Philadelphia Children’s Hospital Dresses NICU Patients Up to Celebrate Their First Halloween: It’s ‘Incredibly Special’

A group of newborns at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) experienced a heartwarming first Halloween, thanks to the care and creativity of the hospital’s dedicated staff.

Specialists at CHOP shared that encouraging parents and caregivers to celebrate Halloween with their babies has long been a beloved tradition. The hospital’s Child Life team organizes the festivities each year, transforming the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) into a joyful space filled with miniature costumes and smiles.

“Witnessing the babies celebrate their first Halloween and the joy reflected on their parents’ faces is incredibly special,” said the CHOP team.

Among the many adorable looks this year were a bunny, a pumpkin, three peas in a pod, and even an elephant. Twin sisters Holly and Sage dressed up as ketchup and mustard — a perfect matching pair that brought laughter to everyone who saw them.

Parents Allison Shapiro and Spencer vonHershman expressed gratitude for the thoughtfulness behind the event. “Knowing that our babies are in a place where the nurses and child life team are not only providing incredible care but going above and beyond to add brightness and joy to an otherwise difficult environment means everything to us,” they said.

They added, “Outside the hospital, we don’t know other families who are going through the same things we are. When we’re at CHOP, we feel like we’re part of an amazing community. We feel supported in so many ways, including some we didn’t know we needed. We’re so grateful.”

For CHOP, dressing up their tiniest patients is more than a cute photo opportunity — it’s a meaningful way to help families connect and celebrate milestones. “Our babies’ lives have been so unconventional, so allowing them to dress up helps bring a sense of normalcy to the environment,” the organization noted.