Adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics and healthychildren.org
Use these comprehensive tips to plan ahead, be aware of potential hazards, and keep Halloween fun by making sure everyone stays healthy and safe.
Costumes—Flashy, Fun and Safe
- Plan bright and reflective costumes. Think about adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags so children can be more visible to cars.
- Make sure shoes fit well, and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, tangling, or contact with flame.
- Look for “flame resistant” on the costume labels. Wigs and accessories should also clearly say this.
- Consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer choices than masks. Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of your child’s skin to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises or allergic reactions on the big day. Toxic ingredients have been found in cosmetics marketed to teens and tweens.
- Hats should fit properly to keep them from sliding over eyes and blocking vision.
- Avoid any sharp or long swords, canes, or sticks as a costume accessory. Your child can easily be hurt by these accessories if he or she stumbles or trips.
- Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” getting decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.
Pumpkins—A Well-Adorned Pumpkin Need Not Include Sharp Knives or Candle Flames
- Never allow small children to carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers, then parents can do the cutting.
- For the best control while carving, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand recommends adults use a small pumpkin saw (sold with other Halloween goods) in small strokes, directing the blade away from themselves and others. The AAHS advises against using larger blades, which can become stuck in the pumpkin and cause injuries when pulled out.
- If injured by a blade, here are some guidelines to help you decide whether stitches are needed.
- Try using a battery-powered candle, flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.
- Do not place candlelit pumpkins on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by. A candlelit pumpkin should never be left unattended.
At Home, Clear the Path
- Remove tripping hazards to keep your home safe for visiting trick-or-treaters. Keep the porch and front yard clear of anything someone could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
- Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. Turn on enough outdoor lights to light the way for trick-or-treaters.
- Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and steps to keep people from slipping on them.
- Restrain pets so they do not jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
Kids are Especially Vulnerable to Animal Bites
Although most animals are friendly, some can be dangerous. More than any other age group, children between the ages of 5 and 9 are the victims of animal bites―about 5% of all children this age are bitten by an animal every year. Children ages 9 to 14 are next in line as the most frequent victims of animal bites. As a parent, you have ultimate responsibility for your child’s safety around any animal―including your own pets, neighborhood pets and wild animals. Here are some suggestions to talk over with your child.
Make a Plan for the Trick-or-Treat Trail
- Always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. If Halloween doesn’t start until after dark where you live and you have younger children, check with your town or park district for Halloween activities offered earlier in the day.
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home and get flashlights with batteries for everyone and at least one person should have a cell phone. Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost or someone is prone to wander. See “Help Prevent Your Child from Going Missing” for tips.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on and, ideally, a well-lit pathway.
- Never enter a home or car for a treat. Call law enforcement authorities immediately about any suspicious or unlawful activity.
- Know how to reduce your child’s risk of a pedestrian injury―the most common injury to children on Halloween.
- Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
- Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
- Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
- If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
- Never cut across yards or use alleys.
- Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.
- Don’t assume the right of way. People in cars may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will!
Parents with Teen Drivers, Make a Plan Ahead of Time
Before you let your child drive on Halloween, take precaution and set specific rules. Use a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement.
Healthy Halloween
- Give your child a good meal before parties and trick-or-treating; this will discourage filling up on Halloween treats.
- Consider offering non-edible goodies to trick-or-treaters visiting your home. Halloween is one of the trickiest days of the year for children with food allergies. Food Allergy Research & Education’s Teal Pumpkin Project, which promotes safe trick-or-treating options for food-allergic children, suggests items such as glow sticks, spider rings, vampire fangs, pencils, bubbles, bouncy balls, finger puppets, whistles, bookmarks, stickers and stencils.
- Keep an eye on what your child has in their mouth at all times while on the trick-or-treat trail. Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, it can happen. A responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped, or suspicious items. Once your child is ready to enjoy treats at home, keep in mind that babies and toddlers should not have any hard candies, caramel apples, popcorn, gum, small candies (jelly beans, etc.), gummy candy, pumpkin seeds, or anything with whole nuts. Candy wrappers, stickers, small toys or temporary tattoos can be a choking hazard, as well. As all parents know, babies and toddlers will put just about anything into their mouths!
- Try to ration treats for the days and weeks following Halloween. If you keep candy guidelines realistic, consistent, and positive, your Halloween is less likely to be about arguing or controlling candy. Make a plan together so everyone knows what to expect. It’s also a great opportunity to teach your kids about moderation, balance and healthful indulging. Get tips for taming your child’s sweet tooth here.
More information
Easing Babies & Toddlers into Halloween Fun: 8 Tips for Parents
Face Paints & Makeup: Choose Carefully to Avoid Toxic Ingredients
Avoid a Food Allergy Scare on Halloween
Decorative Contact Lenses: What Teens and Parents Need to Know
