters. You can also change this princess look to an angel. Add wings to her dress at the back and make a wand with a star using thermocol.
Do not keep specific princesses like Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty in mind when creating this costume. Let your child come up with a character that she wants to be with the adornments and embellishments used to reflect the personality of this character. You could also create a backstory to keep your child more excited.
7. Katy Perry
If your daughter is a Katy Perry fan, dressing like her would be a dream come true for her. Her music is fun and catchy and she wears the most eclectic clothes. You can get a wig online or at stores with hair that is bright blue or bubble-gum pink. Take a white dress and stick some small shiny disco balls onto the dress with fabric glue. Add a prop mic for the complete look. If your child loves to sing, then encourage her to sing a few chorus lines of Katy Perry's popular songs. This will encourage her to be more confident.
8. Harry Potter
Most kids would love to dress up as Harry Potter since he is this generation’s favourite wizard. Many stores sell the Gryffindor scarf which you can use as the focal point of the costume. You could also try your hand at knitting, especially if it is something you and your child do together. The rest of the outfit should resemble that of a prep school boy with trousers, white shirt and a sweater vest. Buy round glasses online and draw on a lightning-shaped scar on your child’s face using an eyeliner. Make a wand with a stick and teach your child a few spells from the Potter-verse. In fact, a few magic tricks can go a long way in making this costume a smashing hit.
9. Rockstar
A kid dressed as a rock star is going to look adorable no matter what. Use a dark pair of jeans and have your child sport a black leather jacket with a small guitar. If your child is already learning to play the guitar, then let her carry it with her to complete the look. You can try to portray actual rockstars, though coming up with a character along with your child will be more fun. The jacket can be bedazzled with rhinestones and sequins to add more pizzazz to the outfit.
10. Tinkerbelle
This costume can be made easily if you are adept at sewing. Use green felt cloth to make the dress and use gauze and craft wire to make the wings. You can either stitch the wings onto the dress or make them removable if your child is small and will, of course, want to remove those cumbersome wings later. If your child has long hair, then pull it up to make a bun just like Tinkerbelle does.
11. Rain Cloud
Making a rain cloud is a simple sewing project. This costume is cute and is perfect for toddlers. Make the cloud from simple white fabric and foam and strap onto the body with Velcro. Cut out blue raindrops from blue felt fabric and stitch onto a dark shade of pants to resemble raindrops falling from the cloud.This costume is comfortable as it is lightweight. Your toddler will not fuss with the costume and she is bound to look adorable in it.
12. Wonder Woman
A cute outfit to reflect the popularity of the DC character, this one will look great in photographs. It is a simple outfit in which you won’t have to work much on the sewing machine or shell out a lot of money. Use blue tulle material to make a tutu-like skirt for the bottom. Buy a kid-size red T-shirt with the wonder woman logo on it, or you could just paint it on any red t-shirt. Embellish the skirt with stars and stones for a glittery effect. Use a long piece of yellow yarn to make the lasso of truth and add silver bracelets to make the Bracelets of Submission.
13. Nerd
This look is easy enough to achieve. Make your child wear high-waist pants with a collared shirt or t-shirt. You can roll up the pants a few inches to show off white socks. Use suspenders to add more detail to the look. Get non-prescription classes to give the final touch to the nerd look. This look will be most effective if your child is otherwise outgoing and well-rounded. His friends are sure to find this look entertaining.
14. Minions
As one of the most beloved children’s characters in recent history, the minion outfit is sure to be a hit. Get your child to help you make this costume from cardboard. Cut out the template of a minion from the cardboard and draw the details of the minion on it. Your child can help you fill in the paint. Leave holes for the arm.
15. Rapunzel
This costume is easy to make and you can involve your child in its making as well. Use a simple dress for the body and buy yellow-coloured yarn for the hair. Use hot glue to stick the yarn together to create the head portion and then braid the rest of the yarn extra-long like Rapunzel’s. This look works best if you stick to simple ballerina shoes and a plain dress that will not grab any attention from the extra-long blond hair.
16. Red Riding Hood
This classic kids’ storybook character is a favourite among many. A red dress and a cloak is what you will need. You can make a gorgeous red cloak for your kid right at home to complete this ensemble. You can stitch this cloak using red velvet fabric or any other red fabric right at home. Make two rectangular pieces out of the fabric, one for the hood and one for the cape. Measure your kid before you cut these pieces. Fold the top ends of the hood fabric and stitch them together to resemble a hood. Now stitch the other end of the hood with the cape fabric to complete the cloak.
