18 Halloween Costume Ideas for Expecting Parents That Actually Work With a Bump (And Don’t Require a Sewing Machine)
I was 31 weeks pregnant on Halloween two years ago, and I spent the entire week before scrolling through Pinterest, convinced I’d either look like a giant orange balloon or spend $80 on a costume I’d wear for three hours.
My friend Danielle — who was 36 weeks along at the time — actually tried the whole “sexy maternity witch” thing and ended up in her husband’s oversized hoodie by 8 p.m. because the corset was digging into her ribs.
Here’s the thing nobody tells you about Halloween costumes for expecting parents: your body is changing week by week, you’re probably tired, and the last thing you need is a costume that requires four fittings.
But you also don’t want to skip Halloween entirely just because you’re pregnant. The good news is that a bump is genuinely the best costume accessory you’ll ever have — it does half the work for you.
I’ve rounded up 18 ideas that real expecting parents have actually worn, ranging from “I raided my closet and spent $6” to “we ordered matching sets and called it a day.”
I’ve included what each one costs, how much effort it takes, and the mistakes I’ve seen people make. Let’s get into it.
Why a Bump Makes Halloween Costumes Easier (Not Harder)
Most Halloween costumes for expecting parents fail for one of two reasons: they’re uncomfortable after 30 minutes, or they try to hide the bump instead of working with it. The best maternity Halloween costumes lean into the shape you already have.
A pregnant belly is round, prominent, and basically a built-in prop. You can turn it into a pumpkin, a gumball machine, a crystal ball, a basketball, or a disco ball with minimal effort. The couples costume angle is where this really shines — your partner gets a role that only works because you’re pregnant, which makes the whole thing feel intentional rather than like you’re just wearing a loose dress with a sash.
The other advantage? Thrift stores. Nearly every costume on this list can be assembled from things you already own plus one or two thrifted pieces. My friend Priya put together her entire “Bun in the Oven” look for $11 — the apron was $4 at Goodwill, and she already had a rolling pin from her kitchen.
Pro tip: Avoid anything with a corset, boning, or a structured waist. You will hate it by hour two. If a costume description says “fitted waist” or “cinched,” keep scrolling.
1. Bun in the Oven (The Classic That Still Works)
Why it matters: This is the costume that requires almost zero explanation and works at any stage of pregnancy. It’s also one of the easiest to assemble last-minute.
How to do it: Wear a plain dress or jeans and a t-shirt. Put on an apron. Your partner wears a chef’s hat and carries a rolling pin or a whisk. Optional: print out a little “preheat to 98.6°F” sign and pin it to your apron.
The version I’ve seen work best is the one where the partner actually commits — a full chef’s coat, not just a hat. My neighbor Marcus wore his actual chef’s jacket from culinary school and people lost it. The costume reads as funny rather than lazy when the partner’s half is as thought-out as yours.
Pro tip: If you’re announcing your pregnancy at a Halloween party, this is the move. My friend Alyssa did exactly this — she and her husband showed up as baker and bun, and her mother-in-law screamed. Cost: about $15 if you already own an apron. The rolling pin was $6 at Target.
2. Avocado and Pit (The Couples Costume That Gets the Most Comments)
Why it matters: This one is genuinely funny, comfortable, and photograph-ready. You are the pit. Your partner is the other half of the avocado.
How to do it: Wear a green dress or a green top and leggings. Your bump is the pit. Your partner wears a brown or dark green shirt and pants. If you want to go the DIY route, cut two avocado halves out of cardboard or poster board and attach them to each of you. The cardboard version costs about $3 and takes 20 minutes.
The mistake people make with this one is overcomplicating it. You don’t need a full avocado suit. A green dress with a brown fabric circle pinned over the bump reads perfectly. My friend Jenna did this at 38 weeks and said it was the only costume she could actually sit down in.
Pro tip: If you’re doing the cardboard version, reinforce the back with a popsicle stick or a strip of cardboard so it doesn’t flop forward every time you lean over. This sounds obvious, but I watched three people at a party struggle with floppy avocado halves.
3. Gumball Machine and Quarter (My Personal Favorite)
Why it matters: This is the costume that made me actually enjoy being pregnant on Halloween. It’s colorful, it photographs incredibly well, and the partner’s role is genuinely clever.
