Tips for a Safe and Healthy Halloween

When the leaves begin to change color, the air becomes crisper, the nights grow darker, and the anticipation of spooky season creeps in, you know Halloween is just around the corner! While you and your little one get excited about fun costume ideas, spooky decorations, and candy galore, don’t forget to prioritize safety this Halloween. From sugary treats to dimly lit streets, Halloween safety may be a bit tricky. Here are some tips for a safer and healthier Halloween.

Costume Preparations

Dressing up for Halloween is a favorite among children – and those of us who are kids at heart – allowing your imagination to run wild, but some safety concerns are hidden in plain sight. In most cases, there are easy workarounds to help reduce the risk of injury for kiddos on a night that should be filled with delightful tricks and treats.

When choosing a costume for Halloween, keep these tips in mind:

• Opt for light-colored costumes or add glow-in-the-dark tape for visibility
• Ensure costumes are flame retardant
• Skip masks or costumes that block the eyes, nose or mouth – use nontoxic face paint for better visibility and breathing
• Add a name tag with your number in case you get separated from your child
• Keep props flexible – if using wands or swords, make them out of cardboard or foam and keep them short and non-pointy
• Keep capes and costumes short to prevent tripping
• Skip cosmetic contact lenses – they’re notorious for causing eye infections

Safety on the Trick-or-Treat Trail

Trick-or-treating is an exciting age-old Halloween custom for children, but like any exciting event, it poses some risk for children and teens.

Help make Halloween safe for you and your little goblins with the following tips:

• Plan a familiar route in your neighborhood ahead of Halloween night
• Have a responsible adult or chaperone accompany younger children and carry a flashlight and cell phone
• If your older kids are allowed to trick-or-treat by themselves, make sure they go with a big group and establish a “buddy system,” carry a flashlight and cell phone, and designate a “return to home” time
• Obey pedestrian laws – cross the street as a group in established, well-lit crosswalks and do not let kids cross the street between parked cars or out of driveways or alleys
• Remind your children about safety rules – only go up to homes with porch lights on and never enter the home of a stranger or accept a ride from one

Sweet Treats Inspection

A sugar rush isn’t the only thing parents should consider with their child’s Halloween loot. Before kids begin sampling their candy haul, parents should designate themselves as the “Candy Police” and inspect all treats to ensure that the candies won’t pose risk for the littles eating them.

With a little planning and some clever tricks, you can keep the Halloween candy craze under control while still letting your kiddos enjoy in the fun:

• Feed your kids a balanced meal before trick-or-treating
• Inspect treats for possible choking hazards (children ages 2 and under should never eat small hard candies)
• Discard unwrapped candy or wrapped items that show evidence of tampering
• Throw away homemade food items
• Limit kids to one to two pieces of sample sized candy a day to avoid a sugar overload – moderation is key!

Have a Happy and Healthy Halloween

Remember – a fun Halloween is a safe Halloween. With a little planning, Halloween can be safe and healthy for everyone. Whether your little one chooses to be a valiant superhero, a wicked witch, or an enchanting princess for the night, it’s important to prioritize nutrition, safety, and mindfulness this Halloween.