17. Dorothy (Wizard of Oz)
This lovely little girl from the Wizard of Oz stole many hearts along with her dog Toto. To dress your kid as Dorothy, you can get a simple white shirt and a plaid blue overalls dress. Some sparkly red shoes and a basket with a toy dog will complete the look.
18. Pirate
Who doesn’t love a pirate look? Pull some striped long sleeved t-shirt, a black vest, tattered pants, and a pirate hat together for the perfect pirate costume. A black eye patch and a toy sword will work well to complete the costume
19. Unicorn
Unicorns symbolize magic for most kids and it is no doubt that your little one would love to dress like one. A unicorn costume is fairly simple if you don’t want to pick out a store-bought one. Simply dress your kid in white pants and a white sweatshirt and a headband with a unicorn horn attached to it. You should even glue a tail made of yarn to her pants for a complete look.
There is no dearth of ideas that you can try for Halloween costumes for your kids. You can choose to make monsters or characters from movies, or even famous people. As long as your child is excited about the idea and wants to contribute to the making of the costume, you should be happy with the outcome. Keep the costumes so that you can modify them for next year’s outfit!
Also Read: Birthday Party Themes for Girls Read more
Suggested for you
Newborn Vaccinations at 2 months - A Complete List
The best way to protect your baby from life-threatening diseases is through vaccination. Vaccines work by introducing foreign invaders such as bacteria or viruses into the body – but only enough to trigger the immune cells and not make your child sick! Your baby needs different vaccines as he grows up. Check out the list for two months right here…
Before you get your baby vaccinated, make sure you follow a few precautions. If your baby is severely ill on the scheduled day, ask to come back at a later date. A mild fever or cold is usually not a problem; your doctor will advise you on this. You also need to check for reactions to the vaccine– if your child has had an allergic reaction to a vaccine before, discuss this in-depth with the medical professional.
Here is the complete list of vaccines your baby is due for at two months of age
1. DTaP/DTwP
This vaccine protects your baby from diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. These are common childhood ailments that, if not prevented, can bring on fatal conditions like heart failure, pneumonia and stiffness of the jaw.
Total Doses: 5 | Next Dose: 4 months
2. Hib
This vaccine targets Haemophilus Influenzae which usually manifests itself in the form of fever, headache, cough, stiff neck and breathing problems. In severe cases, it can even lead to meningitis and pneumonia – both life-threatening in babies!
Total Doses: 3 | Next Dose: 6-18 months
3. Rotavirus
This is a very important vaccine for your baby as it helps protect against rotavirus - the leading cause of diarrhoea in babies. Rotavirus can be very dangerous for your infant as it leads to severe dehydration.
Total Doses: 3 | Next Dose: 4 months
4. IPV
This the injectable polio vaccine which has taken the world by storm! Polio, once a debilitating condition leading to permanent paralysis, has now been eradicated in India.
Total Doses: 4 | Next Dose: 4 months
5. Hep B
The Hepatitis B vaccine saves your child from the distressing effects of the disease, including include tiredness, diarrhoea, jaundice, and possibly even liver damage.
Total Doses: 3 | Next Dose: 6-18 months
6. PCV
The Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine is an optional vaccine for your baby and is also an expensive one. However, it prevents pneumonia and meningitis – potentially fatal illnesses in babies! You can have a discussion with your paediatrician to discuss this.
Has your doctor prescribed fewer vaccines than mentioned in this list? Some doctors prefer combination vaccines or several vaccines in the same shot. Rest assured, they are completely safe and will mean that your baby has to go through fewer shots! Read more
Suggested for you
Understanding the Pointing Skills of a 1 Year Old
One of the many important milestones babies achieve is pointing. By a year, most toddlers can draw attention to something by gesturing at it. Understanding the pointing skills of a 12-month-old toddler can help parents do more to develop their communication skills further.
For most adults, speaking comes naturally and we don’t think anything of it. But for babies, the process is preceded by other methods of communication like sounds and finger-pointing. If your child is nearing a year, you may have noticed her beginning to point. It’s her way of communicating and it’s important to learn what she’s trying to say.
Getting to Know the Baby Pointing Finger Milestone
Like adults who point to draw attention, babies do the same. However, since their vocal skills are undeveloped, pointing for them can mean more than simply trying to get attention. Here are a few interpretations:
1. “Look, mum! See what I see!”
By a year old, your baby is becoming quickly aware of her surroundings. The world has become a big place full of interesting things. She could be excited about trying to get you to see something she’s noticed. Share this new experience with her by looking at what she’s pointing at and naming it. It helps you bond and can develop her communication and social skills too.
