The absolutely best time to dress a child for Halloween is during the first few years of life. Why? Because you get to pick the costume!

Prior to the years of arguing about the appropriateness of various costumes (too sexy; too scary; too commercial) are sweet times carefully selecting an adorable outfit guaranteed to elicit ohhs and ahhs.

Unlike in later years, when laboring weeks over a costume results in a one-day wearing, for at least the first 5 or 6 years, Halloween costumes can double as dress up or even everyday wear. I try to look for costumes for infants and toddlers that are both cute and practical - no itchy materials or fussy accessories that parents need to hold or rearrange and can be used at least through the winter months before being handed down or lovingly packed away.

This snuggly Sock Monkey Costume fits the bill. This sweet costume is one piece with a detachable tail and tiny warm hat and, importantly, under leg snaps for easy diaper changes. Rather than promoting children’s TV shows movies which you’ll certainly get enough of in the ensuing years, this sock monkey costume is for the enjoyment of, well adults!

There are only a few years when you get to choose the costume…so make the most of it!