Halloween season is a magical time for kids and teens alike. Creating costumes taps into their inner creativity but can also help them learn the safest routes through the neighborhood.
However, as enjoyable as the October festivities can be, they can quickly turn into a nightmare if children experience allergic reactions to treats or trip and fall due to ill-fitting costumes.
There’s no better time to observe these Halloween safety tips, from costume safety to candy guidelines, and let your mini-goblins join in the fun.
For a start, costumes that are too big can lead to tripping hazards. Make sure your kid’s costume fits them well, especially around the legs and feet. Shorter costumes can help prevent falls and keep kids safe as they walk.
Masks may seem fun, but they also make it hard to see clearly. Opt for non-toxic makeup to create fun designs while keeping the face visible. This way, children can enjoy their costumes without the risk of impaired sight.
After creating your kid’s costume, it’s time for a chat about choosing well-lit areas and familiar neighborhoods. Schedule a daytime walk and have your child point out unfamiliar spaces. Remind them to stick to the usual and avoid unexplored areas.
Explore your neighborhood, and then take a moment to sit down and draw a map. Use this drawing activity to plan a safe route, avoid vehicle traffic, and prevent your child from getting lost.
At the start of the activity, explain safety rules to them, like staying with the group and not wandering off. Make sure that the little ones are within sight, and keep an eye out for any potential dangers, like a blindspot where a parked car could accidentally hit crossing kids.
Talk to your kids about their Halloween plans, including where they’re going, who they’ll be with, and the best time to finish their adventure.
Remind your child to check in if plans change or they feel uncomfortable. Give them space to enjoy their independence while letting them know they can always come to you if needed.
This is also a good opportunity to observe their interactions with peers. If you have questions about your child’s behavior development, contact the pediatricians at Children’s Medical Centers of Fresno.
Halloween Health Tip:
Schedule an appointment to have your kids’ teeth checked after the spooky season. Inspecting tooth and gum health before toothaches happen is a proactive way to protect those molars from tooth decay and ensure proper oral health care.
After trick-or-treating, you can do Halloween safety activities with your kid. Take your detective costumes and magnifying glasses to inspect all the collected candies. Check for:
If your child has food allergies, you may have already taught them to be cautious about gobbling treats without checking the label (if they are old enough to read). If they cannot read labels, set rules to only eat treats after checking them at home.
When filling your pumpkin bowls with treats, add another bowl for non-food treats—from bracelets, necklaces, and beads for little fashionistas to crayons, cute pens, and coloring books for aspiring artists.
This Halloween season is a great opportunity to teach your child about sharing and moderation when enjoying candy. While picking out candies, encourage them to think about how much they would take and use this as a chance to discuss sharing with others.
You can also use stories or examples to show the importance of moderation. Talk about the difference between eating all the candies at once and feeling sick versus saving some for later to enjoy over time.
Lastly, ensure that the Halloween treats don’t disrupt the balanced nutrition you provide for your child. Set clear rules for when they can enjoy their treats.
According to weather forecast sites, October is likely to experience mild and pleasant weather, with daytime temps ranging from 75°F to 86°F.
To keep the outdoor fun going, consider the forecasts when choosing your child’s costume.
Since heat or coldness levels change throughout the day, pick a relatively warm time to roam and search for Halloween goodies.
Whether you’ll accompany your kid or let them join a group of trick-and-treaters, give them bottled water so they can stay hydrated. Have them swear an oath not to drink a lot of sweetened drinks, like soda or flavored juices.
Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, and spooky fun, but ensuring safety doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying it with your kids. Use these trick-or-treat safety tips and unlock core memories without worrying about tummy aches or seasonal sniffles.
For any concerns about your child’s health, book an appointment today at one of our two pediatric clinics in Fresno:
Children’s Medical Center Fresno
Children’s Medical Center Kings Canyon