How to do it: Wear a white or solid-colored t-shirt. Hot glue or pin colorful pom-poms to the front in a cluster over your bump. A red skirt or red pants completes the machine. Your partner wears a gray shirt with a big “25¢” printed on it, or you can buy a quarter costume online for about $20.
The pom-pom count matters. I used about 40 small ones, and it looked full without being heavy. My husband’s quarter shirt was a plain gray tee from Michael’s with a printable iron-on — total cost for both of us was under $25.
Pro tip: Use safety pins instead of hot glue if you want to wear the shirt again after Halloween. The pom-poms come off cleanly, and you’re not sacrificing a perfectly good t-shirt to a costume you’ll wear once.
4. Jack O’Lantern Belly (The One That Works at Any Budget)
Why it matters: You already look like a pumpkin. This is the least effort, highest reward costume on the list.
How to do it: Wear an orange dress or an orange t-shirt with black leggings. Use black felt or fabric marker to draw a jack o’lantern face over your bump. If you want to get fancy, cut the face out of black felt and pin it on.
The version I tried involved an orange maxi dress I already owned and a black Sharpie on a piece of black felt. Total cost: $2. The face stayed on all night, and I didn’t have to think about it again.
Pro tip: If you’re using fabric marker, test it on the inside hem first. I learned this the hard way with a white shirt two years before I was pregnant. Black fabric marker bleeds.
5. Construction Worker and “Baby Under Construction”
Why it matters: This one is a crowd-pleaser because it works whether you’re 12 weeks or 39 weeks. It’s also one of the most comfortable options.
How to do it: Wear a yellow hard hat and a safety vest. Your partner wears the same, plus a tool belt or carries a cardboard sign that says “Baby Under Construction” or “Bump Loading.” You can also wrap caution tape around your bump.
My friend Rachel did this at 20 weeks when she wasn’t showing much, and it still worked because the caution tape did the visual work. At 35 weeks, it’s even better — the tape wraps around the bump in a way that looks intentional.
Pro tip: Buy the caution tape at a hardware store, not a party store. It’s the same product and costs about $3 instead of $8. The hard hat you can usually borrow from someone you know who does any kind of manual work, or pick one up at a thrift store for $4.
6. Winnie the Pooh and Honey Pot (The Cozy Option)
Why it matters: This is the costume for people who want to be comfortable above all else. It’s also one of the cutest options for photos.
How to do it: Wear a yellow long-sleeve shirt and a red shirt or dress. If you want to be Pooh, add a red crop top over the yellow shirt and a headband with bear ears. Your partner can wear a brown outfit and carry a “Hunny” pot, or you can go the other way — you as the honey pot, your partner as Pooh.
The version that works best is when the bump is the honey pot. Wear a brown dress or brown top, and your partner wears the yellow Pooh shirt. The bump becomes the pot itself.
Pro tip: If you’re doing the Pooh ears, make them out of felt and a headband instead of buying a pre-made set. The pre-made ones are usually too small for adult heads and cost $12-$15. Felt and a headband cost about $4.
7. Skeleton Family (The One That Includes the Baby)
Why it matters: This is a pregnancy announcement costume, a Halloween costume, and a family photo all in one. It also works if you already have a toddler.
How to do it: Wear black clothing. Use white tape or fabric paint to create a skeleton ribcage on your shirt, with a smaller skeleton shape inside your bump. Your partner wears the same skeleton design on their shirt. If you have a toddler, they get a mini skeleton too.
The version I saw that worked best used white electrical tape instead of paint. It’s flexible, it sticks to fabric, and it peels off without residue. My friend Danielle did this at 28 weeks and said the tape held up through a full night of trick-or-treating with her niece.
Pro tip: Draw the baby skeleton face slightly lower than you think it should go. The bump sits lower than most people realize, and a face that’s too high looks like it’s in your ribs instead of your uterus.
8. Where’s Waldo (With a Tiny Waldo on the Bump)
Why it matters: This is a costume that works for both parents and doesn’t require any special clothing purchases beyond the signature red-and-white stripes.
How to do it: Both partners wear red-and-white striped shirts, beanies, and glasses. The pregnant partner attaches a tiny Waldo hat and glasses to the bump using safety pins or fabric glue. A small printed face or a simple drawn-on face completes it.
