Trick-or-treating tips: How to keep your children safe this Halloween

Halloween brings an evening of fun and imagination for children, but it can also raise safety concerns for parents and caregivers. As kids head out for trick-or-treating adventures, pediatricians suggest putting a few precautions in place to keep the night safe and enjoyable.

According to pediatric safety experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Halloween is one of the busiest nights of the year for preventable injuries. These can often be related to visibility, tripping hazards or outfit mishaps.

Meagan B. O’Neill, MD, assistant professor of clinical pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine breaks down some things you can do this Halloween to keep those you love safe while still having fun.

Question: What are some simple safety tips families can keep in mind before heading out to trick-or-treat?

Meagan O’Neill: It gets dark early by late October, and many families will be walking neighborhoods in the dark during trick-or-treat hours. Try to pick sections of neighborhoods that are well lit and carry a flashlight if needed. Young children should be supervised at all times, and families should use caution when crossing streets on Halloween. Try to avoid walking out from between parked cars and utilize cross walks whenever possible. It is very tempting to cut across yards but once it gets dark, there are often tripping hazards that cannot be easily seen, so stick to the sidewalks if you can.

If you are driving through a neighborhood on Halloween, please slow down. Kids get very excited, and they can dart across roads and yards without paying attention. Parents should use their phones for fun photos and videos, but otherwise, parents should keep their phones tucked away until returning back home. Helping your kids be mindful of their surroundings is a great way for everyone to stay safe.

For older kids who want to trick-or-treat with their friends, parents should use their best judgement based on their child's maturity level. Older kids who trick-or-treat on their own should have clear rules set ahead of time, including where and how far they can go, when to check in with their parents, and what time to be home. Remind older kids to stick to sidewalks, do not run across yards, and remain respectful of the property and people who they come across while with their friends.

Wait to eat any treats until everyone is home and they can be inspected. Not all treats are appropriate for all children, particularly infants and toddlers for whom hard candies can be significant choking hazards.

Q: Are there any common Halloween mishaps you see every year that parents should watch out for?

O’Neill: Probably the most common are trips and falls from costumes or hazards on sidewalks or in yards. Other injuries include cuts from pumpkin carving activities and burns from open flames or candles.

Q: Since costumes are such a big part of the fun, what should parents look for to make sure they’re safe and comfortable?

O’Neill: Ensure that your child's costume and shoes fit well. Avoid costumes that are too long and create tripping hazards. Costumes with reflective elements can enhance safety while out trick-or-treating. Homemade costumes can have reflective strips added on for increased visibility. If possible, avoid masks and opt for nontoxic, skin-safe makeup (test on a small patch of skin first). If costumes include masks, ensure that they fit well and that children can see through them.

Q: For kids with food allergies or other dietary restrictions, what’s your advice for keeping Halloween treats safe and enjoyable?

O’Neill: Halloween can be a tricky time for kids with any dietary limitations. Some parents of these kids will send appropriate treats to their neighbors ahead of time to hold back for their child specifically. If you are handing out Halloween treats, consider non-treat options like stickers or bouncy balls, or consider having a stash of candy that is nut-free. If you have a child with a food allergy, be sure to inspect all candy prior to your child eating it, including reading the ingredient list.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give parents to help make Halloween night fun and stress-free?

O’Neill: Have a game plan that you discuss ahead of time, particularly for older children who may be walking the neighborhoods with friends. Have a plan for when and how much of their Halloween treats that kids can eat at a time, both on Halloween and afterwards. Try on costumes and any makeup ahead of time to ensure proper fit, and have kids practice walking in their costumes and shoes. For younger children who may be frightened by some of the more extreme Halloween decorations, allowing them to choose if they will approach a house can decrease their anxiety (and nightmares!).