With the arrival of October, thoughts of Halloween and candy may be filling your young ones’ heads. It’s a magic time, and it’s also a time for parents to be prudent.
To help you manage a safe and healthy Halloween, Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon MD and her team in Fountain Valley, California, have compiled this list of five tips to ease your planning. Happy Halloween everyone!
Perhaps the best part of the event, costumes define what Halloween is all about. If you purchase costumes or makeup for your kids, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you keep an eye on some important points.
Look for costumes with “flame resistant” clearly marked on the package. For crafty parents who make their children’s costumes, use nylon, polyester, or other flame resistant fabrics.
Use makeup rather than masks when possible to prevent obscured vision, reducing the risk of falls and trips. Brightly colored makeup is fun, but check the FDA’s list of color additives to make sure the ingredients in costume makeup are safe for use on the face and around the eyes.
Test a bit of makeup in the days before Halloween to screen for allergens. A little bit on your child’s arm will show irritation or a rash, if there’s an allergy risk.
Make it a hard rule: No collected candy can be consumed before it’s inspected. If necessary, send your own treats out with those you know will succumb to temptation.
Discard any candy that’s not sealed in its original packaging, even if it means discarding popular favorites. Edit out candy that’s not age-appropriate. Hard candies may be a choking hazard for younger children, for example.
Young children should be accompanied by a parent or other trusted adult. Older children can trick or treat in groups using a buddy system with strategies for dealing with unexpected occurrences. No child should enter a home or vehicle for treats
Review after-dark navigation rules. Older children can plan their route for your approval. Crossing streets in the middle of the block is off limits.
Increase your child’s visibility with flashlights with fresh batteries or full charges. You can also add reflective tape to their costume to keep them visible to drivers.
Do your part to help out other parents by preparing your home when you’re participating in the candy giveaway. Keep pets out of the action, make sure the walk to your door is well lit and free of trip hazards, including hoses, toys, bikes, wet leaves, or any other obstacle or impediment.
Plan for the worst and enjoy the best. When your child needs quality pediatric care, contact Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon, MD by phone or online when the need arises.