My friend Sam and her husband did this, and the tiny Waldo on her belly was the most-photographed part of their Halloween party. The whole thing cost about $30 for both of them because they found the striped shirts at a thrift store for $5 each.
Pro tip: Use a small round mirror or a piece of white felt for the tiny Waldo’s face. It’s more durable than paper and won’t wrinkle when you sit down.
9. Egg and Sperm (The One That Gets the Biggest Laugh)
Why it matters: It’s funny, it’s simple, and it’s the kind of costume that makes people do a double-take and then laugh out loud. It’s also one of the cheapest on the list.
How to do it: The pregnant partner wears a white shirt or dress with a yellow circle (the yolk) over the bump. The partner wears a white shirt with a tail made of white fabric or a white swim cap and a cardboard tail.
The version that works best is when the pregnant partner is the egg and the partner is the sperm. It’s a visual joke that lands immediately, and it’s comfortable because both of you are basically in white t-shirts and leggings.
Pro tip: If you’re doing this for a party where there will be kids, you might get some questions. My friend Priya said her nephew asked if the “egg” was going to hatch, and she just said “yes, in about two months.”
10. Kanga and Roo (For the Winnie the Pooh Fans)
Why it matters: This is a softer, cuter alternative to the egg-and-sperm humor. It’s also one of the most comfortable options because it’s essentially a brown outfit with a pouch.
How to do it: Wear a brown dress or brown top and leggings. Your partner wears a brown outfit too, or a Roo costume if you want to be more specific. The bump is the pouch. You can add a small stuffed animal Roo peeking out of the top of your dress or shirt.
My friend Rachel did this at 34 weeks and said it was the only costume she’d consider wearing to a work event. It reads as cute rather than costume-y, which is a nice middle ground.
Pro tip: If you want the Roo to stay in place, safety pin a small stuffed kangaroo or a brown fabric pouch to the inside of your shirt. The bump holds it up naturally.
11. Mike and Sully (With Boo as the Bump)
Why it matters: This is a family costume that works if you have a toddler and a bump. It’s also one of the most recognizable options on the list.
How to do it: The pregnant partner wears a green or teal outfit (Mike Wazowski). The partner wears a blue and purple furry outfit (Sully). If you have a toddler, they wear a pink shirt or dress (Boo). The bump is just the bump — no extra props needed.
The version I saw at a Halloween party had the toddler carrying a little “Boo” doll, which was a nice touch. But even without a toddler, the two-person version works.
Pro tip: If you’re doing Mike, a green beanie with a single eye drawn on it is the easiest way to sell the character. Don’t spend $40 on a full Mike costume when a $6 beanie and a green shirt do the job.
12. Violet Beauregarde and Willy Wonka (The Thrifted Version)
Why it matters: This is the costume for people who want to look like they put in effort without actually putting in effort. It’s also one of the most affordable couples options.
How to do it: The pregnant partner wears a blue dress or blue jumpsuit (thrifted for under $10 if you look in the right section). The partner wears a purple jacket, a top hat, and carries a cane. The bump is Violet’s blueberry transformation — no extra padding needed.
My friend Sam did this with her husband for their baby shower, not Halloween, but it’s the same idea. She found the blue jumpsuit at a thrift store for $9. Her husband already had a purple blazer from a previous costume.
Pro tip: If you can’t find a blue jumpsuit, a blue dress and blue leggings work just as well. The key is the color, not the cut.
13. Fortune Teller and Crystal Ball (The Elegant Option)
Why it matters: This is the costume for people who want to look put-together rather than silly. It’s also one of the most comfortable options because it’s essentially a flowy dress and a scarf.
How to do it: The pregnant partner wears a flowy dress or a maxi skirt and blouse. Your partner wears a head wrap, a flowy shirt, and lots of jewelry. The bump is the crystal ball. You can add a small crystal or a printed “future baby” card to hold.
The version that works best is when the partner is the fortune teller and the pregnant partner is the crystal ball. It’s a subtle costume that reads as intentional without being loud.
Pro tip: If you’re wearing a flowy dress, make sure it’s not so long that you trip. I watched a very pregnant fortune teller nearly face-plant at a party because her skirt was three inches too long.
14. Disco Ball and 70s Dancer (The Sparkly Option)
Why it matters: This is for the person who wants to sparkle. It’s also surprisingly comfortable if you get the right dress.
