It’s almost that time! Halloween is right around the corner, which means your child has probably already begged you to get their Halloween costume together. Before you check getting their costume off your list, there are some important safety measures to consider. In this blog, we’ll cover some basic safety reminders to consider when it comes to picking out your child’s Halloween costume!
Fit and Mobility
Check the length: Make sure you do a try-on before your child plans to wear their costume! It’s important to make sure the bottom is short enough that they won’t trip or get it caught on anything.
Avoid baggy clothes: Skip long capes, wide sleeves, or billowing skirts that can drag or catch on things. Especially if your little one is still getting the hang of walking by themselves.
Wear good shoes: Put your child in comfortable sneakers instead of oversized or slippery costume shoes. Be sure to not have them wear a new pair of shoes for the first time on Halloween night.
Face and Visibility
Skip the mask: Masks can block a young child’s vision and make it hard to breathe. It also makes them harder to spot in a crowd. Opt for non-toxic face paint or makeup instead.
Add reflective tape: Place bright reflective strips or stickers on the front and back of their costume and their treat bag so drivers can see them in the dark.
Carry a light: Give your preschooler a small flashlight to hold. Glowsticks are also a great hands-free option.
Materials and Accessories
Look for flame-resistant labels: Before you purchase a costume for your child, check tags on the outfit and wigs to ensure it’s marked as flame-retardant.
Choose soft props: If your child wants a wand, sword, or stick, make sure it is short, flexible, and made of soft material. This can help avoid them being injured if they trip or injuring another while playing pretend.
Add contact info: Find a way to add your contact information to your child’s costume as a precaution if you get separated. You can pin a piece of paper to their back collar, attach it to their treat bag, or get a temporary tattoo with your contact info.
Weather Appropriate
Wear layers: The temperature can drastically change throughout the night on Halloween. Plan ahead for layers that will work with your child’s costume to avoid a fight while keeping them warm as the sun goes down.
Bring a fan & hydration: While it’s usually chilly on Halloween night, sometimes it’s warmer than we plan for! If your little one is wearing lots of layers for their costume, be sure to bring a personal fan and water in case they need to cool down.
Watch out for puddles: Take note if it’s recently rained. If there are puddles on the ground and wet lawns, be sure to have your child wear water-resistant shoes. The last thing you want is your child going trick-or-treating all night with wet socks.