Halloween Costume

Recent research says that kids are 4 and a half times more likely to be hit by an automobile on Halloween. Not to mention the increased trips and falls on Halloween night, which are mostly costume-related. When choosing a Halloween costume, let your child’s imagination go wild – they could be anything from Harry Potter to Lady Gaga to a snarling pirate – but make it a safe Halloween costume for kids. You don’t want to make your child stay home on Halloween and miss all the fun, but you want them to be safe. There are things you can do to make sure their costume does not contribute to the unsafe atmosphere, and that it does contribute to the fun.
Halloween Ideas for Safe Costumes

• Make sure the costume is the right size. It should be large enough for warm clothes to be worn under it and allow a wide range of motion, but not so loose that he’s going to catch it on something.
• Make sure that the dresses or hems are ankle high so that kids won’t trip over them.

• Avoid bulky, heavy costumes that keep your child from moving naturally, or from getting in and out of doors. Funny costumes are great, but if he needs to move quickly, can he do it in that costume?

• Put a tag with your child’s name, address and phone number somewhere on or in his costume.

• Make sure that the Halloween costume is made from fire-resistant or fire-retardant material.

• Watch for fire hazards (candles and jack-o-lanterns) and teach your kids to do the same.

• Masks should fit correctly. They should be slightly loose – not so large they move around, just not too tight.

• Make sure masks don’t block your child’s vision. Not being able to see is a sure way to cause an accident of some kind, and while you’re at it – make sure they can breathe freely from the mask, as well.

• Read the label on any makeup you’re putting on your child. It should be non-toxic and allergen free. Make sure the makeup is water-resistant, and don’t get it too close to their eyes.

• You might want to check for allergic reactions to the makeup. At least 24 hours before trick or treating, put a small bit of makeup on the child’s neck and leave it on for a few hours. Watch it for a day, and don’t use it if the child gets a rash or breaks out.

• Only use materials intended for use on skin or you could be like the mother who used green food coloring to make her son look like the Hulk…who ended up looking like the Hulk for rather longer than she intended.

When Trick or Treating

• You should be able to see your child in his costume easily in the dark. Try to get a Halloween costume for kids made out of light colored material, because it is easier to see them at night.

• If you must have a dark costume, use reflective tape on the cuffs and hems, and on the back.

• Have your child wear a glow-in-the-dark wrist band.

• If they have light-up shoes, let them wear them, if possible.

• Always have a flashlight. One for you, and if possible, one for the kids as well. Teach your children not to shine the light in driver’s faces.

The right Halloween costume for kids can go a long way toward contributing to your child’s safety on Halloween night, and it can also contribute to your peace of mind. Be safe on All Hallow’s Eve, and have fun as well.