Tips for an Enjoyable and Safe Halloween

When you think about Halloween, you probably have fond memories. You probably remember the excitement of choosing the perfect costume. Most likely, you eagerly anticipated receiving mountains of candy. You looked forward to trick-or-treating with friends. Now you want to do all that you can to make sure that your kids have these same experiences. Here are some tips to ensure that your kids have an enjoyable and safe Halloween.

Wear a Costume

When shopping for costumes, wigs, and accessories, buy those products that have a label that clearly indicates that the product is flame resistant, suggests the American Academy of Pediatrics. In order to prevent an allergic reaction or rash, you should test make-up in a small area before you apply more; make sure that your child removes makeup before bedtime, in order to prevent skin and eye irritation, recommends the Center for Disease Control. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure that the eye holes are large enough to ensure visibility, advises the National Fire Protection Association. However, you should consider non-toxic makeup and hats as an alternative to masks; hats should fit properly, so they do not cover the trick-or-treater’s eyes, suggests the AAP. In case it’s cold outdoors, the Mayo Clinic recommends buying a loose costume for your child, so he or she can wear warm clothes underneath the costume. Make sure that your trick-or-treater’s costume is short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement, or contact with a flame, advises the AAP. Also, make you’re your child’s costume has reflective tape on it, so motorists can see the kids. Swords, knives, and other costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible, recommends the CDC.

Going Treat-or-Treating

Make sure that your kids hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating, so they can see. Young children should be accompanied by adults. Make sure that older children travel in groups. Parents or guardians should plan and review the route that the kids will take; also, the adults and kids should agree on a time to return home, suggests the AAP. Remind your kids to only to go to homes that are well lit. Also, remind your kids not to enter a house or car for candy, recommends the AAP. The CDC encourages parents to make sure that kids recognize the importance of walking on the sidewalk or on the left-side of the road, facing traffic.

Eating Halloween Candy

The Mayo Clinic recommends feeding your kids before they trick-or-treat, so they will be less tempted to eat candy before they get back home. Remind your kids to not eat candy that looks opened or unwrapped. Always inspect candy before allowing your kids to eat it. If you have young children, the Mayo Clinic recommends weeding out gum, peanuts, hard candies, and other potential choking hazards.

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