27 Best Adaptive and Wheelchair Costumes for Tots and Kids
October 31st is just around the corner, which means Halloween outfit shopping is in full swing. If you’re the parent of a toddler or child who needs a sensory-friendly outfit or a wheelchair costume, you may have had to DIY your kiddo’s costumes in years past. Thankfully, adaptive costumes for kids have come a long way recently. According to Jana Sarno, BCBA, a board-certified behavior analyst and the chief clinical officer of Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers, “adaptive costumes may look different for each person, as each individual has their own specific needs and preferences, and what works for one child may not work for another.” With this in mind, consider your child’s specific needs to find the perfect Halloween costume that’s true to them.
From soft, colorful jumpsuits to too-cool wheelchair covers, you’re sure to find a perfect fit for your little love below. Here, browse our favorite adaptive and wheelchair costumes of the season. Plus, check out expert-backed advice and shopping tips to streamline your search.
We know that finding a Halloween costume that meets your child’s unique needs can be a challenge. That’s why our goal was to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers. To create this article:
- We interviewed a board-certified behavior analyst from Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers as well as the president of Disguise, a costume company for all ages and abilities. This way, we know what essential features and safety considerations to keep top of mind when you’re shopping (and trick-or-treating!).
- We considered a list of criteria when sourcing these wheelchair costumes, like material, size options, accessibility features and price point, to name a few.
- To see how these costumes worked for toddlers and kids, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents nationwide looked for in adaptive and wheelchair costumes.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Soft, functional and oh-so-cute, these adaptive and wheelchair costumes for toddlers check all of the boxes on our list—and then some. From sweet animal-inspired jumpsuits to character-themed apparel, there’s something for every tot in this roundup. Below, discover our favorites available to shop now.
Adaptive bat costume
Here’s a simple yet spooky costume idea for tots: An adaptive bat jumpsuit. For straightforward dressing and easy access to medical devices, this outfit features a side zipper. Hidden functional openings can also be found within pockets and behind flaps so that they’re equally discreet and convenient. Best of all, this sweet costume is complete with shimmering wings; expect your toddler to “fly” with delight on the big night!
Size range: 2-3T to 5T | Material: 100% polyester
Adaptive Bluey jumpsuit
Is Bluey your little one’s go-to show? Then this adaptive costume for toddlers will be a hit. With this fun blue jumpsuit (complete with pointy ears, of course), they can dress up like their favorite Australian puppy. It’s made from a soft velvet-like material—a perk for those looking for sensory-friendly costumes! Better yet, the outfit features handy openings on the sleeves, torso and pant seams so that it can be easily adapted to meet your toddler’s needs. As a result, it’s a great option for little ones who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
Size range: 2T to 4-6 years | Material: 100% polyester
Shark toddler costume
Next up on our list is this top-notch shark wheelchair costume for tots. The bright-blue jumpsuit has been thoughtfully designed with hidden openings for medical devices—plus, it has a side opening that makes it easy to put on while seated. Your little one will love all the fun details this Halloween costume has to offer, like the detachable fin, tail and hood.
Size range: 2T-3T to 4T-5T | Material: 100% polyester
Organic cotton Halloween pajamas
While they technically aren’t an adaptive costume, these Halloween-themed pajamas are a great option for tots who want to be super cozy on the big night. The seasonal color scheme and pumpkin print are sure to get your little one in the holiday spirit while also ensuring they’re comfortable. Another highlight: They’re made from 100 percent organic cotton that’s soft and durable, so they’ll last for many slumbers to come. Alternatively, a trick-or-treat-inspired pattern is also available.
Size range: Newborn to 24 months | Material: 100% cotton
Spooky skeleton PJs
Here’s another sweet Halloween costume idea for little ones. This pajama set from Old Navy will transform your toddler into a spooky skeleton. Thanks to the snug-fit, soft-washed knit material, you can count on your kiddo to be comfy as they enjoy the festivities. While these PJs don’t have adaptive features, the simple design makes them ideal for kids who use wheelchairs. Plus, the two-piece style allows for access to medical devices, if necessary. Complete the look with fun face paint for a costume that’s sure to wow!
