Halloween is one of the holidays children most look forward to, and younger children especially look forward to dressing up in costumes and trick-or-treating. While Halloween can be a time of fun, it also raises certain concerns for many parents regarding their child's safety. If you and your child are planning on going out trick-or-treating this year, keep in mind that staying safe is just as important as having fun.
Costumes/Clothing
Trick-or-treating safety begins with making sure your child's costume and clothing are safe. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends costumes that are light and bright enough to be clearly visible to motorists. Reflective tape can also be placed on the front and back of the costume to make children more visible. Choose flame-retardant costumes, including masks, wigs or accessories. Costumes should be well-fitting to prevent tripping, and shoes should be sturdy and comfortable. If your child is wearing makeup, test it first on a small area of the skin in case of an allergic reaction. If your child's costume involves a sword, knife or other accessory, make sure it's soft and flexible.
Street Safety
One of the biggest safety issue for trick-or-treaters is vehicle traffic on neighborhood streets. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents or a trusted adult to accompany younger children, while older children may be allowed to go alone on a pre-approved route. Choose well-lighted streets and stay on the sidewalk. If a sidewalk is not available, walk at the far edge of the road facing oncoming traffic. Cross only at marked crosswalks if they're available, and never assume the right of way.
Choosing Houses
If you're going trick-or-treating in your own neighborhood, chances are you already know most of your neighbors. If you're going into an unfamiliar neighborhood, it can be more difficult to determine which houses to approach. The Centers for Disease Control recommends only approaching homes that are well-lighted. Smaller children should be accompanied to the door by an adult. Stay outside to receive treats and never enter a stranger's home or car when trick-or-treating. When approaching a house, be aware of where you're stepping to avoid tripping and falling. If you encounter a dog or other pet, don't attempt to approach it, especially if the animal appears aggressive.
Treats
At the end of the night, kids are sure to have a pile of candy and it's up to parents to make sure that it's safe to eat. The Centers for Disease Control recommends having an adult check over all the candy for signs of tampering or for choking hazards. Homemade treats should be avoided unless you are well acquainted with the person that prepared them. To prevent kids from getting sick, use discretion in allowing them to eat their Halloween candy.
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