Keeping Kids Safe: Halloween Tips for Toddlers and Preschoolers

www.babyandbeyond.ca

The spooky season is approaching and parents are starting to ask the big question: “What do you want to be for Halloween?” This spook-tacular time of year is a blast for toddlers and preschoolers who are just starting to trick-or-treat on their own, and a blast for parent picking out their kids’ costumes. When it comes to all Hallow’s Eve however, trick-or-treating can be scarier for the parents than the children; there are a lot of safety hazards to think about. Many Moms and Dads are turning to malls for candy, but we think the traditional neighbourhood pilgrimage is still the most fun if you follow some basic Halloween Safety tips!

1.       The Perfect Fit. Find a costume that fits your little one properly and doesn’t drag or have too many flowing pieces. Thos little legs have a hard enough time navigating bumpy sidewalks in the dark and can get caught up in long dresses or dragging capes; make sure to hem costumes that are too long.

2.       Dress for the Weather.  Halloween night can be downright cold so make sure your child has the proper clothing on to beat the chill. Be sure to leave a little extra wiggle room in the girth of the costume so sweaters and maybe even long johns can fit underneath. Most children’s stores, Canadian baby Boutiques and even supermarkets are now selling cute gloves and hats that can easily be worn as an accessory to a ghastly outfit.

3.       Don’t hide that face! It has been said before but we’ll say it again: instead of masks, wear makeup! Masks may look cool, but unfortunately they can seriously hamper a child’s ability to breath and see properly. If your kid’s costume simply just won’t work without the mask try these tips to make them safer:

·         Cut off the bottom portion of the mask and leave the mouth free to breathe. Simply use makeup to accentuate the bottom portion of the face.

·         Cut the eyeholes a bit bigger. Again, you can use cheap, store-bought makeup to fill in the gaps a bit (be careful not to get the makeup too close to those precious peepers!)

·         Situate the mask properly. Make sure the mask is in the right place and tightened enough so it will stay where it is supposed to be.

4.       Lighten the load. Little legs can only go so far, so fast without any help carrying the load and a tuckered toddler is no fun. Candy gets heavy Mom & Dad! Don’t load your tot down with weapons, bags and accessories: take the bare minimum. If your little one is REALLY little, think about taking a wagon for rides if they get too tired (or to carry all their Halloween booty!)

5.       Be Seen. Even though it’s dark for little boys and ghouls on Halloween night and they still need to make themselves be seen. If you can’t choose a bright costume (Dracula wears all black!) then try and incorporate some reflective tape on pillowcases, jack o’ lanterns, shoes, etc. Or, consider glowsticks and glowstick bracelet and necklaces (available at a ‘dollar store” near you.) The brighter your child is, the more likely it is they will be seen by passing drivers.

6.       Learn the rules of the road. Even if your kids are accompanied by an adult, they still need to recognize the dangers of the road. Caution them not to run out across the road, but instead to always cross at sidewalk corners where possible. If you are with a group of kids, form a hand-holding chain before you cross.

7.       House Rules. Before you venture out, chat with your kids about the Halloween house rules.

·         Step off of the porch after yelling your “Trick-or-treat” to avoid getting knocked down by the door.

·         Only go to houses with their porch light on and watch for pumpkins lit with candles –they can be a fire hazard.

·         Never go inside to get candy – make the candy come to you!

·         Don’t dip into treats before you get home – always have them checked by an adult first.

Have fun this Halloween and be safe. Make sure that the only thing that’s terrifying this year are your little monsters!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a Mom of two boys and loves writing about holiday tips for kids and infants and kids costumes for Halloween.