Before I had my son, I had grand ideas of what costuming kids would be like. I couldn’t wait to dress him up. I had a little dragon costume for him before he was even born, with plans to take a few Game of Thrones inspired pics.

The reality: he screamed and cried as soon as the little outfit was on him. So, I got pics of me and a crying baby dragon. I also have pics of me and a crying little Captain America. There’s a theme here…

Babies and Cosplay

I see the photos of people with their babies dressed up in cute costumes, often asleep, totally going along with this whole costume thing. Not mine. If he can rip it off and eat it, he will. And just move an arm while he is sleeping and he will wake up, so I never had a chance to do any of those cute, posed sleeping pictures.

He has gotten better as he got older, but also I’ve gotten better at making costumes he can wear. I also have no shame in buying a cheap outfit for him because he is going to ruin it or grow out of it immediately. His latest Jedi costume is basically a smock over pants. I did spend time making a fancy belt that may be immediately torn apart, but I had to try to add a little something fancy.

So, wish us luck as we embark on our first family cosplay costume group at this weekend’s Star Wars Celebration! I’m hoping he doesn’t tear his Jedi robe to shreds before we get in the door.

We are doing costumes based on a Sesame Street parody called Star Smores:

The After-Con Update

We had a great time at Star Wars Celebration! My son had a major meltdown in the morning, and we were late getting out the door, but everything went smoothly after that. He loved seeing all the costumes and wanted to pet all the Wampas and Wookiees.

I wrote a full post with tips on taking little kids to comic cons, but here are a few major ones:

• Plan for Short Stays: Little kids can easily get overwhelmed or tired at comic cons, so it’s best to plan for short visits to the event. Consider attending during quieter times to avoid large crowds and long queues.
• Comfortable Attire: Dress your child in comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and standing for extended periods. Take into account the potential for various weather conditions and indoor temperature fluctuations.
• Pack Essentials: Ensure you have a well-stocked diaper bag or backpack with essentials such as snacks, drinks, wipes, and any comfort items your child may need. A small first aid kit can also come in handy.
• Identify Kid-Friendly Areas: Familiarize yourself with designated kid-friendly spaces within the event venue. These areas often offer activities catering specifically to children, providing a welcome break from the hustle and bustle.
• Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that your child’s experience at the comic con may differ from your own. Embrace flexibility and be prepared to adapt to your child’s needs throughout the day.
• Capture Memories: Take plenty of pictures to document your child’s experience and the imaginative costumes they encounter. These photos can serve as cherished mementos and conversation starters in the future.

While it’s not always easy, costuming with kids is worth the challenge!