I know you’ll probably thinking that I have my months mixed up. But it really isn’t too early to start thinking about Halloween safety. Before you know it, that time will be upon us once again and if you plan to let your kids trick or treat or attend Halloween parties, now is the time to start thinking about their safety. Halloween can and should be a fun time for the kids. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your Halloween celebration.
(1) If you are making your child’s costume or buying one, make sure it’s flame resistant.
(2) You also want to make sure it fits well. I’ve seen costumes that were so long the child was constantly tripping over it or the costume was so big it was literally falling off. Not only should the costume fit well, but it should be made of flexible material.
(3) You also want to make sure the costume is bright and reflective. You can also add reflective tape or give your child a flashlight to carry with them.
(4) Masks are great but many kids love face painting. If you plan to use face paint, make sure it is non-toxic. A few days before Halloween, you’ll want to perform a skin sensitivity test on a small portion of your child’s body to make sure there are no allergic reactions.
(5) Kids love to sample their candy but you need to make sure you have them wait until you get home where you can examine the contents for tell-tale signs of tampering. You can take a few pieces of candy or other snacks from home to stop any tantrums. Ideally, the child should eat before leaving home so that they are not hungry. Many hospitals also offer free candy x-rays. For younger kids you definitely want to remove all choking hazards like small hard candy, peanuts, etc.
(6) If you receive any home-made candy or treats from people you don’t know well, it’s best to throw them away.
(7) And finally, stay in familiar neighborhoods and only approach houses that have their lights on. Also plan your route so that you know exactly where you are going.
Just remember to have fun and be safe!
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