Seattle Children’s Hospital NICU Joins Halloween Fun with the “Sweetest” Tiny Trick-or-Treaters Dressed in Custom Costumes
Halloween looked a little different — and a lot cuter — inside Seattle Children’s Hospital this year. The hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) continued its now-beloved tradition of dressing up its tiniest patients for the spooky holiday, bringing smiles, laughter, and a dose of heartwarming joy to families and staff alike.
On October 31, Seattle Children’s shared a collection of photos on Facebook that instantly melted hearts across the internet. The images showed newborns dressed in hand-crafted costumes made by the dedicated NICU staff — a thoughtful gesture meant to bring a bit of celebration to parents who are spending the holiday in the hospital instead of at home.
One baby, dressed as a miniature Seattle Mariners player complete with a felt mustache and tiny baseball uniform, was nicknamed “Lil Dumper,” while another, wrapped in pink felt and topped with a fluffy cotton “wig,” channeled a sweet, whimsical character straight out of a storybook. Each costume was designed with safety first, using soft materials that wouldn’t disturb the babies’ medical equipment or comfort.
For the families, the moment offered something precious — a sense of normalcy and hope. Many NICU parents experience weeks or even months of hospital care for their babies, and these kinds of small celebrations help lighten the emotional load. “It’s the first real chance to celebrate something joyful,” one nurse said in the hospital’s post. “We want families to have happy memories here, too — not just stressful ones.”
The photos quickly went viral, with thousands of likes, shares, and comments pouring in from across the country. People praised the hospital staff for their creativity and compassion, and many parents who once had babies in the NICU shared their own memories of how much those gestures had meant to them. One commenter wrote, “My twins were in the NICU here years ago. The Halloween photos were the first time I truly felt like we could smile again. Thank you for keeping this tradition alive.”
Behind the costumes is a deeper story of connection. For the nurses, doctors, and volunteers, crafting these outfits isn’t just about the holiday — it’s about giving families a reminder that even in hard times, there’s room for joy. They start preparing weeks in advance, carefully coordinating themes and materials to ensure every baby can participate safely.
Seattle Children’s Hospital has been carrying on this Halloween tradition for years, and it’s become a cherished part of the unit’s culture. For staff members who often see families at their most vulnerable, the annual event offers a reminder of why they do what they do — helping babies thrive while keeping hope alive.
As the tiny “trick-or-treaters” posed for their first Halloween photos, dressed as superheroes, sports stars, and storybook characters, the message was clear: even the smallest moments of happiness can make a world of difference.
