Across the nation, hospitals are spreading Halloween cheer by adorning their smallest patients with adorable costumes, lifting spirits for both families and staff during what can often be a challenging time.
In Washington, and indeed throughout the United States, NICU babies are capturing hearts and earning accolades for their delightful first Halloween costumes.
This charming tradition sees newborns in neonatal intensive care units dressed up in tiny Halloween costumes, allowing them to partake in the festive atmosphere. The initiative serves as a much-needed source of joy for families and healthcare workers alike.
Here’s a glimpse into how various hospitals are celebrating Halloween with their NICU babies:
At Jacobs Medical Center at UC San Diego Health, several newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit have been transformed into mini superheroes and icons, including Batman and Robin, Disney Princesses, and even a Gladiator.
Jacobs Medical Center at UC San Diego Health – San Diego, CA
Several babies in the neonatal intensive care unit at Jacobs Medical Center at UC San Diego Health transformed into Batman and Robin, Disney Princesses and the Gladiator.
PHOTOS | Babies in NICU at Jacobs Medical Center at UC San Diego Health dress up in costumes
Sutter Health – Sacramento, CA
The Sutter Health Child Life team held a costume-making workshop for families of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Sutter Health NICU Costume Contest
University of Louisville Hospital – Louisville, KY
University of Louisville Hospital dressed their NICU babies in spooky, yet adorable, costumes.
PHOTOS: Louisville hospital NICU babies dressed up for Halloween
Saint Francis Hospital – Memphis, TN
The babies from Saint Francis are celebrating Halloween this year in style, with a series of photos and costumes paying homage to the 1939 classic film, “The Wizard of Oz.”
Costumes representing characters like Dorothy, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion were lovingly hand crocheted by a retired Saint Francis nurse.
Photos: Saint Francis babies wish the Mid-South a Happy Halloween
Regional One Hospital – Memphis, TN
NICU babies at Regional One were dressed up as different candies this year, ahead of Oct. 31.
Regional One Babies dressed as candies
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital – Lancaster, PA
From a Starbucks drink to a Barbie doll – complete with the box – the NICU baby costume photo shoot is a tradition that Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s Women & Babies Hospital looks forward to every year.
Penn Medicine NICU baby costume photo shoot
Baptist Health System – San Antonio, TX
Nurses at Mission Trail Baptist Hospital on the south side of San Antonio and Westover Hills Baptist Hospital on the far west side of San Antonio, created Western-themed Halloween costumes and a rustic fall backdrop – complete with cowboy boots, bandanas, cowboy hats, cow prints, pumpkins and smiles for miles — for new parents to cherish.
Trick or Treat | NICU infants at Baptist Health System ready for Halloween
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison, WI
Nurses at SSM Health in Madison dressed up one NICU baby as a mermaid, with an entourage of scuba divers.
CHRISTUS Children’s Hospital – San Antonio, TX
NICU babies at CHRISTUS Children’s dressed up as various Disney characters, from Buzz Lightyear to Nemo.
Aspirus Health – Wisconsin
Aspirus Health nurses dressed up NICU babies in various food and career related costumes, from Dippin’ Dots and cookies to construction workers.
Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego, CA
The NICU at Rady Children’s Hospital got very colorful for Halloween, as the babies and nurses dressed up as crayons.
Children’s of Alabama – Birmingham, AL
NICU babies at Children’s of Alabama became cowboys, astronauts and dinosaurs for the Halloween holiday.
Main Line Health – Pennsylvania
Patients at Main Line Health’s Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Paoli Hospital and Riddle Hospital were dressed up as superheroes and cartoon characters.
