A Happy Halloween Comes to Cedars-Sinai | Cedars-Sinai Newsroom

Patients in the Cedars-Sinai Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), staff in the Pediatrics Department and dogs from the Barbara Cowen POOCH Volunteer Program are dressed up for a happy Halloween this year.

The medical center's smallest patients continue a 23-year NICU tradition, sporting unique costumes hand-sewn by volunteers, parents, current and former NICU staff, and even some NICU graduates.

"It has been a challenging time for all, and these families are so happy for a chance to dress up their little ones and celebrate," said Bevin Merideth, RN, an assistant nurse manager in the NICU. "And these tiny babies are adorable in their cuddly costumes."

Creation of the costumes, each paired with a children's book, is organized by Dorothy Williams, a former Cedars-Sinai employee. They are specially designed to open flat like a blanket and wrap around the babies, with Velcro and ties to accommodate medical tubes.

"For parents, Halloween gives them a break in the routine of going to the hospital, where all of your focus is on medical things and in the intensity of visiting a baby who may be very fragile at that point," said Williams, who was once a NICU mom. "And it's a day that becomes one of pleasure, even if it's for a few minutes of putting on a costume and taking a picture."

Williams makes sure there are 50 costumes available, with options for babies of every size. New this year are the spotted animal from Put Me in the Zoo, by Robert Lopshire, and the colorful patchwork elephant from the Elmer books by David McKee.

Nadja and Brendan Helstein chose a bunny costume for their daughter, Blake, paired with the book Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney, "because she's my little Bunny," Nadja said.

Nadja is excited to celebrate her favorite holiday by dressing up Blake. "It will be her favorite holiday, too," she said. "She wasn't supposed to be here quite yet, so this is kind of a bonus celebration."

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