Size range: 6-12 months to 6T | Material: 100% cotton
PAW Patrol adaptive outfit
If your little one is a fan of PAW Patrol, this adaptive Halloween costume will be a big hit. When wearing the soft velour jumpsuit and matching foam hat, your kiddo will look just like a member of their favorite rescue team. Accessibility highlights include the arm sleeve, abdominal and pant inseam openings, which make getting dressed a breeze.
Size range: 2T to 4-6 | Material: 100% polyester
Cute pumpkin dress
Pumpkin costumes are a Halloween classic for a reason; just look at how cute this dress from H&M is! The sweet outfit is made from soft jersey material and is complete with the smiling face of a jack-o’-lantern. Other details you and your little one will love include the leafy appliques around the neckline and the layered tulle skirt. While this costume isn’t labeled as adaptive, the concealed snap fastener on the shoulder makes it easy to put on. Moreover, the stretchy design allows room for diapers and necessary medical devices. If you’re looking for an alternative to pumpkins, it’s also available as a friendly bat.
Size range: 3-6 months to 3-4T | Material: 95% polyester/5% spandex (shell); 100% polyester (lining); 100% polyester (tulle)
Cozy jacket with ears
Parents can’t get enough of how cute and cozy this jacket from Old Navy is—and we can totally see why! The sherpa material is perfect for Halloween activities in chillier weather, and the zip-up style means it can be worn over your little one’s favorite outfit, PJs or anything else they’d like to wear. The best part: The built-in hood is complete with a sweet kitty face and ears. Unicorn and cheetah options are also available, so you’re sure to find something for even the most discerning tots.
Size range: 12-18 months to 5T | Material: 70% polyester/30% recycled polyester
Plush unicorn jumpsuit for toddlers
Unicorn costumes are a Halloween staple for toddlers, so it’s no surprise that this option is on our list. The fuzzy, pastel-colored jumpsuit comes with detachable wings and a tail, as well as a hood with glittering ears and a shining unicorn horn, of course. Sensory-friendly features include functional openings and a side zipper for straightforward dressing and access to medical devices.
Size range: 2-3T to 5T | Material: 100% polyester
Veterinarian costume pajamas
On the hunt for a toddler costume that you can get more than one wear out of? You can’t go wrong with these pajamas from babyGap. The two-piece sleepwear set comes with a long-sleeve top and coordinating pants that resemble veterinarian scrubs. While they aren’t labeled as adaptive or wheelchair-friendly, the snug-fit style and elasticized waistband make them an accessible option for a wide range of needs. Plus, unlike most Halloween costumes, they’re made from 100 percent organic cotton, meaning they’ll wash well and be gentle against your child’s skin. If your little one is an aspiring space explorer, there’s also an astronaut-themed print.
Size range: 12-18 months to 6 years | Material: 100% cotton
Shiny dress-up cape
Instead of a full-bodysuit or wheelchair costume wrap, you could opt for a cape—like this reversible option from Uncommon Goods. It’s sure to delight any dragon-obsessed toddler—and would be perfect for a House of the Dragons-themed family coustme. The 2-in-1 metallic design features a hood and a flowing cape with a spiky tail, as well as a heroic knight style on the other side. The open silhouette allows easy access to medical devices or other necessities, and the high-quality design is sure to last for many playtimes to come.
Size range: OS | Material: Polyester/velcro/polyurethane
Searching for adaptive or wheelchair costumes for slightly older kids? We have your back. Here are the best options for Halloween this year, from superhero wheelchair covers to super-fun jumpsuits.
