Children love the magic of Halloween: trick-or-treating, classroom parties and trips to a neighborhood haunted house. But for parents often there is a fine line between Halloween fun and safety concerns. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics and National Safety Council so everyone has a fun, healthy and safe Halloween.

Costume Safety

Before getting your little ghoul all dressed up, here are a few things that you might want to consider to keep them safe:
 

• If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
• Avoid masks, which can obstruct vision
• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
• When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation

 

Healthy Halloween

Halloween is known for buckets and buckets of sweet treats, but here are some ways to make sure you're making healthy and safe food choices while still allowing the kids to enjoy the fun:
 

• A good meal prior trick-or-treating and parties 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
• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home. An 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 on the Trick-or-Treat Trail

Walking your neighborhood after dark should always come with some precautions. Whether you're going house-to-house or headed to your local trunk-or-treat, here are just a few tips for a safer trip:
 

• A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
• Have flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts
• Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you and agree on a specific time children should return home
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends
• Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car and only visit homes with porch lights on

 

Motorists Safety Tips When on the Road

The National Safety Council offers these additional safety tips for parents and anyone who plans to be on the road during trick-or-treat hours:

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
• At dusk and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing
• Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween