10 Halloween Costume Safety Tips

Halloween is a fantastic holiday filled with fun for all ages. However, if you're not careful your fun can come to an abrupt end. There is no such thing as playing it to safe. These 10 safe Halloween costume tips will help ensure that your Halloween is filled with laughter, not tears.

1. Mask. Masks in general are not safe due to the fact that a mask limits your view. Don't be fooled if you try a mask on, and you can see fine straight ahead. Can you see and object resting on your shoulder while looking straight ahead? Not only should parents avoid buying mask for their children, but adults should avoid them as well.

2. Temporary spray hair dye. Most of these spray on hair dyes are highly flammable. As an alternative you can find temporary comb in dyes, but still check the packaging to any warnings.

3. Glitter face paint. Avoid putting anything with glitter around your eyes, especially on children. Without thinking children often wipe their eyes, especially if they are sleepy, and getting glitter in your eyes isn't fun.

4. Wigs. Most cheep Halloween wigs are going to consist of polyester which is a highly flammable material. Check the label to see if it is flame resistant.

5. Face paint. If your going to use face paint, especially on a child, be sure to do an allergy test the day before. An easy place to test the paint is on the child's wrist. Grease paints are usually safe to use, however it is better to be safe then sorry. I made this mistake a few years ago, which left me with an itchy rash for Halloween.

6. Shoes. Halloween is not the time to try out new shoes. You want to make sure that the shoes you or your child is wearing are comfortable, and easy to walk in. I remember seeing a girl fall last year while trick-or-treating with my son. The girl was dressed as a princess, and wearing 2 inch heals. She took a hard spill on asphalt, and needless to say it ruined her night.

7. Dark Colors. We all know that you can't see dark colors at night. Yet time and time again parents dress their kids as ninjas, or other dark colored charters. Why? Bottom line is, drivers can't see them. Wear bright colored costumes, or add reflector tape to darker ones.

8. To Big. Costumes that are dragging the ground are not safe. These are easy to trip on, or get snagged on things. Besides that, you can not move very fast in something that is dragging the ground.

9. Props. What pirate don't carry a sword? Props might look nice, but are they practical? What does a child do when you hand them a sword, they swing it around. It is easy for someone to get hit in the eye or head due to the careless nature of a child having fun. If you can avoid props then do so. If not, look for props that have no sharp edges, or ones that are made out of foam. Inflatable props are also becoming very popular.

10. Trick-or-Treat Bags. When buying a bag or bucket consider what the handle is like. Plastic bags weighted with candy, can rub blisters, or even cut into a child's skin. A canvas tote bag is a good alternative, plus they can carry it on their shoulder. You can also have the child dump there bag or bucket into a canvas tote that you carry when you see it getting heavy.

I hope these tips help you have a safe and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!