Disney princess dress
What Halloween costume roundup would be complete without a Disney princess option? This adaptive Cinderella dress will make your kiddo feel like the belle of the ball. The iconic gown is made up of a satin bodice, sheer, organza sleeves, a mesh skirt and, of course, plenty of glittering details. Highlights include the Velcro closure and an ankle-length silhouette to accommodate seated kids, to name a couple. An added bonus: If your child uses a wheelchair, there’s even a cover set to match—how sweet!
Size range: S to XL | Material: Polyester
Astronaut costume kit
Blast off! This wheelchair costume for kids can transform any set of wheels into a shiny rocket. The kit includes a spaceship accessory that attaches to the back of the seat and colorful planet wheel covers with hook-and-loop tape for easy closure. To top it all off, it also comes with a soft astronaut helmet for your kiddo to wear. While this costume is only available in one size, the adaptable design can be adjusted to fit most wheelchairs.
Size range: OS | Material: Polyester
Buzz Lightyear wheelchair cover
With this wheelchair costume, your kiddo can reach infinity and beyond. The easy-to-assemble set has two felt pieces and 16 supportive plastic pipes to keep everything in place as your child enjoys the holiday. You’ll also love how the hook-and-loop tabs allow you to adjust it to fit your little one’s chair. Note: These decals shouldn’t be used with electric wheelchairs or baby strollers.
Size range: OS | Material: Felt/plastic
Transformers adaptive kids outfit
Calling all Transformers franchise fans: This is the Halloween costume for you. The Bumblebee-inspired jumpsuit is equipped not only with the autobot’s signature character details—but also has built-in arm sleeve, abdominal and pant inseam openings to accommodate kiddos of all needs and abilities. Plus, the hook-and-loop closure means getting ready for trick-or-treating will be a breeze.
Size range: 3T-4T to 7-8 | Material: 100% polyester
Kids’ shark wheelchair costume
This next kit will have your little one feeling fin-tastic on October 31st. The adaptive costume comes with an ocean-blue cape that fits over the back of most wheelchairs, as well as a soft shark hood that can be worn over your child’s head. The playful design also includes two fins and wave-illustrated wheel covers—plus, a matching blue lap blanket to keep your kiddo cozy as they trick-or-treat.
Size range: OS | Material: Polyester
Scooby Doo-themed wheelchair costume
Scooby-Dooby-Doo! This Halloween, transform your little one’s wheelchair with this retro Mystery Machine costume. It comes with two panels (for each side of the seat) which can be connected to the chair via the included stiffeners and easy-install hardware attachments. To ensure you can get multiple uses out of the cover, it’s printed with plastic UV ink that’s weather-resistant. Even better, the cover has been thoughtfully designed to fit all wheelchairs, and helpful set-up instructions can be found on the brand’s website for added peace of mind.
Size range: OS | Material: Plastic
Adaptive Elsa dress
Wheelchair costumes for kids aren’t just limited to seat covers and jumpsuits. Case in point: This adorable princess dress, inspired by Frozen 2. In front, you’ll find a shimmering skirt with glittering details—while at the back, there’s a Velcro closure for simple dressing. Other accessibility-friendly features include the hidden front flap opening for tube access and the satin underskirt complete with comfortable slip-on pant legs.
Size range: XS to XL | Material: Polyester
Dress-up flamingo cape
Next up is this fun flamingo cape from Meri Meri. The wings are made from three layers of tulle and are complete with wristbands so that they stay in place (no matter how giddy your little one is on October 31st). Top it all off with the glittering, embroidered headpiece to transform your little one into their favorite elegant bird in minutes.
Size range: 3-6 years | Material: Velvet/cotton/tulle
Mickey Mouse adaptive outfit
This Disney jumpsuit is a classic and would be perfect for a coordinated family costume! The Mickey Mouse adaptive outfit is made from soft velour to keep your little one comfy as they enjoy the holiday. What’s more, it’s been specifically designed to accommodate a variety of abilities and has various hidden openings to meet your child’s needs.
