Tips and tricks for a fun and safe Halloween

Spooky season is here, and kids across the U.S. are getting excited for Halloween. From costumes and pedestrian safety to navigating candy and food allergies, we're sharing tips on how to keep the holiday safe and fun for kids of all ages.

“Halloween is a great time for kids to have fun and show off their creativity with costumes, pumpkin carving and spooky craft projects,” says Rachel Gwertzman, DO, a pediatrician at Atlantic Health. “The highlight for most children is trick-or-treating. A little preparation and a few safety reminders help ensure everyone has a fun and safe night.”

Trick-or-treating and food safety

Spooky decorations and costumes are a ton of fun, but any kid will tell you trick-or-treating is all about the candy. Dr. Gwertzman suggests offering kids a healthy dinner before venturing out for the evening and inspecting all your child’s candy before they dig in.

“Caregivers should check that all candy is in a factory-sealed wrapper and unexpired before letting a child eat it,” says Dr. Gwertzman. “Be on the lookout for choking hazards, including popcorn or whole nuts, if you have younger kids. And don’t allow your child to eat any homemade treats. This is especially important if your child has a food allergy.”

If food allergies are a concern, Dr. Gwertzman says it’s crucial to follow your child’s allergy action plan and carry the recommended two EpiPens. She also explains that a fun-size and full-size candy bar may have different ingredients, so caregivers should review ingredient labels carefully. Some homes will display a teal pumpkin on their porch to let children and parents know that allergy-friendly or nonedible treats are available.

Costume and pedestrian safety

Whether your child dresses as a princess or a pirate, a few simple steps can help keep them safe and comfortable. Make sure your child is visible to drivers and people riding bikes or scooters. Costumes made from light-colored fabric are a good choice. Add reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark accessories to any costume to make kids easier to see in the dark. If possible, stick with costumes, accessories and wigs labeled flame-resistant.

“It’s important that your child knows to stay on the sidewalk, look both ways and not run across the street,” says Dr. Gwertzman. “Crossing only at corners or in crosswalks, sticking to well-lit areas and never crossing the street from between parked cars can help prevent a serious accident.”

If your child has a cell phone, she suggests talking with them about the risk of falling or tripping while walking and texting or scrolling.

Additional costume safety tips include:

• Have your child wear comfortable shoes so they can walk without tripping.
• If your child’s costume includes a mask or helmet, wear one that doesn’t block or distort their vision.
• Make sure your child’s costume doesn’t drag on the ground or create a tripping hazard.
• Use foam or soft plastic accessories, including wands and weapons. If your child trips and falls or accidentally hits someone with their prop, it’s less likely to cause harm.

General safety reminders

With so many doorbells to ring and neighbors to greet, Dr. Gwertzman says Halloween is a great time to reinforce kindness and good manners. Remind your children to say “hello,” “trick or treat” and “thank you” to candy givers before they head to the next house. It’s also important that kids understand rules like not taking handfuls of candy or pushing to get to a neighbor’s door.

“Kids are excited on Halloween and many want to collect as much candy as they can,” says Dr. Gwertzman. “Talk about your expectations for their behavior, along with basic etiquette, to help ensure everyone has a good time.”

Before you head out, Dr. Gwertzman recommends reviewing general safety rules. This includes not going inside a stranger’s home or car for candy, not approaching unfamiliar animals and staying with caregivers. If older kids are trick-or-treating with a group of friends (Dr. Gwertzman says even teens should never go alone), have them plan and share their route, along with what time they will return home.

If you’re passing out candy at home, be sure your walkways and porch are clear of tripping hazards and well lit. Keep all animals, even friendly ones, in another room to prevent them from jumping, biting or scratching visitors.

“Kids and adults look forward to Halloween,” says Dr. Gwertzman. “Reinforcing a few basic rules about pedestrian safety and stranger danger can help ensure everyone has a fun and safe Halloween.”