In the spirit of Halloween, some of the tiniest trick-or-treaters have gotten into costume a bit early this year. Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) at Loyola University Medical in Maywood, Illinois, and Trinity Health Grand Rapids have taken to celebrating the season by dressing up their infant patients, bringing a touch of normalcy and seasonal cheer to families navigating the challenges of having a baby in intensive care.
The staff at Trinity Health Grand Rapids NICU have crafted lightweight, felt costumes tailored to accommodate each baby's medical devices and incubators. Despite not being able to participate in traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, the initiative offers families an opportunity to experience key childhood milestones. FOX 17 reported that Trinity Health representatives shared, "We have successfully cared for babies born at 22 weeks gestation and weighing as little as 11 ounces." To get a glimpse at these festive costumes.
At Loyola University Medical, the staff and families work together to choose a delightful theme each year for the little ones' costumes. According to a CBS Chicago interview with RN Maggie Jones, "Most of these costumes handmade by the staff who coordinate outfits and decorate the backgrounds." From babies costumed as fruits and vegetables to this year's selection of Halloween classics, the creative efforts of the nurses and staff are clearly bringing joy to families during what can be a stressful period. One mother, Jillian Turner, reflected on how dressing her son up for the holiday was "a change of pace."
Woodtv.com showcased how Trinity Health crafted costumes ranging from fairytale characters like Rapunzel to underwater adventurers like a scuba diver. This effort allows for 200 to 300 families each year to see their newborns, some born as early as 22 weeks, celebrate Halloween. While Halloween falls on a Thursday this year, events like these create memories that families can cherish regardless of the day of the week. More details and photographs can be found on WOOD TV8.
The acts of dressing infants in Halloween costumes may seem simple, yet it symbolizes a respite from the rigorous routines of the NICU. For Shakura Hobson, seeing her twins dressed as characters from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" brought special meaning to the holiday. Similarly, the Turners were also encouraged by the care their child received, Jillian told CBS Chicago, "They make it so much easier to leave. First day was really hard to leave, but seeing how he is being taken care of here. It is allowing us to be able to walk away, knowing that he is in good hands." The festivities will not end here for these hospitals, with annual visits from Santa Claus also planned prior to Christmas to continue spreading cheer.
