Keeping the Boo-Boos Out of Halloween
Halloween has become one of the most popular holidays of the year. But it’s also a time that leaves our little ones vulnerable to all types of injuries.
We want to keep you and your family in good health so watch for these Halloween hazards!
Candles
Candles create that perfect spooky environment but they also create the perfect opportunity for burns. Consider switching to battery-operated candles. You can now find them in all colors and sizes to suit your décor. Before you take your little ones out, make sure that their costumes are fire retardant and that they know and have practiced, “Stop, drop and roll”!
Candy
Razor blades in apples are more of an urban legend than a reality but it’s still important to check your child’s treats. Throw out anything not securely wrapped. Even better, let your trick-or-treater choose a dozen pieces of candy and then trade the rest in for a special outing or treat. This will prevent the Halloween overconsumption that hurts the tummy and the scale (what parent can overlook their favorite childhood candy bar?)!
Cars
Children are four times more likely to be hit on Halloween eve than at any other time of year. Half of these incidents occur at non-intersections when kids dart out between cars. It’s always best to go out with your children to ensure that they stay on sidewalks and cross the street only at cross walks. Using reflective tape on costumes, wear light-stick as jewelry and carry flashlights will make your goblins more visible to drivers.
Pumpkin Carving
Nothing screams Halloween more than a carved jack ‘o lantern. Knives are not child friendly and it’s not really much fun for kids to be only observers. Instead, grab some poster paints or markers and let the kids at it! No cuts and no soggy pumpkin rotting on your front porch with a painted pumpkin.
Dogs
Animals don’t share our enthusiasm for Halloween costumes. Really. And the constant ringing of the doorbell and children yelling “Trick or Treat” can make even the friendliest pup a bit sassy. Do everyone a favor and leave Rover at home in a quiet room with a special treat. He won’t be disappointed.
Costumes
Costumes should be safe first, and cute/scary second. Falls are a leading cause of Halloween injury. Little ones can take a tumble when they, or someone else, step on a long costume. Over-sized or high-heeled shoes create instability compounding that risk. Masks can block vision. Aerosol sprays for hair color or décor can be toxic and give you a headache. Halloween make-up isn’t the same quality as what women typically wear. Make sure to test make-up in a small spot well before Halloween to check for allergic reactions. Then, no matter how tired you both are at the end of the night, make sure your child is clean-faced before heading to bed. For the older kids, set expectations early and draw a line at colored contact lenses which can damage eyes if not prescribed by an eye-care professional.
If your kids are beyond trick or treating age, you can still contribute to a happy and healthy Halloween for your neighbors. Be a trick or treat friendly home by clearing your yard of hazards like hoses and slippery wet leaves and turn on your lights to give kids a big welcome!