Halloween Costume Safety

It's that fun time of year again when we get our little ones, and sometimes not so little ones all dressed up in their costumes to go trick or treating. It is our duty as parents, grandparents and guardians to ensure the safety of the occasion. Kids can get so excited and carried away that they can forget the importance of being careful.

Let's start with the costume. There are so many to choose from or you may make your own. Either way, here are a few tips to remember when choosing or making your costume: Check to ensure costume is flame retardant, fits well (not excessively loose or binding) and does not drag the ground risking tripping and falling. Any accessories such as swords, knives, wands, etc. should be flexible, not blunt or sharp. If the costume isn't reflective, be sure to add reflective tape or have child carry a reflective bag, flash light or glow stick or a combination of the above taking the child's age into account.

If wearing a mask, make sure it allows good ventilation and isn't restrictive. It should also have large eye holes so vision isn't restricted. If you are allergic to latex you should avoid the masks made of latex.

If using face paint, please choose it carefully. Even though the ingredients are labeled safe or non toxic it doesn't mean you can't have a bad reaction to it. Make sure to follow recommended directions. It's always best to test the makeup on a small area such as your wrist before the big day (or night). Don't put makeup on where it shouldn't be. There are a lot of ingredients that are not meant to be used near the eyes and can potentially cause harmful reactions. Always remove the makeup when the occasion comes to an end. Wearing it too long can cause irritation to the skin.

The CDC advises against using the decorative or spooky contact lenses. Wearing them increases your risk of serious eye injury.

Ensure shoes fit properly, are sturdy, and are not high heeled or slippery. It is best to have a non-skid sole.

Baby costumes should be free of buttons or any small items that can be a choke hazard.

Always be alert for allergic or anaphylactic reactions. They can occur within seconds and be fatal if not treated immediately. This is a concern at Halloween time due to the milk chocolate, peanuts, latex etc. that is found in abundance on this fun night. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, there are 12 million Americans that suffer from food allergies. The most prevalent foods that cause allergies are peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, eggs, soy, fish and shellfish. You will need to take immediate action if any of the following symptoms occur: hives, trouble breathing, wheezing, nausea, vomiting and swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat. An allergic reaction can be brought on by a minute amount of allergen.

So plan ahead and be safe. Take that extra time to choose your costume wisely to ensure safety. Have a Safe and Happy Halloween.

Sources:

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology; Allergy Statistics; American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology-Allergy Stastics

American Red Cross Press Release; Red Cross Issues Safety Tips for Families; American Red Cross

CDC; Halloween Health and Safety Tips; Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Green Guide; Halloween Horrors: Tales from the Cosmetologist; National Geographic

Keep Kids Healthy; Face Painting for Halloween; KeepKidsHealthy.com

Robert Longley; Halloween Statistics from the U.S. Census; About.com: US Government Info

Safe Kids; Safe Kids Provides Halloween Safety Tips; NLCSafeKids.org