Did you know that child pedestrian injuries are more likely to occur on Halloween than on any other night of the year? Don’t make this holiday any scarier than it needs to be. Keep Halloween safe and fun this year with this list of tips from our Children’s Health Team.

Costume safety

Imagination is a key ingredient of Halloween, and it’s always fun to see the wide variety of costumes children choose each year. Even so, we recommend these tips while preparing for a night of mischief and make believe:

• Look for costumes, wigs and accessories with a “flame resistant” label.
• Make sure hats, masks and shoes fit well to avoid blocked vision and falls.
• Incorporate glow sticks or a flashlight to help them see better in the dark.
• Put reflective tape on costumes and candy bags to help drivers see them.
• Test makeup on your child’s skin ahead of time to avoid allergic reactions.
• Skip out on swords and other sharp accessories to limit potential injuries.

Trick-or-treating

With so many children walking from house to house and vehicles driving through crowded streets, trick-or-treating poses a number of safety concerns. Help your little monsters and mermaids stay safe while gathering candy with the following tips:

• Always accompany young children and aim for activities earlier in the day.
• If older children are trick-or-treating alone, discuss the route beforehand.
• Remind children not to enter unfamiliar homes or vehicles for any reason.
• Encourage children to use the “buddy system” and travel in larger groups.
• Stay on well-lit streets, stick to the sidewalks and use crosswalks if possible.
• Prepare your own home for visitors by removing hazards and checking lights.

Candy and treats

Although tampering is rare, it can still happen, and concerning items like cannabis edibles and melatonin gummies — which can pose a risk of overdose — are difficult to distinguish from real candy. Be mindful of the sweet treats your kids collect and employ the tips below to avoid unnecessary risks:

• Consider offering kids non-edible items, such as bubbles or finger puppets.
• Enjoy a healthy meal before trick-or-treating to discourage candy snacking.
• Inspect all treats thoroughly and throw away anything spoiled or suspicious.
• Keep hard candies and other choking hazards away from babies and toddlers.
• Store candy in a jar and allow children to enjoy it over several days or weeks.
• Use Halloween as a time to teach kids about nutrition and overindulgence.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

We understand that holidays bring a host of questions and concerns — that’s why we’re here to help!

Please call 770-812-8640 to speak with a member of the Tanner Healthcare for Children team, and if any post-Halloween illnesses occur, you can easily make a sick visit appointment for one of our convenient locations in Bremen, Carrollton or Villa Rica.