What are the Best Maternity Costume Ideas?

The best Halloween or other maternity costume ideas are those that are simple as well as fun and comfortable to wear. Anything that plays up the rounded shape of pregnancy can often be turned into a great costume idea. There are maternity costume rental options as well as do-it-yourself (DIY) possibilities. A belly dancer, bride, pumpkin, bumble bee, cow, baker and Christmas tree ornament are some of the best maternity costumes to consider.

The Christmas tree ornament maternity costume idea is flexible in that the clothing worn can be almost anything old and no longer needed; an elaborate amount of beads sewn onto the outfit is the main focus. A silky shirt with pants in a matching color works well, but any pieces in similar colors will do. Thrift store strings of beads or garlands of metallic Christmas "pearls" can be sewn onto the clothing to drape attractively or appear as a fringed look. Clear fishing line tends to be best for tacking the necklaces in place at intervals on the garments, as it won't show. The key to the costume is designing a head piece that looks like the hanger on a Christmas ornament; cardboard painted silver with some wire formed into a loop on the top can be used.

For purchased maternity costumes, a baker's outfit with "bun in the oven" written on the apron is popular. A white top, pants, apron and chef's hat form this maternity costume. A cow suit with udders that fit over the belly is another popular type of costume for a pregnant woman. A bumble bee and pumpkin are costume ideas that could be either purchased or made at home. The bumble bee outfit can be as simple as a black and yellow striped top, leggings and a hairband with two pipe cleaners attached to it.

Pumpkin costumes for pregnant women are very common, but also can be done in different ways. A cape with a printed picture of a jack-o-lantern may be worn, or the bare belly may be painted with face paints. Of course this latter maternity costume idea is usually best for indoors rather than chilly weather conditions.

A great tip to remember when searching for maternity costumes from rental or Halloween shops is to also check the plus size selection. Oftentimes, these larger costumes will fit women in different stages of pregnancy. Some examples of plus size options that may make a good maternity costume are bride or belly dancer looks.