Top 10 Halloween Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips

The spookiest time of the year, Halloween is full of frights, fun, and even a little fear, but keeping kids safe during this time is one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about.  To help children stay safe, we’ve compiled a list of 10 helpful Halloween safety tips for when your little monsters go trick-or-treating.

1. Be accompanied by an adult: It’s a good idea to go with younger kids when trick-or-treating. It’s guaranteed there’ll be lots of ghosts and ghouls out on the block filling their buckets with candy too, so accompanying children to and from each house ensures they don’t get lost or wander somewhere they may not be welcome. Why not get the whole family involved with some matching family Halloween costumes? This is a great option for tweens; group costumes mean kids don’t feel like you’re babysitting them, because you’re getting in on the action too!

2. Stick with a group: We get it, teenagers might not want parents cramping their style, and if you feel your child is old and safe enough to go trick-or-treating unaccompanied by an adult, have them go with a group of trusted friends. This way, you know they’ll be having heaps of fun and staying safe at the same time.

3. Pick the right costume: Make sure you pick the right size costume for your kids so they won’t trip and hurt themselves. When wearing costume masks, ensure they can breathe and see properly.

4.  Makeup magic: If your kids feel restricted wearing masks, Halloween makeup is a spooky alternative to complete their costume. We have a huge selection of Halloween makeup kits, glitter, latex kits and fake blood to add that extra AHHH! to their ahh-mazing look. Just remember to patch test any makeup before you apply it, to avoid any reactions.

5. Places with pumpkins: Although Halloween is our favorite season, not everyone gets into the spooky spirit. To avoid disappointment when knocking on doors, pick houses which are decorated with Halloween props, are well lit, or have pumpkins outside. Generally, that’s a good sign a household is participating in Halloween and is ready for trick-or-treaters.

6. Stay on the step: Kids should never enter a stranger’s home. If your child is heading out with friends, plan out a set route for them to follow so they are less likely to go off the beaten path.

7. Grab your flashlights: It’ll be dark out there! To avoid any falls on the sidewalk while heading from house to house, take a flashlight to illuminate spots where it’s a little hard to see. It can always be placed in their trick-or-treat candy bag when not in use.

8. Crossing the road: Remove masks when crossing the road to avoid obstruction to vision. Wearing brightly colored costumes is also a fa-boo-lous way to ensure children are visible for cars and other vehicles.

9. Check all the candy: When it comes to chomping down on that delicious, hard-earned candy, be sure to check through each piece before allowing your little goblins to eat it. Throw away any homemade candy and check the packaging for any allergens. Avoid any large, hard candies that could pose a choking hazard. During this time of year, it’s also super important to ensure your kiddos maintain good oral hygiene. Did you know, Americans are expected to spend $2.7 billion on candy? That’s a lot of sugar! Help protect your child’s teeth from cavities and tooth decay by encouraging regular brushing. Children under the age of 6 are recommended to use a pea-sized amount of tooth paste, to minimize the risk of swallowing. For more oral hygiene tips, check out Know Your OTCs website.

10. Clear the driveway: Expecting trick-or-treaters to come around your home this year? Make sure the driveway is clear of any obstacles and light up the path with some jack-o'-lanterns so trick-or-treaters can safely navigate their way to your door.

Now you and the kids are set to go trick-or-treating, we hope you have a fun and safe Halloween this year!