Good ideas fromAmazingMoms.com – to which I have added my own points.
Combine dressing up in costumes with free candy and you create a kid friendly holiday! Although Halloween is a favorite holiday for children it does come with it’s own unique dangers that all parents and caregivers should be mindful of. With a few basic Halloween safety measures your family can have a fun and safe celebration!
Table of Contents
Make Halloween Costumes SAFE to wear
- To ensure a safe Halloween, first plan your child’s costume wisely. From masks to footwear all parts should be considered for comfort and safety.
- All Halloween costumes and accessories should be flame resistant – masks, capes, wigs, beards and hats.
- Whenever possible try to avoid masks for children. Obstructed vision can easily lead to accidents. Make up is safer and more comfortable.
- However, if you choose to use a mask or child is begging for one … they should be made with soft, comfortable material and allow for a full field of vision. Don’t ever use a plastic bag, even with large holes. A brown paper bag with big eye holes works very well..
- It’s really best to wear sneakers for trick-or-treating – they are comfortable and safe.
- Swords, knives, wands, etc. should have no sharp edges or points and preferably made with foam or cardboard.
Safe Halloween Sweets
- Children should be taught never to eat the candy they’ve received until you have carefully inspected it .
- It’s best to throw away unwrapped candy, homemade items of unknown origin.
- Keep small candies from children under the age of five, it is a choking hazard.
- Don’t use nuts in any of the Trick or Treat give aways – you never know which child is allergic.
Injuries and Accidents at Halloween
- When participating in the frenzied quest for candy kids can get injured.
- Make sure your child’s costume is the correct length to avoid tripping.
- Not only will a flashlight let drivers see your child but it will improve your child’s visibility.
- Walk on sidewalks, walkways, driveways and well lit streets only.
- Attach a few strips of reflective tape to costumes.
- Write your child’s name and your full contact details on a card or piece of paper and secure with a safety pin inside her pocket.
- If you have lighted candles around your home, make sure that they are well out of reach of little hands and on a solid, sturdy surface that cannot get bumped over.
The ever present “Stranger Danger”
Abduction is an ugly reality, but as parents we must take precautions to ensure the safety of our children.
- Never ever let a child trick-or-treat alone. Adults or much older children should always be supervising.
- Make sure that your child knows what to do if they become separated from the group.
- Make a rule that the children are only allowed to go to the homes of neighbours that you know.
Happy Trick or Treating!!!
I am a preschool and primary school teacher and mum to 3 children. I have been involved in education since 1997 and have trained in a variety of educational specialist areas. It is with this expertise that I write articles to help parents and educators provide quality learning experiences for the children in their care.
