Tiny costumes bring big smiles in the Riley Children's Health NICU at IU Health North

10/29/2026

Team members in the Riley Children’s Health at IU Health North Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) helped the hospital’s tiniest patients get into the Halloween spirit with costumes for their families to enjoy.

This year’s theme was inspired by the popular children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Team members signed up to make or bring in costumes, transforming the NICU’s patients into some of the foods featured in the story.

“I’m really proud to be part of such an amazing team that does so much for our littlest patients and their families,” says Ashley Brunic, manager of clinical operations for the NICU. “No one ever plans for their baby to be in the NICU, but we hope we can help families still find moments of joy in the unexpected.”

This year’s costumes included a pickle, a plum, ice cream and more, bringing a little Halloween fun to patients and families during their NICU stay.

nurse dressing baby — Nurse Emma Humes dresses one of the patients in his costume

baby in pickle costume — Stetson Swift dressed as a pickle

baby in watermelon costume — Luca Caldwell dressed as a watermelon slice

baby in a plum costume — Jiana Pepanio dressed as a plum

baby in cherry pie costume — Juliana Pepanio dressed as a slice of cherry pie

baby in strawberry costume — John Cooper dressed as a strawberry

baby in ice cream costume — Monte Guinn dressed as an ice cream cone

Related Locations

Riley Hospital for Children building exterior with a glass entrance.

Riley Children's Health at IU Health North

Riley Children's Health at IU Health North offers the same pediatric care experience that patients have come to expect from Riley Children’s Health but in a convenient location close to home. Riley Children's Health at IU Health North in Carmel provides nationally ranked pediatric care alongside the most highly skilled physicians and nurses in the state. Whether your child needs specialty, inpatient or emergency care, we are here to support you and your family.