By the Stamford Health Pediatrics Department
The weather’s cool and crisp and Halloween is on the minds of young goblins eager to nab some sweet “treats,” and teenagers raring to engage in “cosplay.” As the popular saying goes, “It’s all fun until someone gets hurt.” But there are some simple “tricks” to stay out of harm’s way. It pays to lay down some ground rules for the older kids and start demonstrating good habits for the younger ones. Here are four simple Halloween safety tips for parents.
Costumes
While creativity’s the order of the day, Halloween safety for kids should be the primary concern.
- Add reflective tape to costumes and goodie bags to make sure drivers can see the little tricksters. Equip small children with flashlights.
- Ensure that clothes are fire resistant, and that shoes and masks fit well to promote good visibility and agility.
- Accessories like swords or knives should be short, flexible and blunt.
- Test make-up on a small patch of skin to preempt allergic reactions that would put a damper on the fun.
- Avoid decorative contact lenses, no matter how tempting it is to look like a genuine vampire, unless they’ve been prescribed by a licensed eye professional to avoid injury to the cornea and infections.
Lay down the rules
Tell your kids not to eat anything that isn’t commercially packaged, and better yet, they should bring everything home so you can examine the wrappers for any signs of tampering, and check for any food that might pose choking hazards.
To avoid the inevitable gorging of candy, make the kids (and yourself) a nutritious meal before they go out. Tell the kids no matter how old they are to only go to well-lit houses, avoiding darkened ones, and never enter any home unless they’re accompanied by an adult.
No one should go trick or treating alone
Groups are best, and young children need a responsible adult or two to take them around. There’s always a grown-up happy to put on some make-up, dress up a bit and relive their childhood to chaperone the kids, and besides, walking around the neighborhood is a good way to work off those calorie-laden candies.
If you’re not the one responsible for shepherding the young ones around the neighborhood, maybe you’d consider having a party for when the children get home.
Minimize the spread of germs
This is stating the obvious, but try to avoid bobbing for apples – it isn’t very sanitary and germs are easily spread that way. And don’t eat too much of the candy that’s brought home– your kids and your health may not forgive you. Consider offering a tray of veggies and fruit, and other delicious wholesome snacks.
Above all, have a safe, healthy, and very happy Halloween!
