Princesses, pirates, jungle animals and ghosts fill the streets on Halloween – the scariest night of the year!Children begin planning their Halloween costumes as soon as the air cools and the pumpkins line the streets. And although the options might seem almost endless, there are a few important safety concerns that should always be considered to keep trick-or-treating fun and not frightful. Luckily, we’ve got some great tips to help you say boo to unsafe costumes:
Material
Be sure to get a costume made from flame retardant or flame resistant material such as nylon or polyester. Although candles in jack-o-lanterns should be kept out of a child’s reach, they do present the potential for coming into contact with flames. Flame-resistant materials reduce the risk of burns because they resist flames and extinguish quickly. And just in case your child does get too close to a glowing pumpkin, make sure he or she knows how to stop, drop and roll!
Size
Choosing the correct size for costumes prevents tripping and walking difficulties. Bulky costumes make it difficult for the child to walk and hold his or her trick-or-treat bag at the same time. Avoid costumes with a lot of extra padding. Try on the costume before purchasing it if possible to check the fit. If the costume is too long, pin or hem the extra material.
Masks
Masks add to the overall look of the costume but can make it difficult to see. Ensure that the mask fits well and stays in place when worn. If the eye holes on the mask don’t line up correctly, cut around them to make them larger. This allows the wearer of the costume to see well, which is important when walking near the street. Test out the peripheral vision of the child as well. Face paint or makeup offers an alternative to a mask that won’t obscure the child’s vision.
Color
Be safe and bright with a light-colored costume that allows drivers to better see costumed children. Choose a costume with at least some light colors on it and attach some reflective tape or other reflective materials for some added visibility. Make sure each child has a flashlight to help them see and be seen.
Accessories
Accessories add to the overall look of the costume but can present difficulties for the child. The child may grow tired of carrying the accessories. Some items present a tripping hazard or could end up hitting another child, on purpose or accidentally. Limit the accessories on the Halloween costume. Focus on embellishing the costume itself rather than choosing separate accessories that must be carried.
Want to learn more? Check out The UL Halloween Safety Guide – it’s full of helpful tips and even has a fun Halloween Safety Quiz that you can download and review with your kids!
