Kids Halloween Costume Safety: What You Need To Know
While deciding on your kid’s Halloween costume can be loads of fun, there are also a few things you should keep in mind for safety reasons. You want the holiday to be as fun and as safe as possible, and following these essential Halloween costume safety tips can help make that happen.
Flame Resistant Costumes
The US government asks that all parents make sure the costumes they buy for their kids have a Flame Resistant label. So many people put out jack-o-lanterns with candles in them and little ones don’t always pay attention to how close they’re standing – especially when they’re jockeying for position to get candy!
Flame resistance costumes burn more slowly and are easier to put out if they do catch fire. While no costume is completely fireproof, but flame resistant articles will make sure that your child is as protected as possible.
Safety During The Dark
Most Trick or treating is done in the evening, either right at dusk or even after the sun has set. While there are usually a lot of people out and drivers should know to be on the lookout, it’s up to you to make sure that your child is easily visible to people in cars.
One of the easiest tips is glow in the dark items – glow sticks, glow necklaces and bracelets – kids LOVE light up and glow stuff and wearing them definitely makes it easier for them to be seen. Of course, a plain old flashlight will do the trick too – and is great for helping kids find safe footing as they traverse the sidewalks. Reflective tape on the back of a costume is a good idea, and many kids wear those light up tennis shoes that flash with each step – all great for safety!
Is Your Costume Safe For Children?
Apart from the particular tips above, you’ll want to keep a few other things in mind with your child’s costume and their safety.
- If your child’s costume includes a mask, make sure that the fit is correct. Babies and toddlers are better off without using masks at all. Older kids should be able to see through the eyeholes of the mask. An improperly fitting mask can make breathing and vision difficult, causing children to stumble, walk out in front of cars or even get lost.
- Children shouldn’t use toy weapons that look real or that are made of metal. Not only can they can hurt themselves by playing with sharp objects, the toy could be mistaken for the real thing causing a disaster. It’s a sad fact of our modern life, so only buy very fake-looking weapons made out of safe materials.
- Make sure your little one’s costume fits well. If the costume is too long, hem or pin it up to avoid tripping and falling. The same thing goes for shoes; too big or too tight only leads to problems when walking around.
In the excitement of the holiday, it can be difficult to get kids to remember their own safety. It’s up to us parents to make sure that we keep them as safe as possible while still allowing them to have fun. Don’t forget to sit down with your kids before going out to remind them how to be safe while they’re out trick or treating.