Tips for a Safe and Fun Halloween from Atrium Health Navicent Pediatricians
Halloween is fun for all ages. But this holiday can be worrisome for some parents. To help ensure everyone has a night of treats with no tricks, Atrium Health Levine Children’s pediatricians offer ideas and safety tips.
Trick-or-Treating Safety
While Halloween is all fun and games, the truth is it can be dangerous for your little trick-or-treaters if certain precautions aren’t taken. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
Dr. Mansi Batra, a pediatrician at Atrium Health Levine Children’s, suggests having a conversation with your children about safety before the big night.
“They might not realize how many dangers are lurking on Halloween night. From inattentive drivers to questionable treats, this conversation shouldn’t scare them, more so make them aware of what to watch out for.”
- Carry a glow stick or flashlight and/or use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags to help drivers better see trick-or-treaters.
- Chaperone kids under the age of 12 while trick-or-treating. Teens should check in regularly with their parents/guardians and stick to visiting nearby or well-known neighborhoods.
- Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
- Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks after looking left, right and left again.
- Choose a costume that fits properly to prevent trips and falls. Consider using face paint instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision, and make sure the face paint is hypoallergenic by testing it out on a small patch of skin first.
- Make sure your headlights are on, slow down and be alert. Kids are excited on Halloween and may dart into the street.
- Check your child’s trick-or-treat bag for any candy that appears to be tampered with. Instruct your child to throw away any unsealed treats.
Food Allergy Awareness
Food allergies should not be taken lightly, as they affect 1 in 13 children in the U.S. Some of the most common food allergens — nuts, milk and eggs — are found in many Halloween candies.
“If your child has food allergies, teach them the importance of speaking up about their allergies and always make sure they have auto-injectable epinephrine with them," Batra said.
- Parents should read ingredient labels carefully. If candies don’t have one on them, check the larger bag or look up the ingredients online.
- Consider bringing a safe treat or snack for your child while trick-or-treating.
- Putting out a teal pumpkin indicates your house supports children with food allergies by offering non-food treats like glow sticks, pencils, stamps, or stickers.
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
About 1 in 44 children has been identified with ASD. For children with ASD, wearing a costume may be problematic because of sensory issues. If the child is sensitive to noise, consider bringing earplugs or another noise-blocking device.
“If a child with ASD does want to wear a costume, allow them to try it on in advance. Have a dress rehearsal ahead of the holiday and show the child pictures of what to expect while trick-or-treating on Halloween. Often, children with ASD want to participate in the fun but find it overstimulating,” Batra said.
- A blue bucket or pumpkin is a signifier that a child has ASD. Parents can give their child a blue bucket or display a blue pumpkin at home to indicate ASD-friendliness.
Stay Safe All Year Long
Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital offers comprehensive pediatric care, including a dedicated pediatric emergency room and virtual care options for families. For more health and safety tips, visit https://childrenshospitalnh.orgchildrenshospitalnh.org.
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