How to do it: Wear a silver sequined dress or a silver top with leggings. Your partner wears 70s-style clothing — bell-bottoms, a patterned shirt, maybe a wig. The bump is the disco ball. You can add a few stick-on sequins or a small “disco ball” sign.
My friend Jenna did this at 30 weeks and said the sequined dress was actually cooler than she expected because the sequins reflect heat rather than trapping it. The dress was $22 on Amazon.
Pro tip: If you’re buying a sequined dress, size up. Sequins don’t stretch, and you want room for the bump to breathe.
15. Juno and Paulie Bleeker (For the Movie Fans)
Why it matters: This is a nostalgic costume that works for anyone who loves the movie. It’s also one of the most low-effort options because it’s basically normal clothes.
How to do it: The pregnant partner wears a striped shirt or a tunic over jeans, plus a hoodie or jacket. The partner wears a yellow running shirt and red shorts (or just normal clothes if you’re not going for the full Paulie look). The bump is the pregnancy.
The version that works best is when the pregnant partner is Juno and the partner is Paulie. It’s a recognizable costume for anyone who’s seen the movie, and it’s comfortable because you’re basically wearing what you’d wear anyway.
Pro tip: The striped shirt is the key detail. If you don’t have one, a thrifted boys’ striped shirt works perfectly and costs about $3.
16. Mummy and the Baby (The Spooky-Cute Combo)
Why it matters: This is the costume for people who want something a little spooky without going full horror. It’s also incredibly comfortable.
How to do it: Wrap yourself in white gauze or strips of white fabric. Leave a gap over the bump, and add googly eyes or a small drawn-on face so the baby is “looking out.” Your partner can be a mummy too, or a ghost, or a skeleton.
My friend Alyssa did this at 36 weeks and said the gauze was the most comfortable thing she wore all pregnancy. It’s lightweight and breathable, and you can adjust it as the night goes on.
Pro tip: Use safety pins to secure the gauze rather than tying it. Tying creates pressure points, and you’ll want to adjust it after sitting down.
17. Prego Pasta Sauce and Chef (The Pun Costume)
Why it matters: This is a dad-joke costume, and it lands every time. It’s also one of the cheapest options on the list.
How to do it: Wear a red shirt or dress. Print out a “Prego” label and pin it to your bump. Your partner wears a chef’s hat and carries a wooden spoon. That’s it.
The version I saw at a party had the pregnant partner in a red dress with a printed label that said “Prego: Italian for ‘I’m pregnant.'” It got more laughs than the elaborate costumes.
Pro tip: If you don’t want to print a label, a red shirt with “PREGO” written in white fabric marker works just as well. The pun is the point, not the label.
18. Family of Three (The One That Includes the Baby You Haven’t Met Yet)
Why it matters: This is the costume for people who want to acknowledge the baby without making the bump the entire focus. It’s also a nice option if you already have a toddler.
How to do it: You and your partner wear matching or coordinating outfits. Add a third “outfit” for the baby — a onesie, a small stuffed animal, or a sign that says “Baby [Last Name] Coming [Month].” The bump is just the bump.
My friend Priya did this with her husband and their dog — the dog wore a bandana that said “Big Brother.” It was the cutest thing at the party.
Pro tip: If you’re including a pet, make sure the costume is comfortable for them. A simple bandana or a small hat is enough. Don’t put your dog in a full costume just for a photo op.
Costume Comparison Table: Effort, Cost, and Comfort
| Costume Idea | Effort Level | Estimated Cost | Comfort Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bun in the Oven | Low | $10-$15 | High | Last-minute, announcements |
| Avocado and Pit | Low | $3-$20 | High | Couples, photos |
| Gumball Machine | Medium | $15-$25 | High | Parties, photos |
| Jack O’Lantern Belly | Low | $2-$10 | High | Budget-friendly |
| Construction Worker | Low | $5-$15 | High | Any stage of pregnancy |
| Winnie the Pooh | Low | $5-$20 | Very High | Cozy Halloween |
| Skeleton Family | Medium | $8-$15 | High | Announcements, family photos |
| Where’s Waldo | Medium | $20-$30 | High | Couples, parties |
| Egg and Sperm | Low | $5-$10 | High | Funny, low-effort |
| Kanga and Roo | Low | $10-$20 | Very High | Cute, comfortable |
| Mike and Sully | Medium | $20-$40 | Medium | Family costumes |
| Violet and Wonka | Medium | $15-$30 | Medium | Thrifted looks |
| Fortune Teller | Low | $10-$20 | High | Elegant, photos |
| Disco Ball | Low | $20-$30 | Medium | Sparkly, parties |
| Juno and Paulie | Low | $5-$15 | High | Movie fans |
| Mummy and Baby | Low | $5-$10 | Very High | Spooky-cute |
| Prego Pasta Sauce | Low | $3-$8 | High | Pun lovers |
| Family of Three | Low | $10-$25 | High | Announcements, pets |
What to Buy vs. What to DIY (The Honest Breakdown)
I’ve done both, and here’s what I’ve learned:
Buy the costume if: You’re past 34 weeks and you don’t have the energy to craft. You’re going to a party where photos matter and you want it to look polished. The costume involves a specific shaped prop (like the gumball machine pom-poms or the avocado halves) and you don’t have the materials at home.
