Trick or Treating the Safe, Sweet Way
The spooky season is around the corner. Are you ready to keep your little ones safe this Halloween?
“Halloween should be a fun time full of nothing but positive memories,” says Isabel Reckson, C.D.C.E.S., C.D.N., R.D., registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at Weill Cornell Medicine. “To make sure Halloween is a safe, sweet time, parents should take note of potential hazards and work to avoid them.”
Use Caution on the Hunt
Masks, dark costumes and walking in the street can put your child in danger. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, your child is more than twice as likely to get hit by a car on Halloween. A few safety tips can help your child return home, safe and sound.
- Go with others. A large group of trick-or-treaters is easier to see than a single costumed child. An aware adult helps children take note of traffic and other dangers.
- Light up your world. Put reflective tape on your child’s costume to increase visibility. Also, give all children flashlights so they can see and be seen.
- Slow it down. Getting free candy is exciting. Your kids will want to run from house to house. By requiring them to walk, you help children avoid tripping as they trick-or-treat. You also reduce their likelihood of running into traffic.
- Stay out of the street. Use sidewalks as often as possible. Before crossing the street, look both ways, and use crosswalks when available. If you must walk on the road, stay on the edge of the road, facing traffic.
- Wear the right costume. Loose, oversized costumes make it hard to move easily. Masks make it hard to see. Avoid both problems by opting for properly fitting costumes and face paint.
Enjoy the Sweet Haul Safely
While it’s unlikely anyone will tamper with your child’s candy, it could happen. Therefore, you should throw away candy with holes or tears in the wrapper. You should also trash any food that isn’t professionally packaged.
While considering what candy to let your little ones enjoy, remember the following food safety tips:
- Candy may contain allergens. If your child has food allergies, check the ingredients before indulging in a specific candy. Otherwise, your night could go from fun to stressful.
- Some candy poses a choking hazard. Young children can choke on hard or sticky candy, gum, peanuts and even small toys. Monitor children and don’t let them lie down while eating candy to reduce the risk of choking.
“Whether you suspect candy has been tampered with, contains dangerous allergens or may cause your child to choke, the rule is the same,” Reckson says. “When in doubt, throw it out!”
Find a doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine to keep your child healthy and safe all year round.