As parents, we all want to capture those magic moments of our children’s lives, one of which is their first Halloween.
You’ve probably seen the ridiculously cute baby in a pumpkin trend photos making the rounds every year, and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want one of those for the family album? It’s the perfect keepsake to look back on each Halloween and a reminder of how tiny they once were (before they hit their teenage years and probably roll their eyes at the sight of it…)
Whether it’s your baby’s first Halloween or their second (depending on when they decided to make their grand entrance), we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to recreate this trend, along with what not to do.
Five tips to perfect the baby in a pumpkin Halloween photo trend
1. Take your baby pumpkin picking with you to find the perfect sized pumpkin
While it might seem easier to leave your baby at home with another adult to avoid a supermarket meltdown, we advise you bring them along for the pumpkin hunt. Or you could get your pumpkin from a pumpkin patch and make a day of it with the family. This way, you can ensure you pick a pumpkin that’s the right size for the trend. This will prevent getting home and realising it’s too small after you’ve already carved it.
2. Hollow out the pumpkin the night before and save the leftovers for your baby’s dinner
Hollow out the pumpkin the night before your big photo opp. This allows it to dry out a bit so your baby won’t end up gooey and sticky. Plus, you can save the leftover pumpkin for some nutritious meals for your baby - because who doesn’t love a bit of pumpkin puree?
3. Make sure the leg holes have plenty of room (leg holes are optional if the pumpkin is big enough)
When you’re carving out the leg holes, be sure they’re wider than your baby’s little legs. You want them to have plenty of space to wiggle and not feel like they’re trapped. If your pumpkin is big enough for your baby to sit comfortably without needing to put their legs through, that’s perfectly fine too - comfort is key.
4. Double check for any remaining seeds as this could be a choking hazard
Before you pop your baby in, double check for any rogue pumpkin seeds that you may have missed when you were hollowing it. They can be a choking hazard, so a quick inspection will ensure it’s a safe spot for your baby.
5. Put a blanket in the pumpkin for extra comfort
To ensure your baby is as comfortable as possible, place a blanket inside the pumpkin before they take a seat. Not only will it keep them from getting sticky but it will also create a snug little place to sit that encourages those adorable laughs and smiles you’re aiming for.
Looking for more Halloween inspiration? You're in luck! We've shared two more pumpkin-themed blog posts perfect for your baby. Discover five surprising benefits of including leftover pumpkin in their diet and explore how to introduce pumpkin spice to babies, along with a baby-friendly pumpkin spice muffin recipe.
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