Halloween Safety Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics

Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Comprehensive Guide to Halloween Safety

When Planning a Costume:

  • Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
  • Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
  • Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of skin to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises on the big day.
  • When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
  • If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
  • Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional. While the packaging on decorative lenses will often make claims such as “one size fits all,” or “no need to see an eye specialist,” obtaining decorative contact lenses without a prescription is both dangerous and illegal. This can cause pain, inflammation, and serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to permanent vision loss.
  • Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost.

When Carving Pumpkins:

  • Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.
  • Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.
  • Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and not on a porch or any path where visitors may pass close by. They should never be left unattended.

When at Home:

  • To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
  • Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
  • Wet leaves or snow should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
  • Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

Health Tips:

  • A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
  • Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
  • Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
  • Try to ration treats for the days and weeks following Halloween.

When Trick or Treating:

1. A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

2. Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

3. If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.

4. Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.

5. Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters:

  • Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
  • Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
  • Carry a cellphone for quick communication.
  • Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
  • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
  • Never cut across yards or use alleys.
  • Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
  • Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will!

Your Local Pediatrician Serving Cumming and Beyond

We work with parents to optimize physical and social development. Our goal is to help your child live a happy and healthy life with the best pediatric care.
Icon with mother and child for sick child pediatrician visits in Cumming

Sick Visits

Our pediatricians treat children’s illnesses or minor injuries, with same-day sick visits and urgent care treatment appointments also available.

Icon for annual well-child checkups

Well-Child Checkups

Wellness checkups monitor your child’s development, keep immunizations up-to-date and ensure quality preventive pediatric medical care.

Icon with a baby for newborn pediatric care

Newborn Care

Newborn babies require specialized pediatric care. With us you’ll get friendly guidance, diligent screenings and comprehensive care.

Icon for pediatric ADHD evaluation, treatment and management in Cumming

ADHD Evaluation & Management

Diagnosing and managing ADHD in children calls for expert care. We’ll counsel you on the strategies to help your child succeed.