Halloween Safety for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Halloween safety for children is a big concern for parents this time of year, and especially when it comes to younger children. Here are some ways to help keep your toddler or preschooler safe and having fun this Halloween.

  • Find (or make) a safe Halloween costume – Look for costumes that don’t restrict movement and don’t pose suffocation, tripping, or choking hazards. Here are some age-appropriate Halloween costume ideas.
  • Dress your child for the weather – Whatever costume your child will be wearing, it’s important to dress for the conditions if you’re going trick-or-treating.
  • Cut the pumpkin yourself – your child can help by scooping out the seeds. Supervise your child, as seeds can be a choking hazard.
  • You may also decide to have your child decorate a small pumpkin with kid-friendly paint.
  • Use a glow stick or mini LED candle instead of a real candle inside a jack o’ lantern.
  • Add reflective tape to your child’s costume so they are visible to drivers and other trick-or-treaters.
  • Ensure your child doesn’t walk too far from you. This can be a concern particularly if your child sees something scary and begins to run away.
  • Carry a flashlight when trick-or-treating with your child.
  • Ensure house walkways and porch steps are clear of tripping hazards.
  • Never let a child enter a home unless it’s a well-known friend or neighbor.
  • Inspect all candy before your child eats it. Throw away anything with torn or non-existent wrapping, appears to have been opened, presents a choking hazard, or is homemade if you don’t know the source.

In addition, many families of young children opt out of trick-or-treating altogether, and decide to host a toddler- and preschool-friendly Halloween party. This can be a safer alternative, as well as a less intense experience for young children.