Size range: 2T to 4-6 | Material: 100% polyester
Adaptive dinosaur outfit
Dino-obsessed kids are sure to have heart eyes for this next wheelchair costume. Accessible features range from the hidden, built-in openings to the user-friendly Velcro closures. The result? A totally roar-some, and adaptive-friendly, costume for kiddos.
Sizes: 4-6 to 10-12 | Material:
Witch costume for kids
No Halloween costume roundup would be complete without a witch outfit—and this adaptive dress definitely won’t disappoint. The black-and-orange style is sweetly spooky, thanks to details like the bright mesh skirt, shiny sleeves and iconic pointy hat. Better yet, it has the same discreet, easy-access openings you can expect to find on any adaptive costume from Target’s Hyde & EEK! Boutique collection.
Size range: S to L | Material: 100% polyester
Superhero wheelchair costume
Your little one already is a superhero in your eyes, but with this cool wheelchair costume, they’ll feel even more the part. It resembles Batman’s iconic Batmobile, and comes with plastic support rods for added stability. Just keep in mind that this costume should only be used with a manual wheelchair.
Size range: OS | Material: Card backing/felt/plastic
Mermaid-themed wheelchair costume
If The Little Mermaid is often on repeat at home, this wheelchair costume will definitely dazzle your little one. Inspired by seaside whimsy, the shimmering dress includes an array of pretty details, like a layered organza skirt, a vibrant jeweled brooch and plenty of sequins. What’s more, the back opening and discreet flap for easy tube access make it a winning option for kids of all abilities and needs.
Size range: XS to XL | Material: Polyester
Sesame Street adaptive costume
Sesame Street has been a favorite for generations, which is why we love this adaptive Elmo costume for toddlers. The jumpsuit is the friendly monster’s iconic red color and features a hood with his smiling face. Moreover, it’s been designed with multiple access openings to accommodate IV ports, catheters, or abdominal feeding tubes.
Size range: 3T-4T to 7-8 | Material: 100% polyester
Incredimobile wheelchair costume
Next up on our list is a wheelchair cover that looks just like the Incredimobile from Incredibles 2. It’s made from stiff felt and comes with supportive plastic piping and self-stick fabric strips to keep everything in place during trick-or-treating. While some assembly is required, helpful instructions are included to ensure setup is a piece of cake. Pair it with Disney’s coordinating adaptive costume inspired by the same movie for an unforgettable Halloween outfit. Keep in mind: These decals are only intended for manual wheelchairs.
Size range: OS | Material: Felt/plastic
This year, you’ll probably be able to find standout, adaptive Halloween outfits at some of your go-to stores and brands. Here, check out the best online retailers for adaptive and wheelchair costumes:
- Target: Sarno recommends checking out Target’s line of adaptive Halloween costumes for several reasons. “They are generally affordable and have different options for customization, as families can choose to solely decorate the wheelchair or incorporate it into the overall design,” she says. On their website, you’ll also find dedicated pages for toddler and kids’ adaptive costumes to make your search even easier.
- Disney: If your kiddo is dreaming of dressing up as one of their favorite movie characters this Halloween, Disney’s online store has got you covered. The retailer offers a range of adaptive and sensory-friendly bodysuits for children, as well as themed wheelchair covers for extra fun.
- Halloween Costumes.com: This seasonal retailer is another dependable option for adaptive and wheelchair costumes. Whether you’re searching for cool character outfits, fun wheelchair covers or anything in between, you’re sure to find what your little one is looking for here.
So, what makes a Halloween costume adaptive or wheelchair-friendly? Overall, they’re a “thoughtful and practical solution to make dressing up and participating in events more inclusive for individuals with specific needs,” explains Tara Cortner, president and general manager of Disguise. She continues: “It allows them to fully enjoy the festivities while maintaining their comfort and accessibility.” As a result, adaptive costumes are outfitted with accessibility features—such as discreet openings for feeding tubes or medical devices, or silhouettes intended for those who use wheelchairs, aren’t ambulatory or may spend a lot of time seated or lying down. This way, children of all ability levels can enjoy trick-or-treating to the fullest.
