The Hamburglar was redesigned in 1985 into a smaller, childlike version called Baby Hamburglar.
The Hamburglar had appeared in McDonald’s advertising as a burger-stealing character before the 1985 redesign. The earlier version was taller and more sinister-looking, with a black-and-white striped outfit and a long cape. McDonald’s changed the character to make him friendlier and more appealing to children.
The redesigned Baby Hamburglar had a shorter, more youthful appearance and became part of the updated McDonaldland cast. This reflected a broader shift in children’s advertising toward bright, approachable characters rather than threatening or villainous figures.
The Hamburglar is sometimes confused with the later name “Hamburglar” used without the word “Baby.” Baby Hamburglar described the redesigned childlike portrayal, while the enduring character identity remained the Hamburglar. His central visual association is stealing or craving hamburgers.