By Lisa Fields Some people think that it’s silly for parents to go trick-or-treating with babies who are too young to eat any candy. Others jokingly say that sweet-toothed parents use their babies as bait so that they can score some free sweets. But going trick-or-treating isn’t just about those fun-size chocolate bars: You may be excited to meet some of your neighbors or to show off your adorably costumed baby to your local friends. Going trick-or-treating with a baby is a personal choice, and there’s no right or wrong answer. What’s right for you and your family is all that matters. If you do decide to go trick-or-treating:
- Wear a breastfeeding friendly costume to make breastfeeding easier on your and your little. If you are not comfortable breastfeeding in public don't forget a bottle of pumped breast milk. .
- Choose a comfortable costume, not one that’s too tight or one with a mask, which your baby won’t like.
- Dress your baby warmly, with layers underneath her costume. If it’s chilly outside, be sure to give her a hat.
- Go out when there’s still daylight. It will be warmer outside, and trick-or-treating will be less likely to interfere with your baby’s bedtime routine.
- Be prepared to cut your trick-or-treat excursion short if your baby cries, the weather changes or if there’s a diaper emergency.
- Keep it short and sweet. Only knock on the doors of the neighbors you know or those you want to meet. The sooner that your baby returns to your warm home and slips out of her costume, the happier she’ll be.
DISCLAIMER: Ameda strives to present you with accurate and useful breastfeeding information. This article may contain information and ideas that are not necessarily the views of Ameda. It does not constitute medical advice. If you have any questions please contact your healthcare professional.