As you scroll through adaptive and wheelchair costume ideas for your kiddo, keep the following expert-backed advice in mind:
- Comfortable materials. “Comfort is key,” says Sarno. She recommends opting for lightweight, soft materials that aren’t itchy. In addition to fabric, Cortner reminds parents to “take a look at size charts to ensure the costume fits.”
- Accessible, discreet openings for medical devices. For children who require medical devices, feeding tubes or anything similar, choose an adaptive costume with discreet openings that are easily accessible. You’ll also want to “make sure the openings provide easy access from a seated position and avoid complicated fasteners or buttons,” advises Cortner.
- Easy-on designs. Adaptive costumes are typically designed to ensure dressing and undressing are as seamless as possible. This is done by creating outfits with “arm sleeves and pant inseams that have hook and loop fasteners, ensuring secure and hassle-free opening and closing,” explains Cortner. Likewise, if your child uses a wheelchair or is working on independent dressing, options like these or with back openings could be a good fit, adds Sarno.
- Alternative wheelchair, stroller and wagon covers. If your child isn’t ambulatory or needs frequent breaks, consider a cover for their wheels, rather than a standard costume, recommends Sarno. “Wheelchair covers are made from a stiff felt and come with six support bars, [which] can be inserted and attached to the cover using included fabric strips,” explains Cortner. These designs slot over the sides of the wheelchair, stroller or wagon, offering all the fun of a costume without having to get dressed up yourself.
If you can’t find what your child is looking for or needs in an adaptive costume, don’t feel limited. Sarno reminds parents that costumes can be modified to accommodate various ability levels. For instance, she says, “if your child has difficulties with costumes that have a face mask, consider removing the mask and opt for face paint.” She continues, “if they have difficulty with certain textures, get a costume that is a few sizes larger than their typical size to allow them to wear another layer of softer clothing underneath.” Ultimately, work with your kiddo to find a comfortable costume so that they can focus on having fun this Halloween!
You’ll want to keep your child’s safety top of mind when choosing and while they’re wearing an adaptive or wheelchair costume. If your little one is using a wheelchair cover this Halloween, Cortner advises parents to “secure the product by leaving the wheel on the outside. Anything in the way of the wheel creates a hazard and caution should be taken.” This is especially true of costumes with capes, which shouldn’t cover the handles, and should be an appropriate length so that they don’t get caught in the wheels (and of course, as with any child’s costume, a cape shouldn’t fit tightly around your little one’s neck).
In addition to costume modifications, there are other ways you can make Halloween more comfortable for your child. After all, the holiday is a big change from their normal routine! One way you could do this would be to plan your trick-or-treating route in advance, suggests Sarno. As you do so, think of accessibility to the houses, well-lit paths and other safety concerns, she says. You could even create a fun map for your kiddo to hold on the night. Another idea Sarno offers parents is signage. For instance, “children with autism who are not vocal-verbal can hold up a sign that says “trick or treat” when visiting neighbors,” she says.
About the writer:
Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor for The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Emma has researched an array of topics, from prenatal vitamins and postpartum pads to the best non-wifi baby monitors, toddler learning towers and everything in between. As a digital media professional, she’s written dozens of articles on baby gear, aiming to create engaging, helpful content that informs new and seasoned parents.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Jana Sarno, BCBA, is a board-certified behavior analyst and the chief clinical officer of Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers. She has worked as the vice president of applied behavior analysis at North Shore Pediatric Therapy and as an infant development program administrator at Coyne & Associates Education Corp.
Tara Cortner, is the president and general manager of Disguise, a company specializing in costumes for all ages and abilities.
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