Halloween is a favorite night for our Ducks and their families, and for us too. Nothing beats a tiny pumpkin ringing a neighbor’s doorbell for the first time.
But Halloween safety for kids starts before the doorbell even rings, and one of the biggest risks is traffic. A little planning can lower that risk and ensure you and your child have a safe and fun evening. Here are 12 of our top Halloween safety tips for kids and parents, covering everything from costumes and trick-or-treating to candy and driving.
A safe Halloween costume is bright, flame resistant, and easy for your child to see and move in.
Look for “flame resistant” on your child’s costume labels, including any wigs and accessories. Keep hemlines short to prevent little legs from tripping on uneven sidewalks or porch steps.
Masks can block your child’s vision. Non-toxic face paint or a fun hat offer alternatives that let your little trick-or-treater see hazards like cars and curbs more clearly.
The FDA suggests testing makeup 24 to 48 hours in advance with a small dab on your child’s arm. Redness, a rash, or swelling are signs that you should skip that product.
Reflective tape on costumes and treat bags helps drivers spot kids after dark. Glow sticks and flashlights help kids see and be seen. (Just remind them not to chew or break their glow sticks!) If you’re making jack-o’-lanterns, consider lighting them with flameless candles instead of a real flame.
A safe trick-or-treat night starts with your child accompanied by a trusted adult, on the sidewalk, and easy for drivers to see.
Safe Kids Worldwide recommends that children under 12 be accompanied by a responsible adult when they’re out for Halloween. If you have older kids, make sure they go in a group, stay in familiar, well-lit areas, and follow a route you agree on in advance.
Use sidewalks and cross the street at corners or crosswalks. Teach kids never to dart out between parked cars, where a driver can’t see a small child in time.
For the youngest Ducks, an early lap around the block while it’s still light is the best way to avoid the busiest, darkest part of the night.
Every driver on the road is part of the safety plan on October 31. Keep these safety tips in mind when driving on Halloween.
Reduce your speed in residential neighborhoods and turn your headlights on earlier in the day. Be extra alert during popular trick-or-treating hours, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Excited kids move fast, and costumes limit how well they can see your car. Take it slow at intersections and driveways.
A quick inspection is one of the easiest ways to ensure a safe Halloween.
The FDA advises looking for discoloration, tiny pinholes, or torn wrappers. Toss anything that isn’t commercially wrapped, homemade treats included.
If your child has a food allergy, read every label carefully. As you trick-or-treat, be on the lookout for teal pumpkins, which some households use as a signal that they offer non-food treats.
The AAP says babies and toddlers should not have hard candies, gum, popcorn, small or gummy candies, or anything with whole nuts. Be on the lookout for these treats and remove them before a baby sibling reaches the candy bucket.
Helping kids feel safe, cared for, and free to be kids is what we do every day at Ducklings, and we love celebrating moments like Halloween together as a school family. We’re family-owned and have been delivering quality early childhood education for more than 30 years.
If you’re looking for child care that feels like more than just a daycare, come see us in person. Find a Ducklings Early Learning Center near you and schedule a tour to meet our teachers, explore our classrooms, and ask every question on your list. We’d love to welcome your family.