Toddlers can have a lot of fun when Halloween rolls around. So many new experiences and fun things to try. From picking out a costume to trick or treating it is something most parents and children look forward to even in the early years.
When your kids go trick-or-treating, you want them to have fun, but also to be safe. The following tips will focus on toddler Halloween safety tips, from knowing where to go, to making sure their costumes won’t become a safety hazard.
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Toddler Halloween Safety Tips
Pre-Teach Halloween Safety
You will want to talk to your toddler about Halloween safety the weeks before the event takes place. Talk to them about the holiday and what activities you will be taking part in.
Grab some toddler Halloween books (like this one) to help them learn about the fun holiday.
Practice Holding Hands
When you are at the park or running errands teach your toddler about the importance of holding hands to keep them safe. Talk to them about street safety and how to look for cars.
These are skills that you want to teach young. Do not expect them to completely understand these rules, but it is a good idea to introduce safety concepts as you see fit.
Keep Toddler Halloween Costumes Safe
Toddlers get excited when they go out trick-or treating, often running down the street and up stairs to get to people’s porches.
If your little ones have long costumes that reach to their feet, they might trip over them and get seriously injured. You don’t want your child falling down the stairs or tripping over their costume in the middle of the street.
Costumes with superhero capes, long dresses or gowns might be a little too long. Make sure you have your kids try them on and walk around with the shoes they intend to wear so you know if hemming needs to be done.
Make Trick-or-Treating a Family Event
While teenagers can usually go out on their own, you should not send your younger kids alone trick-or-treating. Even when they are in your own neighborhood, it will take a lot of stress off your mind if you walk around with them.
This can become a fun annual tradition where you send them around the neighborhood to get their candy. Then when they return, you can make your big Halloween dinner and sit down for some crafts (get some ideas here) or some child friendly spooky stories (this is my sons favorite!)
Be Safe While Walking
When you head out on your trick-or-treating adventure, practice caution even when you are out with your kids. Remove their masks on occasion so they can breathe, as some of them are very constricting. You could also use face paint instead.
Be careful not to walk down the street, even if you see other families walking down the street. Stick to the sidewalks or the bike lanes if the sidewalks are full. Be wary of any houses that have loud, barking dogs. Avoid houses that are not well-lit out front and never accept an invitation to go inside.
Keep Your Own Home Safe
You also want your own home to be safe for trick-or-treaters even if you will be at home handing out candy. Make sure your front yard is well-lit not just with the porch light, but by placing battery-operated lights (like these) in your pumpkins and having other lights outside turned on.
If it rained recently, put out rugs (grab a fun Halloween one like this) so kids don’t sleep on the steps. Sweep away any leaves for the same purpose. Keep your dogs inside and restrained just in case.
Limit Your Toddler’s Candy
Make sure the candy that is given to your toddler is safe to eat. Look at packaging to make sure it has not been opened or tampered with.
Limit your toddler to candy that is easy for them to chew and swallow. Stay away from small hard candies or any candy that you think could become a choking hazard.
Toddler Safety Tips at Home
If you are decorating your home for Halloween make sure to keep your toddler in mind. Keep any low hanging strings or cords away. Use battery lit candles instead of real ones to prevent burns.
While you are out trick or treating keep your toddler near you so they don’t harm themselves on other decorations that may be out in your neighborhood.
Paint Pumpkins Instead of Carving
There are lots of toddler pumpkin activities that do not involve sharp knives. Carving pumpkins with an unpredictable toddler may not be the best idea. Use paint (like this) on your pumpkins until your little one is able to understand knife safety.
You can even use a sticker kit for a mess free option! (Check it out here)
I hope you enjoyed these Halloween safety tips for kids! Have a safe and happy Halloween!
GRAB YOUR TODDLER MILESTONE CHECKLIST HERE
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Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.