Halloween is one of the most fun nights of the year for children — and one of the most important nights for safety. Children are more than twice as likely to be struck by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year. The key safety measures: walk on sidewalks, cross only at crosswalks, carry a flashlight or wear reflective tape, and supervise young children closely. Inspect all candy before eating.
What a fun time of year! Get the most out of your holiday with the Halloween safety tips below, thanks to Dr. Jessica Long.
There’s a chill in the air, pumpkin spice lattes are in hand, and spooky decorations are popping up all over town. It’s officially almost Halloween and the excitement is palpable in our house as I bet it is in yours. As you put the finishing touches on your costumes, read up for tips on how to have a safe and fun holiday.
Getting Festive
Safety starts with the right costume! Choose face paint over masks whenever possible to ensure your child can see, and make sure costumes fit well and won’t trip your child as she’s bolting from door to door. While brightly colored costumes are safest, that is not always possible when your four-year-old insists on being a black hole. Use reflective tape and stickers to decorate costumes and treat bags and have your kids carry glow sticks or flashlights so they are easily seen by drivers.
When finding the perfect accessories for your child’s costume, there are some things to keep in mind. Make sure wigs or capes are flame-retardant and that swords, knives, and other accessories are short, soft and flexible. Also, avoid decorative contact lenses. While they look really cool, the risk for eye injury or infection is just not worth it.
Trick or Treat
Yes! The part when you – oops I mean your kids – get candy! Plan to trick or treat with your children especially if they are under the age of 12. Safe Kids Worldwide recommends that if your child is over 12 and mature enough, she can head out with friends as long she knows exactly how far from home she can stray as well as when she is expected back at her door. Walk on sidewalks when available and always cross at the crosswalk (a hard concept for kids when darting back and forth across the street seems a much more efficient way to maximize their candy haul).
Time to Dig In!
Counting how much candy you got is possibly even more fun than the actual trick or treating. Make sure your kids have a big, healthy dinner before going out for the night so they are less likely to over-indulge in treats later in the evening. Throw out any unwrapped or tampered-with candy and double check choking hazards for your little ones (hard candy is not recommended for children under the age of 4).
Now what to do with all the leftovers once everyone (you included) has gorged themselves on mini Twix bars? Donate it! Swing by Spring Valley Pediatrics by November 10th to unload your stash. We will weigh your goodies and donate $2 to hurricane relief for every pound you drop off. All that extra candy will then be sent to US troops. What a perfect way to finish off the holiday!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my child safe while trick-or-treating?
Walk on sidewalks wherever possible; if no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic. Cross only at crosswalks and intersections. Make sure your child’s costume is visible — add reflective tape, carry glow sticks, and use a flashlight. For young children, always accompany them door-to-door. Travel in groups if older children go without parents. Remind children not to enter anyone’s home.
Are Halloween costumes safe for children?
Look for costumes labeled “flame resistant.” Avoid masks that restrict vision — use face paint instead where possible. Make sure costumes are short enough not to cause tripping. Choose appropriate footwear. Avoid props with sharp edges. If using swords, wands, or similar props, choose soft, flexible materials. Check that children wearing masks can breathe and see clearly.
How do I handle Halloween candy with a child who has food allergies?
The Teal Pumpkin Project encourages households to offer non-food treats (stickers, small toys, glow sticks) as an alternative for children with allergies. Always inspect your child’s candy before eating — look for Teal Pumpkin houses. Carry your child’s epinephrine auto-injector. Many communities now list allergy-friendly houses in advance.
Should I inspect my child’s Halloween candy?
Yes — always inspect candy before your child eats it. Discard anything that is unwrapped, has torn packaging, or looks tampered with. Commercially wrapped candy is generally safe. Homemade treats should only be accepted from people you know well.
At what age can children trick-or-treat without an adult?
Most pediatricians and safety organizations recommend adult supervision for children under 10 while trick-or-treating. For older children going independently, establish clear rules: stay in familiar neighborhoods, stay in a group, have a charged phone, agree on a return time, and stick to well-lit areas.
