From K-Pop Demon Hunters and Labubu monsters to Wicked witches and Marvel heroes, Halloween is shaping up to be full of fun – and sweet surprises – this year. But before the big day and night arrive, it’s a good idea to think ahead about how to keep kids safe while they celebrate.
How can I make sure costumes are safe, comfortable and easy to see at night?
Your kiddo may have their heart set on a specific costume, but that doesn’t mean it’s a safe choice for trick-or-treating. A little planning and a few simple precautions will help your kids enjoy Halloween safely – from head to toe:
- Check the fit. Make sure costumes are short enough to prevent tripping and loose enough for easy movement.
- Add some visibility. Attach reflective tape or stickers, and have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to illuminate tricky sidewalks and alert drivers.
- Mind the masks. Make sure masks don’t block vision or breathing. Face paint or makeup may be a safer alternative, but be sure to check for potential irritation.
- Be mindful of allergies. If your child has sensitive skin, check costume tags for irritants, like latex or certain dyes.
- Secure accessories. Keep capes, belts, sabers, and other props short and flexible to avoid trips, bumps, or snags.
How can I help my child better handle fears or anxiety around haunted houses, scary movies or spooky decorations?
Kids love Halloween, but they may get spooked by loud noises, flashing lights, creepy characters, and haunted décor. Talk with them ahead of time about what they might see and remind them that it’s all pretend.
For younger kids, you may want to opt for family-friendly events earlier in the evening and skip the haunted houses or hayrides if they’re feeling uneasy. Encourage them to speak up if something feels scary – and have a plan to take a break when needed.
How can I make sure candy and treats are safe?
Before anyone digs in, set a hard rule that no candy is eaten until trick-or-treating is over. Once you’re home:
- Inspect treats under good lighting.
- Toss anything that’s unwrapped, tampered with or homemade – unless it’s from someone you trust.
- Watch for candy or non-food treats that could be choking hazards, especially for little ones.
How should I prepare for Halloween if my child has food allergies?
If your child has food allergies, make a plan ahead of time to ensure their Halloween is fun and safe. Read every candy label carefully and be aware that mini and seasonal versions of familiar treats sometimes contain different ingredients than the full-size versions. Bring along some safe treats your child can enjoy and remind them not to eat anything until it’s been checked.
Heads up: Homes and businesses that participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project offer non-food treats like stickers, small toys, and other special surprises for kids with allergies. Check the map to find participating locations near you.
What’s a safe age for my child to trick-or-treat without me?
Knowing when kids are ready to venture out on their own Halloween night can be a challenge. Every child is different, but most experts agree that kids under 12 should trick-or-treat with adult supervision.
Older kids can go in a group if they’re responsible enough to follow safety rules:
- Stick to well-lit areas.
- Stay on sidewalks.
- Cross only at corners or crosswalks, and look both ways before crossing.
- Carry a phone.
- Walk, don’t run.
- Use reflective tape, glow sticks, or battery-powered costume lights to stay visible to drivers.
- Check in regularly.
Along with reviewing these safety precautions, setting a route and curfew will help ensure everyone enjoys the night with peace of mind.
What are some safety tips for pumpkin carving?
The scariest – and most preventable – Halloween injuries happen when carving pumpkins. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 55 percent of Halloween-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms are tied to this beloved pastime.
A few simple steps will help you and your kids stay injury-free:
- Pick the right spot. Do your carving on a clean, stable, and dry surface, and always work in a well-lit space. Keep plenty of rags or paper towels on hand to keep things dry.
- Use the right tools. Choose tools that are specifically designed for a pumpkin carving. Never use kitchen knives, pocketknives, craft tools, or any other sharp, heavy blades.
- Carve the right direction. Always carve away from your body while using the other hand to keep the pumpkin stable. Never put your hand inside the pumpkin while cutting.
- Select the right light. Instead of open flames, use battery-operated candles, LED lights, or glow sticks to safely illuminate your finished jack-o’-lantern masterpiece.
Even with the proper tools and precautions, it’s always best for adults to handle the carving.
Indigo is here for Halloween’s little scares and surprises
Even with the best planning, Halloween can sometimes come with a few bumps – like a scraped knee, an upset stomach, or a sudden sore throat.
If a minor injury or illness puts a pause on your Halloween fun, Indigo Urgent Care makes it scarily easy to get your little ghosts, goblins, and superheroes feeling better fast. And we offer flexible options to fit your schedule:
- Book an Indigo Virtual Care appointment and talk face-to-face with one of our friendly clinicians from the comfort of home.
- Walk in to one of our convenient neighborhood locations.
- Schedule a same-day or next-day appointment online.
Virtually and in person, we’re here from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day – including holidays and weekends.
