Halloween is a time for fun, but it can also pose some dangers for young ones. Children ages 5 to 14 are four times more likely to be killed in pedestrian/motor-vehicle accidents on Halloween than any other day of the year. We’ve provided some helpful tips from our doctors that will help your family have a safe, injury-free Halloween.
- Crossing Safety: Remind trick-or-treaters to look both ways when crossing the street. To ensure children will be seen by passing cars, place reflectors on costumes. Tell children to always walk when crossing the street.
- Costume Make-Up: If your child is wearing make-up as part of their costume, make sure to test it on a small area of their skin before applying on other areas of their body. Remove all make-up before bedtime to avoid possible skin and eye irritation.
- Costume Safety:Costume accessories such as imitation knives, swords, and wands should be short, soft, and flexible. Masks, costumes, and shoes should be well-fitting to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
- Pumpkin Carving Safety: To avoid injuries, leave all pumpkin carving to adults. Purchase a separate smaller pumpkin for younger children and allow them to draw on the pumpkin with child-friendly markers or paint while you carve.
- Preparing Your Home: Avoid tripping hazards for trick-or-treaters by making sure your porch, lawn, and sidewalks are well-lit and cleared. Make sure jack-o-lanterns are placed away from doorways, landings, or stairs to avoid fire hazards.
- Candy Rationing: If your child comes home with piles of plunder, give out a few pieces at a time and save the rest for later. You can also provide your child with a second option: Ask if he or she would like to swap some – or all – of their candy for something else, such as a special outing, book, or toy.
- Goodie Inspection: Make sure to inspect all treats before allowing your child to dive in. To avoid the temptation of having some snacks while trick-or-treating, provide a healthy snack before they head out for the night’s events.
- Get in on the Fun: Accompany trick-or-treaters younger than age 12. Pin a piece of paper with your child’s name, address, and phone number inside your child’s costume in case you get separated. Encourage older kids to trick-or-treat with a group of friends, parents, or older siblings. Make sure someone carries a flashlight with fresh batteries.