How to Ensure A Safe And Happy Halloween For Kids

Trick or treat – the Halloween season is just around the corner with children waiting to have fun and collect the maximum candies; but it is also a time for hazards, so we should take care that your children have not only a happy Halloween but a safe one also.

Here are a few problems and their solutions on Halloween:

The costume of your child is hard to spot in the dark. 

It is best to pick light colored or bright costumes that are easily visible in the dark. If your child insists on being dark and spooky make sure you decorate the outside of the costume and treat bag with bright colored stripes of reflective tape.

The costume is flammable.

It is best to buy costumes that are labeled flame resistant; these materials do not catch fire easily. Also keep your child away from jack-o'-lanterns and other open flames.

The child could trip easily with the costume. 

Ensure that the costume is of the right size and the outfit is not too loose to catch on door knobs; also ensure that the costume is above the ankles and he/she does not wear shoes and hats that are too big.

The child is wearing a costume mask and can't see well.

Quite true it is not only dangerous when your child is going on busy roads, but also it scrape his/her face and eyes. You could well consider some non-toxic make-up; if the child insists on wearing the mask, make sure it is of the right size and he/she is able to see and breathe properly.

The accessories of the child’s costume are dangerous.

Carefully select the props that go with the costume; avoid choking hazards like buttons and beads and props that would cause injuries to eye, face and head like swords and wands. Avoid hats with cords that could get caught on objects and strangulate the child. 

You are worried about carving pumpkins with your children.  

First after scooping and disposing off pumpkin seeds and pulp you should tell your children about the potential hazards of pumpkin carving like cuts, scrapes, burns, or worse before you begin the process. If your child is younger than 5 years ensure he/she draws the pumpkin face with a marker and you put in the candle for safety reasons. For older children buy a pair of special pumpkin cutters and keep an eye on them as they carve their pumpkin.

You are worried if treat bag contains safe candies. 

Closely examine every piece of candy, and throw out ones that are unwrapped, have tears or pinholes on the wrapping, or look suspicious. Toss hand-wrapped cookies or fruit. If your child insists on eating them before you have had a look, ensure you give him/her dinner or a healthy snack so that he/she is less tempted to sneak treats. If you think your child is too young for the treats in his bag then remove choking hazards like hard candies, small toys, gum, and nuts from the bag.

Lastly if you want to keep your children safe and happy on Halloween make sure you hold your child’s hand and walk on the sidewalks at all times. If there are more than 3 children make sure at least 2 parents accompany the children. Also ask the children to remove their masks while crossing the road and keep an eye out for cars coming out of the driveways. It would also greatly help if you and your children carry a flashlight that would help you as well as driver to see better.