Halloween is an exciting night for children, but a few simple precautions can help keep everyone safe. Choose costumes that fit properly and allow children to see clearly, use reflective materials or lights to make kids visible to drivers, and have younger children trick-or-treat with an adult. Remind children to use sidewalks and crosswalks, inspect candy before eating it, and watch for choking hazards in younger children. With a little preparation and supervision, families can enjoy a fun and safe Halloween.
This blog post was originally posted on The Scout Guide Washington, DC
While nothing has felt normal in the past 7 months, it is particularly jarring that going into the holiday season (which definitely starts with Halloween in our household) we are having to thoughtfully modify our annual traditions to keep our families healthy. The usual plans are either on hold or getting re-engineered as we figure out how to celebrate while staying safe. Thankfully there are ways to delight in the spooky night – which is extra special this year with a blue moon – and still maintain health department recommendations.
Show Off Your Mask
If there is any holiday that makes mask wearing cool, it’s Halloween! Get your kids a festive one in a pumpkin print or find a way to work it into their costume. However, please do not have your child wear a cloth mask under a costume mask – that can make breathing difficult – and children under the age of 2 should be mask-free.
Get Creative
There are plenty of fun ways to celebrate the holiday without trick or treating. Do an outdoor movie night on your block; we will be watching “Coco” with families on socially distanced blankets that Saturday night. Set up a scavenger hunt for your kids to find Halloween treats or candy around your yard or neighborhood. Our family also loves the “Boo Bags” that anonymously appear at our front door and lets our kids gift treats to their friends in a safe and stealthy way.
Trick or Treating
If you do decide to go trick or treating, take a few extra precautions this year. Stay six feet apart from other families and don’t congregate around doorsteps or porches. Make sure your children are always accompanied by an adult who will ensure mask wearing and social distancing is maintained plus carry a container of hand sanitizer to use after each house. Save all that delicious candy for once you are back home, costumes are off, and kids are bathed – eating while you’re on the go poses more of a risk of getting sick as kids are messing with their masks and putting potentially contaminated fingers in their mouths.
Though the novel coronavirus is at the forefront of our minds, there are normal Halloween safety precautions to take into account, too. For more tips on having a fun and safe Halloween, check out this previous blog post.
Halloween 2020 may look a little different but it can still be fun! You might even add some of these new ideas to your annual traditions. Happy haunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep my child safe while trick-or-treating?
Have younger children trick-or-treat with a responsible adult, stay on sidewalks whenever possible, and cross streets at designated crosswalks. Children should also be easy for drivers to see by carrying flashlights or glow sticks or wearing reflective material.
What makes a Halloween costume safe for children?
Choose a costume that fits properly and does not create a tripping hazard. Make sure your child can see clearly, and consider face paint instead of masks that restrict vision. Reflective tape or stickers can also make darker costumes easier for drivers to see.
Should children wear masks with their Halloween costumes?
Costume masks can make it harder for children to see their surroundings. When possible, consider non-toxic face paint or makeup instead. If a mask is worn, make sure it fits properly and does not interfere with your child’s vision or breathing.
How can I make my child more visible while trick-or-treating?
Add reflective tape or stickers to costumes and treat bags, and have children carry flashlights or glow sticks. These simple steps can make children easier for motorists to see after dark.
Should parents inspect Halloween candy before children eat it?
Yes. Parents should check treats before children eat them and throw away anything that is unwrapped, opened, or appears tampered with. Parents of young children should also remove treats that could pose a choking hazard.
