Halloween is that one magical night when dressing up, getting scared, and going door-to-door for treats is totally encouraged. Rooted in ancient harvest traditions, it’s now one of the biggest spending holidays in the U.S.—second only to Christmas.
But behind the excitement of costumes, candy, and spooky fun, safety is still a big concern. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were around 3,200 emergency room visits related to Halloween incidents from 2019 to 2022.
To help prevent accidents, experts have highlighted some key Halloween «don’ts» for kids and simple steps parents can take to keep their little monsters safe.
🔦 Don’t Forget the Flashlight
Make sure your child has a flashlight while out trick-or-treating. It helps them see where they’re walking in the dark and can prevent trips and falls.
Dr. Karen Goodman, a pediatric emergency specialist at NYU Langone’s Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, recommends flashlights that offer 360-degree lighting, and notes they can be easily incorporated into costumes.
👀 Avoid Masks That Limit Vision
When it comes to Halloween masks, visibility matters more than style. A mask that blocks your child’s view—especially at night—can lead to accidents.
Goodman suggests testing the mask ahead of time to ensure the eye holes are properly aligned. If necessary, parents can widen the openings or encourage a different costume choice.
She warns that children often don’t realize how limited their vision is until they’re already out the door, and by then, they may not want to take the mask off.
🚫 Skip Restrictive or Oversized Costumes
Costumes should be tested for comfort and ease of movement.
Dr. Lisa Gaw from Texas Children’s Urgent Care emphasizes that if a child struggles to walk in their costume during the day, it’ll be even harder at night.
Avoid costumes that are too long, heavy, or awkward, which can lead to tripping. Make sure kids can walk, climb stairs, and move freely. Don’t hesitate to trim or adjust costumes if needed.
Also, be cautious about cheap, disposable polyester costumes. Some may contain toxic substances linked to health issues, so investing in quality or handmade outfits is a safer option.
🪄 Be Careful with Costume Props
Props like swords or magic wands may complete the look, but they can be risky.
Goodman advises parents to opt for soft, flexible versions of pointy or sharp accessories. Even plastic items can injure others when used carelessly. Safety comes first—even for pirates and warriors.
🎨 Test Face Paint Before Applying
Always use non-toxic, kid-safe face paint and check the FDA’s list of approved color additives—especially for paints near the eyes.
Before applying to your child’s face, do a small patch test on their forearm to check for allergic reactions or irritation.
And skip decorative contact lenses sold online or in costume stores. These are not FDA-approved and can cause serious eye infections or even permanent vision damage.
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