The Best Car Costume

Buying Guide

Choosing a costume for a young child can be tricky. Parents have to consider their children’s interests, costume size, cost, weather when the costume will be worn and the ease of getting the outfit on and off. A car costume is a winning choice that can align with many different TV and video game interests and works well at a range of temperatures.

Start by checking the size of the outfit you’re considering, and be sure that you’re comparing it against the clothes your kid typically wears. Costumes may be sized differently than regular kids’ clothes, so take care to get the right one for your kid’s measurements.

You’ll also want to check how the costume goes on and stays on. A wiggly kid may need Velcro and zip closures to keep them in the outfit for a prolonged period, while a child prone to tiring out will need something very lightweight or easy to remove. If your little one is old enough to do most of their own walking for trick-or-treat or the event the costume is being purchased for, make sure that their outfit is easy to walk in.

Car costumes offers lots of options, from Paw Patrol to the “Cars” franchise, but keep an eye on the weather forecast. If the car costume itself isn’t warm enough, it’s easy to add layers underneath the tunic or jumpsuit to ensure your child stays toasty warm at parties or while outdoors.

• Shop early so you don’t miss out on popular costumes if you’re buying for a holiday like Halloween. Buying for another event at the same time of year? It’s still a good idea to buy early to beat the rush.
• If the foam in a costume looks tired after multiple uses, cut an unobtrusive hole and top up with additional pillow stuffing to revitalize and use again in the future.
• Include safety gear for nighttime trick-or-treating: A reflective wristband or pair of flashlights can only enhance an already-great car costume.
• Car costumes make great adaptive outfits for children who need them.