This is the adorable moment newborn babies donned Halloween outfits at the Cleveland Clinic Children's in Ohio.

Footage shows tiny patients from the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) dressed in cheerful costumes, including a ladybird, a boxer, a cheerleader, and a soccer player.

Many of the outfits were donated, with some lovingly crocheted by NICU caregivers, while others were brought in by proud parents eager to join in the celebration.

Officials at the medical centre said the long-running Halloween tradition brings comfort and joy to families spending time in the NICU.

NICU nurse manager Julie Gamary added: 'Dressing our babies in costumes brings moments of connection to families during what can be an uncertain time.

'It's a small gesture that helps families celebrate milestones and create special memories, even in the hospital setting.'

Halloween originated some 2000 years ago from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a celebration marking the end of harvest and the start of winter, when it was believed that spirits could cross into the living world.

The tradition evolved as Christianity spread, merging with All Saints' Day on November 1. By the 19th century, Halloween became widely celebrated in America, blending various cultural customs.