SPOKANE, Wash. —In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, every day is a delicate balance of care and hope.
While caregivers provide essential around-the-clock medical care, a group of nurses carved out another avenue to support wraparound care.
Each year, they handcraft dozens of costumes for NICU babies for the Halloween holiday. Inspired by NICU units across the country and fueled by a love of crafting, nurses Chandy T. and Claire F. championed the program and brought the celebration to their own unit.
Each year, they handcraft dozens of costumes for NICU babies for the Halloween holiday. Inspired by NICU units across the country and fueled by a love of crafting, nurses Chandy T. and Claire F. championed the program and brought the celebration to their own unit.“We just came up with a plan and enough nurses to make it happen,” said Chandy. “It’s a moment of joy in a time that’s often overwhelming. It reminds families that milestones matter—even the first Halloween.”
Now in its third year, the team has created around 60 costumes, including designs like sushi rolls, popcorn buckets, cowboys, and cups of noodles. Every costume is made with new, clean materials, stored in individual bags for single-patient use, and designed with safety in mind. Families are invited to participate, and those who do receive a printed photo and get to keep the costume as a keepsake.
The costume ideas come from a mix of unit-wide brainstorming and year-round inspiration. Nurses post suggestions on an internal chat, keep running lists, and scour the internet for inspiration. Caregiver Claire, known for her cowboy and cowgirl designs, used to host costume-making sessions at her house. Now, the effort has grown to include about ten nurses who spend hours crafting together at work.
“It’s not a chore—it’s my good karma for the year,” said Chandy with a smile. “Halloween is my thing. I don’t have kids of my own, so it’s fun to make these costumes and help parents pick out something special.”
This year, one costume stood out—a tiny lion suit made for baby Duncan, whose journey into the world began with a life flight and a high-risk pregnancy.
Chandy is one of Duncan’s primary day nurses. For Duncan, the lion costume was more than just cute—it was deeply personal.
His parents, Nicole and Conor, planned a babymoon at the San Diego Zoo, where they bought a small lion stuffed animal. That lion became a beacon of strength for his family, sitting at the doctor’s desk at every appointment.
“The lion became a symbol for our pregnancy and for Duncan,” said Nicole.
Duncan was born earlier than expected, and his parents have spent three months at the local Ronald McDonald House while he has received care.
“When we saw Duncan dressed as a lion, it meant everything,” Nicole added. “He’s so brave. He doesn’t have a choice, but he handles everything in stride. He’s the happiest little guy. It reminded me of the Wizard of Oz—he’s our courageous lion.”
“We wondered, ‘Can he even wear a costume with his condition?’ But they made it happen,” said Nicole. “We got to take pictures. We still got to celebrate.”
Chandy and the NICU team make sure the costume was both safe and comfortable.
“We don’t do it for the feedback,” Chandy emphasized. “We do it because we care about their baby as much as they do.
Nicole said it is hard to find words to thank Duncan’s caregivers.
“Thank you for loving our boy,” she said. “The little things you do—the things we don’t always hear about—mean so much. You’ve helped make this hard time a little more joyful.”
The NICU team’s dedication goes beyond Halloween. Last Christmas, nurses personalized ornaments with pom-poms, snowflake confetti, and tiny footprints.
“It’s just another way to show families we care,” said Chandy.
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