Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating

How to keep your family safe while having fun this Halloween.

Halloween can be so exciting for kids. The costumes, the candy, and the community fun all make it a night to remember. With a little planning and some simple precautions, your family can enjoy all the spooky fun while staying safe. Here are some top safety tips to ensure your Halloween is more treat than trick!

1. Costume Safety

Costumes are at the heart of Halloween fun, but they should also be safe and practical.

• Go Bright: Choose bright colors or add reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes and treat bags.
  
  
• Proper Fit: Make sure costumes aren’t too long to avoid tripping hazards.
  
  
• Visibility: Masks can limit vision, so opt for face paint or makeup if possible.

2. Watch for Cars!

Pedestrian accidents are the biggest safety risk on Halloween often due to poor visibility at night.

• Rules of the Road: Walk on sidewalks whenever possible and cross at crosswalks.
  
  
• Bring Light: Bring a flashlight, glow sticks, or clip-on LED lights for you and your child.
  
  
• Eye Contact: Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street even if you have the right of way.

3. Inspect Candy

Tempting as it is to dig into the candy bag right away, teach your child to wait until you’ve checked it. Offer a snack or dinner before heading out to prevent too much candy sampling on the go.

• Wait for Home: It's safer and more fun to wait until you’re home and can go through the candy together.
  
  
• Check Wrappers: Look for sealed, factory-wrapped treats. Discard any open, homemade, or suspicious-looking candy.
  
  
• Food Allergies: Be extra cautious if your child has food allergies. Avoid treats without clear ingredient labels.

Remember that Halloween isn’t just about the candy, it’s about creating memories. If your child gets tired or overwhelmed, it’s okay to head home early and finish the night with a Halloween movie or a candy swap.

Dr. Sarah Wiersma is the owner of PeaPod Pediatrics and a board certified pediatrician and breastfeeding medicine specialist. Schedule a Meet & Greet to meet Dr. Wiersma and find out how pediatric direct primary care can support your family.