Is your child’s Halloween costume dangerous?

Cowboys, dinosaurs, princesses – oh my. Many children enjoy getting to choose their own Halloween costume each year. But as a parent, have you considered if your child’s costume choice is safe?

To keep Halloween a fun and festive time of the year, Dr. Deanna Behrens, a pediatric critical care physician at Advocate Children’s Hospital, recommends you follow these simple safety tips:

Play it safe with costume materials and accessories

If your child can trip over a part of their costume, it isn’t safe to wear trick or treating. They could fall and hurt themselves, and loose-fitting costumes are also a fire hazard around things like jack-o-lanterns. If you are purchasing a costume or accessories in store, look for a “flame resistant” tag on the label.

Masks, wigs, hats, glasses and other accessories should not cover their eyes or block their vision in any way. Instead of masks, consider child-safe face paint or makeup. Make sure to test a small patch of skin a few days before.

Their shoes should be weather appropriate and fit comfortably for walking.

No matter your child’s age, skip out on dangerous accessories that may cause injury to your child or others around them, such as swords, wands or weapons, and opt for foam props instead. For younger children, check costumes and accessories for any choking hazards, such as loose buttons or strings around the neck.

Make sure the costume is easy to see

The darker the costume, the harder it will be for drivers or other pedestrians to see your child. This poses a major safety risk to your child, especially while crossing the street. Many of the spookier costumes are darkly colored, so if your child is committed to one of those, incorporate brightly colored accessories to help keep them visible to other pedestrians and vehicles. Another great option is including glow-in-the-dark items on the costume and/or accessories. Try to get out before dusk to stay extra safe, if possible.

Light up the night

If you are taking your child trick or treating, stay close to them and bring flashlights as an additional safety measure. If your child is older and heading out with friends, make sure they are bringing a flashlight and staying with a group – ideally a group with multiple flashlights. Glow sticks are a fun option to offer children, as well. You can also consider adding reflective tape to costumes and/or treat bags to add additional visibility.

“Halloween is such a special time for children, families and communities,” says Dr. Behrens. “If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s pediatrician.”

Are you trying to find a pediatrician? Find one in Illinois or Wisconsin.