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Halloween is a fun filled holiday, giving children an opportunity to dress up, go to parties, walk around trick-or-treating, and collecting yummy treats.  Read below for some tips on how to keep your little pumpkins safe this year!

Walking Safely

• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult. If a child is mature enough to trick-or-treat unaccompanied, make sure that they stay with a group and stick to familiar areas that are well lit.
• Always cross the street at corners, using crosswalks and traffic signals.
• Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of stopped cars. Wait for the driver to signal that he or she is allowing you to cross.
• Be aware! Put your electronic devices down and your head up!
• Encourage children to walk, not run from house to house, and especially when crossing a street.
• Always walk on the sidewalk. If you are in an area without a sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Watch for cars that are backing up. Teach children that if they see white lights on in the back of a car that this means they are in reverse and may not see you.

Keep Costumes Creative, but Safe

• Swords, knives, and other accessories should be soft, short, and flexible.
• Fasten reflexive tape to costumes and bags to be better seen by drivers. If possible, wear light colors.  You can also carry a flashlight or glow sticks!
• Try to choose non-toxic face paint instead of masks, which can obstruct children’s vision.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it fits properly to avoid falls and trips.
• Always test make-up on a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent skin or eye irritation.

Enjoy Your Treats

• Examine all food items before your child consumes their treats. Only allow children to eat items that come in sealed wrappers, and watch for choking hazards.
• Eating a good meal prior to trick-or-treating will discourage little ones from binging on sweets.
• Try to ration treats for the days proceeding Halloween.
• Consider giving out healthy food items or non-food treats such as coloring books, pencils, or Play Dough.

Hope you have a SPOOK-tacular Halloween!

Nicole Cohen MS CF-SLP