DIY the costume if: You’re under 30 weeks and still have energy. You already own most of the pieces. You’re doing a costume that’s essentially “normal clothes plus one accessory” (like the Prego sauce or the Bun in the Oven). You have a thrift store nearby and an hour to kill.
The single best purchase I made during my pregnant Halloween was a $12 pack of safety pins in assorted sizes. I used them for every single costume adjustment — the avocado halves, the gumball pom-poms, the skeleton tape. If you buy nothing else, buy safety pins.
FAQs About Halloween Costumes for Expecting Parents
What if I’m only 8 weeks pregnant and not showing yet?
You can still do most of these costumes. The “Bun in the Oven” and “Prego Sauce” costumes work at any stage because they’re about the joke, not the bump size. The construction worker costume works too — you can wrap the caution tape around your midsection even if there’s not much there yet.
Are there any costumes I should avoid while pregnant?
Avoid anything with a corset, boning, or tight waistbands. Avoid heavy props that pull on your neck or shoulders. Avoid costumes that require you to wear heels for more than an hour. And avoid anything that makes it hard to use the bathroom — you’ll be drinking more water than usual, and a complicated costume is a nightmare at 2 a.m.
How do I make a costume work if my bump is changing size?
Stick to costumes that rely on accessories rather than fitted clothing. A gumball machine works whether you’re 20 weeks or 38 weeks because the pom-poms are pinned on. A fitted dress does not. If you’re buying a costume, size up. You can always pin it tighter.
Can I paint my bump for a costume?
Yes, but use pregnancy-safe body paint and test it on a small patch of skin first. Some people react to the adhesive in certain paints. My friend used a water-based paint and had no issues, but she tested it on her inner arm two days before Halloween.
What’s the best costume for a Halloween party where I’ll be sitting a lot?
Anything without a structured waist or heavy props. The Winnie the Pooh, Kanga and Roo, and Fortune Teller costumes are all comfortable for sitting. The gumball machine is fine too — the pom-poms don’t dig in when you sit.
How much should I realistically spend on a pregnant Halloween costume?
You can do any of these for under $25. The most expensive options are the Mike and Sully and the Disco Ball, which run $20-$40. The cheapest are the Prego Sauce and Jack O’Lantern Belly, which cost under $10. I wouldn’t spend more than $30 on a costume you’ll wear once.
What I’d Do First If I Were Starting Over
If I were pregnant on Halloween again, I’d skip the elaborate costume and go straight for the gumball machine. It’s the one I got the most compliments on, the one that was most comfortable, and the one that cost the least. I’d buy the pom-poms from a craft store, use a t-shirt I already owned, and spend the savings on candy I could actually eat.
The second thing I’d do is text my partner early. The couples costumes work best when both people are on board, and the last thing you want is to be pinning your avocado half together at 6 p.m. on Halloween while your partner is still trying to figure out what to wear. Pick the costume together, split the prep work, and give yourselves a buffer day.
And if you’re on the fence about dressing up at all — just do the Bun in the Oven. It takes five minutes, costs almost nothing, and you’ll be glad you have the photo.
Hi, I’m Ashley Miller, a wife, a busy mom, and someone who loves to share all the things that make life a little more fun and beautiful.
From easy DIY projects, delicious recipes, and chic hairstyles to nail ideas and home decor tips, I share everything I’ve learned and love.
My goal is to inspire other women to explore their creativity and make their homes even more special.
