Keeping Your Little Ghouls Safe This Halloween

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for kids, filled with costumes, candy and fun with friends. But for parents, it can also bring some worries. From picking the right costume to making sure treats are safe to eat, there's a lot to consider.

Get the facts on Halloween safety so you can make sure your family has a spook-tacular and worry-free evening.

Boo-Boos from Costumes and Carving

A great costume and a glowing jack-o'-lantern are Halloween staples. But both can lead to unexpected injuries if you're not careful.

Choosing the right costume and being smart about activities like pumpkin carving are easy ways to prevent trips, falls and cuts.

Costume Safety Tips

When helping your child choose a costume, keep these tips in mind:

• Ensure a proper fit. Costumes shouldn't be too long, as extra fabric can cause trips and falls. Masks should fit securely and have large openings for the eyes to ensure your child can see clearly.

• Choose flame-resistant materials. Look for labels that say "flame resistant" on costumes, wigs, and accessories.

• Try face paints. Some masks can make it hard to see. Use non-toxic face paints as an alternative to masks.

• Opt for flexible props. Any swords, wands, or knives should be made of soft, flexible material to avoid injury.

Safer Pumpkin Decorating

Pumpkin carving can be a fun family tradition, but sharp tools and small hands don't always mix. Consider painting pumpkins as a safe and creative alternative to carving. This is a great way for younger kids to get involved without the risk of cuts.

Dangers on the Sidewalk

With so much excitement in the air, kids can easily forget about safety rules when going door-to-door. The streets are busy on Halloween night, making pedestrian safety a top priority.

How to Stay Safe While Trick-or-Treating

Before your family heads out, review these simple rules for navigating the neighborhood safely:

• Be seen. Add reflective tape to costumes and treat bags. Have everyone carry a flashlight or glow stick to improve visibility for drivers.

• Stick together. A responsible adult should always accompany young children. If you have older kids going out with friends, plan a familiar route and set a curfew.

• Follow traffic rules. Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If you must walk in the street, walk on the far edge facing traffic. Always look both ways before crossing the street and use designated crosswalks.

• Consider alternatives. Many communities host Trunk or Treat events or other controlled Halloween gatherings. These can be great options for a safe night of fun, especially if the weather is poor.

Scary Mix-Ups with Treats

The best part of Halloween for many kids is sorting through their haul of candy. A quick inspection can prevent allergic reactions and other dangers.

Candy Safety Checklist

Before anyone takes a bite, check their candy collection for potential issues:

• Inspect all treats. Carefully check labels on candy. Avoid homemade or unlabeled treats if your child has food allergies.

• The Teal Pumpkin Project. Consider participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project by offering non-food treats like stickers or small toys that are safe for all kids.

• Talk about allergies. If your child has severe allergies, ensure they have their epinephrine auto-injector with them while trick-or-treating. Remind them not to eat any candy until it’s been checked at home.

• Prevent choking. For young children, remove any hard candies, small toys, gum, or other items that could be choking hazards.

What to Do If an Injury Occurs

Even with careful planning, accidents can happen. If your child gets hurt, it's important to know where to go for care. Bumps, scrapes, and minor illnesses can often be handled at an urgent care clinic. But for serious or life-threatening injuries, you should always go to the emergency department.

If you are ever unsure where to take your child for care, call your pediatrician's office first.