The Secrets of Choosing a Safe Halloween Costume for Your Child
What will your child be this Halloween – a light-pumpkin princess, like the one shown on the left, a superhero, or a mythical animal – like a unicorn? Whatever fantasy character your child chooses to portray on this ghostly night, you want him to be safe.
Most children spend a great deal of time thinking about what they’ll wear on October 31, but few give any thought to safety. That’s where mom and dad come in. Here’s how to help your child choose a safe Halloween costume.
A Safe Halloween Costume: Flame Resistant Material is Important
How easily a child’s costume could brush against a lighted candle and catch fire which is why costumes should always be made of flame resistant materials. If you buy a ready made costume, check the label carefully to make sure it’s labeled as such. Some kids like to put together their own costumes from secondhand clothing from thrift stores, but this may not be a good idea since there’s no way to determine the flammability of the materials. Buying a ready made costume from a reputable company may be a better choice. Keep in mind that any trims that you add or accessories should be flame proof too.
A Safe Halloween Costume: Get a Costume That Fits Well
Don’t compromise on fit when it comes to a Halloween costume. A costume that drags on the ground may cause a child to trip when he goes up and down stairs leading to a serious injury. Avoid costumes that have ties, hooks, or long sleeves that can get caught on things in the dark and stay away from loose, flowing costumes. Don’t let your child wear high heels or impractical shoes as these will increase the risk of falls and twisted ankles. Please check out our Halloween Costume Size Chart.
A Safe Halloween Costume: The Importance of Visibility
Your child will be crossing streets in the dark so it’s important the he be visible to oncoming cars. Unless your child’s costume is made of reflective, fluorescent material, he may not be visible to oncoming traffic. Get some reflective tape and tape it around the hem and sleeves of his costume. Make sure you or your child carry a flashlight or wear light sticks after dark.
A Safe Halloween Costume: The Importance of Good Ventilation
A tight fitting mask can not only be hot and uncomfortable, but it can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Halloween masks, particularly ones with small eye holes, also reduce visibility. If possible, skip the mask entirely and create the look with facial makeup and a wig instead. Your child will feel more comfortable and be able to navigate better through the dark streets without a mask.
A safe Halloween costume and one that’s comfortable can make this all important evening all the more fun and memorable. Help your child choose it wisely.
