Halloween is an exciting time for children. It's the season that allows children to wear costumes and go trick-or-treating. While Halloween is certainly fun, safety should still come first.
As parents, we want our kids to enjoy Halloween without putting them at any unnecessary risk. Fortunately, there are a few precautions you can take to make sure they stay safe while having the most fun.
Here are three essential Halloween safety tips to remember:
Costume Safety
Halloween trick-or-treat events are usually held at night. This means kids wearing darker clothing are less likely to be seen. If possible, choose bright-colored costumes that are visible at night. You can also add reflective tape to their costumes.
Also, make sure the costume fits properly to keep your child from tripping. Avoid long or sharp accessories that could cause injury. Lastly, consider using face paint instead of masks so as not to obstruct the child's vision.
Trick-Or-Treat Safety
Before trick-or-treating, sit down with your child and plan out the streets and houses you'll visit in advance. Map out the path you'd like to take while making sure you are sticking to roads you are familiar with to avoid getting lost. For additional safety, have your kid discreetly wear or carry an ID card just in case you get separated during trick-or-treating.
Furthermore, remind your kids to never enter homes or cars for treats.
Candy Safety
When trick-or-treating, have your children wait until they are home before eating their candies. This allows you to sort through the candies and make sure no illegal substance, like cannabis edibles, was mixed up in your basket.
Also, make sure to read the ingredients list on each candy to prevent any allergic reactions. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, the incidence rate of anaphylactic shock reactions to peanuts increases to 1.86 during the Halloween season, which is higher than any other event the rest of the year.
Some of the most common food allergens found in Halloween candies include eggs, milk, peanuts, sesame, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.