2. “I saw something there once!”
The pointing finger sign doesn’t only mean your toddler is trying to get you to see what she sees. She could be remembering something she saw at a particular spot. Now that she’s noticed that same spot, she’s recollecting what she’s seen. You can guide her towards more communicative methods by clapping while speaking to her. Say ‘clap’ as you clap so that she slowly learns to associate the word with the action.
3. “I want that”
Not being able to ask for something verbally means that toddlers will try to draw your attention to their needs by pointing to what they want. This toddler communication can sometimes be hard to interpret, especially if they’re pointing at one thing among many. What you can do is look at where your child is pointing, touch the object, and name it. If it’s safe to drink, eat or play with, you can give it to her too.
4. Red Flags
While every child develops at their own pace, it’s important to know when to seek help. These are some of the warning signs to look out for in a toddler aged 12 to 18 months:
Doesn’t respond to familiar sounds and their own name
Doesn’t call attention by pointing or flapping
Doesn’t look at something when named or pointed to
Doesn’t look for objects after seeing that they’ve been hidden
A child’s communication skills can only develop properly if the people around do their best to teach. The aim should be to get a toddler to progress beyond pointing gestures. Waving goodbye, being able to point to parts of the body such as the nose, eyes and mouth when asked to, and vocalising when excited are just a few things to try. Read more
Suggested for you
How Much Physical Activity Does My Preschooler Need
Small children are naturally active, thanks to the games they play all through the day. However, with the proliferation of TV, computers and other media, children are increasingly shunning physical activity. On the other hand, there are children who are too active for their own good. Both extremes can cause lasting damages to your child’s health. Read on to find out how you can strike a balance between activity and rest.
Does your preschooler prefer the couch over the playground? Or does your little one refuse to settle down even after hours and hours of running, jumping and playing? While too less exercise and physical activity is a one-way ticket to childhood obesity and related problems, too much can leave your child burnt out, cause injuries to his tender body that might end up being permanent. It is important for parents to know how much physical exercise a child requires.
Children or adults, everyone requires physical activity. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, USA, recommends that children and adults should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. For preschoolers, this physical activity can go up to 3 hours, but should be distributed throughout the day. This could be a combination of structured and unstructured free play. While structured activities involve exercises and sports training, unstructured- the favorite activity for any child, is the free playtime.
Tips to Promote Physical Activity
Encourage your child and his friends in various games like – playing with different balls, hide and seek, cycling, keeping balloons afloat, run around playing tag.
Choose toys that encourage movement. Balls, kites, frisbees and cycles can be some of the best toys for this age group.
Indulge in doing a physical activity as a family from time to time. You could together take a stroll in the park, visit a zoo and walk around or play a game of cricket or soccer. Children tend to imitate what the adults in the family do, so if you are physically active, they too will be encouraged to be the same.
Your child has grown up enough to be independent now. You don’t necessarily need to take him to the park or run around wherever he goes. Make your child understand the boundaries within which he can roam about, and things that he should or should not do, and let him be independent to discover his world on his own.
Take the stairs. With lifts being available in almost all the living spaces now, the stairs have become just an invisible fixture in one corner of the building for many. But make it a point to make your preschooler use the stairs for both climbing up and down.
Ensure your child does not remain in a sedentary position for more than 1 hour, except while sleeping. Reduce screen time, and encourage activities like playing with water, dough or pots and pans in the kitchen.
In case your child is on the other side of the spectrum, being extremely active, or you are nurturing dreams for your child to excel in the field of sports, remember these points so that your child does not get overtrained and eventually burn out –
Competitive sports are not recommended for children under the age of 5. The best way to keep them active is using various active play ideas. You could enroll them in structured activities like recreational gymnastics or dance, but remember, your child is still too young to take up serious sports like karate or soccer.
Ensure your preschooler gets ample rest between the playtimes. The muscles and bones require time to recover from the exertion of active play, so it is necessary to have some down time too for the children. Down time does not necessarily have to mean TV time. Encourage your child to pick up a book, or do some gardening.
If your child (Between the ages of 5 and 6 years) has begun training for a sport, ensure that the training sessions happen for not more than 5 days a week. Ideally, a child should be trained for not more than 18 to 20 hours a week. Also, there should be a break of one or two months in a year from the training.
Look out for signs of damage. These could be – Lack of motivation, irritable behavior, crankiness, getting tired easily or poor performance.
