Halloween is a night full of giggles, goodies, and just the right amount of spooky, and a little planning can make sure it stays that way. From costumes to candy (and everything in between), here’s how to keep your crew safe while they haunt the neighborhood.
Costumes
Masks may look cool, but they can block vision and make it harder to breathe. Try face paint or non-toxic makeup instead. It’s safer, and you have more creative freedom!
Double-check costumes and props for a flame-resistant label so that the Halloween scares don’t turn into scary situations.
Add reflective tape, glow sticks, or light-up accessories to costumes and treat bags. It makes kids more visible and more festive.
Choose comfy, well-fitting shoes because a fun night can turn sour fast if someone’s costume is cute but their feet are hurting.
Trick-or-treating
Little ghosts and goblins should always have a grown-up buddy. Never let toddlers or young kids trick-or-treat alone.
Stay in a neighborhood that you know is safe and that you’re already familiar with.
Avoid going to houses that look like uninviting or where no one appears to be home.
Heading out with a big crew? Bring along a few trusted adults to make sure no one gets lost in the candy craze.
Bring along a flashlight if you’ll be trick-or-treating after dark. It might come in handy to avoid tripping hazards on dimly lit driveways.
Stick to sidewalks and crosswalks. Remind little ones to look both ways because cars don’t always notice small superheroes and witches in the dark.
Set a route and curfew in advance if older kids are venturing out with friends, and make sure they carry a phone so you can stay in touch.
Hydrate before going out and bring a water bottle along for the adventure. All that candy-collecting is hard work!
Speaking of candy…
The only way to keep your kid truly safe is to eat all of their candy. Just kidding!
According to one study, the average child consumes 3 cups of sugar on Halloween – yikes! This is nearly 16X more than the recommended daily amount by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid a sugar overdose by limiting consumption to just a few pieces of candy on Halloween night then saving the rest for later.
Pro tip: Serve a protein-rich meal before heading out. A full tummy means kids are less likely to snack on sweets before you’ve had a chance to inspect them.
Make sure to check all of the trick-or-treating candy thoroughly for tampering. Get rid of anything that looks like it could have been opened. Better to be safe than sorry. Set aside anything that could be a choking hazard (gum, hard candy, taffy).
If food allergies are part of your Halloween reality, purchase (or make) treats that are safe for them to eat ahead of time. Then have them ‘trade in’ their trick-or-treating haul. Consider participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project to raise awareness of food allergies and inclusion. They also provide a map of homes that will be offering non-food treats.
And when the sugar rush winds down, remind kids to floss and brush before bed. Their teeth will thank you later!
Final thoughts
Halloween is about more than costumes and candy. It’s a chance to make memories that last long after the last chocolate bar disappears. With just a little planning and a few safety steps, your night’s scares can be reserved for the costumes and haunted houses.
