When your little one needs a stay in the NICU, Halloween can feel more like a horror show than a festive celebration. Fortunately, the dedicated folks at The March of Dimes and the nurses at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City are making the situation a bit brighter and less spooky.
Who doesn’t adore Halloween? Even babies, albeit unknowingly! Thanks to the ingenuity and kindness of these amazing volunteers, NICU babies got to don some seriously cute costumes this Halloween.
St. Luke’s Hospital teamed up with The March of Dimes to create handmade costumes for the tiniest patients. Each baby received a “Trick or Treat, smell my feet” card featuring their tiny footprints, a hand-crocheted pumpkin brimming with goodies, and a Halloween book for families to share together. It took a village—March of Dimes volunteers and NICU nurses collaborated to whip up these delightful outfits, while one dedicated staff member crocheted all the pumpkins.
Jennifer Thompson, the Marketing and Communications Manager for The March of Dimes, shared with us, “Families in the NICU often find themselves here for weeks or even months. It can be an emotional rollercoaster. By allowing them to celebrate Halloween with their little ones, we provide a sense of normalcy and a chance to commemorate their baby’s first milestones—something every family cherishes.”
While the little ones didn’t get a say in their costumes, we’re sure they were thrilled with their get-ups! Think superhero capes, butterfly wings, and even a cute Captain America shield alongside a Kansas City Royals jersey. These outfits were crafted with love and compassion for the hospital’s most precious patients.
I mean, can you even handle the cuteness? I might have to overlook that Batman baby—I’m a Superman fan, after all. When my own child spent a brief two days in the NICU, it was a nerve-wracking experience. Some families, however, find themselves there for far longer. That’s why the heartfelt efforts of March of Dimes and the incredible nurses at St. Luke’s are so invaluable.
Allowing families to celebrate Halloween helps restore a bit of normalcy during what can be a very stressful time. The babies may have been dressed as superheroes, but let’s be real: the true heroes here are those who made this celebration possible.
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In summary, a wonderful team of volunteers and nurses brought joy to NICU families this Halloween, reminding everyone that even in tough times, moments of celebration and connection are crucial.