Always remember, physical activity is essential to keep your child healthy. If the lack or excess of it is affecting your child’s health and lifestyle adversely, you should immediately make the necessary corrections to strike the correct balance in your child’s life. Read more
Suggested for you
5 Artworks you Should Introduce your Little One To
We see art all around us every day, in the playful shapes of rainclouds and the curious patterns on leaves. But in our daily list of responsibilities, art appreciation often takes a backseat. On August 9, when the world celebrates International Art Appreciation Day 2015, you have a splendid opportunity to bring art into your life.
The history of International Art Appreciation Day tells us that not many realize how powerful a tool art can be! It can send out a million messages, tell innumerable stories and also be a feast for the eyes. This is exactly why International Art Appreciation Day is celebrated – to build for art and the artist the attention they deserve. A great way to kick-start art appreciation is with these 5 evergreen works that have many valuable lessons for your little one.
Artworks That Open The World To your Child
1. The Starry Night, Vincent Van Gogh
This beautiful depiction of a starry sky and a peaceful village is regarded as one of the finest works in the history of art. Why not put up a poster print or a wall decal around this theme in your living room? The exaggerated stars and swooshes across the night sky are sure to fuel your child's imagination!
2. Guernica, Pablo Picasso
While this portrayal of the aftermath of war seems rather gruesome for children, it can be a great way to sensitize them to the ugly face of war. Renowned as one of the most powerful anti-war paintings ever, Guernica depicts the calamity and loss that hides under the glory of a war victory. Take your child through this brilliant mural you're sure to find in an art-book or online.
3. Madhubani, Indian Art Style
Children love brilliant colours and a classic Madhubani print could be an absolute treat for the eyes! This is a style of Hindu Painting mainly seen in Bihar and is done with interesting tools like twigs, brushes and matchsticks. Get a wall-hanging for a special occasion such as the upcoming Raksha Bandhan and ask your child to decode the theme.
4. Drip Painting, Jackson Pollock
Does your child love to drip colours on the canvas and create interesting patterns? Well, the famous painter Jackson Pollock advocated drip painting too! His stunning works are “action” paintings that have colours coming alive from all directions. A perfect fuel for your little genius's creativity, we say.
5. Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci
There's no forgetting this eternally enigmatic painting by one of the most famous artists who has ever lived. This portrait of a woman with the mysterious smile has been frequently analyzed but that shouldn't stop the two of you from giving it a go. Discuss the secret behind her expression and let her roving eyes follow you across the room!
All set now for International Art Appreciation Day celebration? Even if you or your family are not very keen on art, do take some time out to appreciate these artworks on International Art Appreciation Day August 9. Art can add a beautifully fresh dimension to life and your kids will love you for it as they grow older! Read more
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
15 hours ago
Q. i am 39 week of pregnant and having AFI level of 8 is this normal?and is delivery possible for me?
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
7 hours ago
A. yes. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the childdo ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. please tale me how much dengerous for may 7 days old baby and she was 2.9 kg.
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
7 hours ago
A. Hello mom the blood sugar level of baby is quite low , could say hypoglycemia as well .
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. hlw hospital bag main baby nd mom ke liye kiya kiya le jana chahiye???
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. hospital bag mein baby ke essentials Deni hogi aap YouTube per dekh sakte hain. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. my last period was on 29 February 2024 according to which I am 8 weeks 4 days pregnant but my usg scan shows 7 weeks 3 days
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. For this purpose I’d like to tell you plus -1 or two weeks is completely normal to be seen during ultrasound till the time doctor does not say anything in order of you need to worry about the don’t worry like I said this can be commonly seen in one plus or 2+ weeks or minus weeks is fine
Ashima Malhotra has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
6 hours ago
Q. Am craving to have a burger at McDonald’s. Am 15 week pregnant.
Is it safe to have
Ashima Malhotra
Mom of a 10 m old boy
5 hours ago
A. avoid it
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
5 hours ago
Q. It's my 12th week of pregnancy but last night I noticed some bleeding. So, my doctor prescribed Duphaston for 2 weeks. Is there anything to worry about? Please guide me.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. at present take rest and use medicines as advised by the doctor. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Check out this new Memory
Hema
New Memory
#babyofsummer24
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
BHAWANA KUMARI
Mom of a 1 yr old girl
1 min ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Surabhi Joy
Guardian of a 6 m old girl
1 min ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Hema
Mom of a 3 m old girl
2 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Shubham Kumar
Father of a 1 yr 1 m old boy
2 mins ago
#cutestbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive