How to have a safe Halloween

Halloween is a magical day for children. They get to dress up, there are festivities at school — and, of course, they get candy. Here are some simple tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics to keep Halloween magical by keeping children safe. Safe Halloween costumes As you and your child choose a costume, keep this advice in mind: Make sure the costume fits. If it’s too big, or too small, it can make it hard to walk and move around safely. Make sure that any masks, wigs, hats, or other costume parts don’t block your child’s vision — instead of a mask, you might want to consider face paint. Make sure that any accessories — like swords or wands — are safe and carried safely. Safe pumpkins What would Halloween be without pumpkins? As you plan whether they will be scary or silly… Remember that kids and knives don’t mix. Kids can draw the design and you can carve — or you can have kids decorate with permanent markers instead (which saves you all sorts of scooping out seeds and goop time). Consider using flashlights or glow-sticks rather than candles. If do you use candles, votive candles are best — and be thoughtful about where you put your pumpkin; make sure it can’t tip over and is away from anything flammable. Don’t leave a lit pumpkin unattended; if you go out, blow out the candle. Safe house It’s great to have people come to your house for candy. To keep them safe… Get rid of anything that people might trip on. Make sure your door and pa...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Children's Health Parenting Safety Source Type: blogs