Halloween Safety Tips for Preschoolers

From the candy to the costumes, Halloween is a fun-filled time for kids and parents alike. But it can pose dangers to young children. To help make this year’s festivity a trick-free treat, here are some simple safety tips:

Adorning Your Little Ghouls

Choose a light-colored costume because these are easily seen at night. Add reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark tape to the front and back of the costume and to the trick-or-treat bag.

Only buy a costume that is labeled “flame-retardant.” This means the material won’t burn. If you are making your own costume, use nylon or polyester materials, which are flame-retardant

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

Kids shouldn’t wear masks – they can make it difficult for them to see and breathe. Instead, use nontoxic face paint or makeup. Test the face paint or makeup on your child’s arm or hand before applying to make sure the paint doesn’t irritate the skin.

Avoid oversized and high-heeled shoes that could cause children to trip. Make sure the rest of the costume fits well, too, which can help prevent trips and falls.

Pumpkin-Carving Precautions

Don’t let kids use knives. Have them draw their designs on the pumpkin with a black marker – then you or an older sibling can do the carving.

Skip the candles, which may cause fires. A burning candle in a pumpkin may become a blazing fire if left unattended. Instead, use a glow stick (available in many colors) or flameless candle to safely illuminate your jack-o’-lantern

Trouble-Free Trick-or-Treating

Limit trick-or-treating to your neighborhood and the homes of people you and your children know.

When your kids get home, check all treats to make sure they’re sealed. Throw out candy with torn packages or holes in the packages, spoiled items, and any homemade treats that haven’t been made by someone you know.

Don’t allow young children to have hard candy or gum that could cause choking.

Have a safe Halloween! Send us your pictures at mel@thegravelygroup.com.

We would love to see the kids in action. Have a great Fall!