Posted on 2024-04-25

Costume Safety

Trick-or-treating is a significant part of Halloween festivities, and for many kids the best part is having a terrific costume. For their parents, however, the right costume is not only one that suits the spirit of Halloween it's also one that is safe. 

According to American Academy of Pediatrics the top three causes of emergency room visits on Halloween are from collisions with cars, eye injuries from sharp objects and burns from flammable costumes. 

Here are some pointers for keeping your child safe:

Trick-or-treat in groups with other parents if possible. Place reflective tape on costumes to make trick-or-treaters more visible as they walk from house to house. If possible incorporated the tape into the costume design. Flashlights also increase their visibility and a child carrying a flashlight in a dusky area is much more likely to be seen by drivers.

Choose hats and face paints instead of masks. Masks can hamper a child's ability to to see cars and dangerous obstacles in their path.

Ensure that costumes fit well. Costumes that are too long can pose a tripping hazard. It's also a good idea for them to wear comfortable, flat shoes that are easy to walk in. Remind them to walk on sidewalks and well-lit paths and not to dart out into the street to run to another home. 

If props are on the list for creating the perfect costume choose soft, flexible styles whenever possible. Make sure props, such as swords, are not sharp or too long. 

Costumes and accessories made with flame-resistant materials are preferable. Remind children that lit candles and bonfires are dangerous and to avoid them while they make their rounds or attend outdoor activities. 

Originally published in The Times Dispatch, October, 2015