A Safe and Spooktacular Halloween

From the candy to the costumes, Halloween is a fun-filled time for kids and parents alike. But it's also a holiday that can pose dangers to young revelers. To help make this year's festivity a trick-free treat, follow these simple safety tips:

• Choose a light-colored costume or add glow-in-the-dark tape to the front and back of the costume so your kids can be easily seen.

• Don't buy a costume unless it's labeled "flame-retardant." This means the material won't burn.

• Make sure wigs and beards don't cover your kids' eyes, noses, or mouths.

• Don't let your children wear masks — they can make it difficult for kids to see and breathe. Instead, use nontoxic face paint or makeup. Have younger children draw pictures of what they want to look like. Older kids will have fun putting the makeup on themselves.

• Put a name tag — with your phone number — on your children's costumes.

• Avoid oversized and high-heeled shoes that could cause kids to trip.

• Avoid long or baggy skirts, pants, or shirtsleeves that could catch on something and cause falls.

• Make sure that any props your kids carry, such as wands or swords, are flexible.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: October 2007