Baby gender predictions could be more of a weighted coin toss than originally thought.
As much as we want kids to have fun this spooky season, we also want them to be safe.
These practical Halloween safety tips for kids — and parents — promote just that.
According to research published in JAMA Pediatrics, “pedestrians aged 4 to 8 years exhibit a 10-fold increase in pedestrian fatality risk on Halloween” compared to any other day of the year.
And that risk doesn’t stop with children.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that U.S. hospital emergency departments treat an average of 3,200 Halloween-related injuries every year — 56% of which happen to adults.
The other 46% of injuries involved kids under the age of 18 — and 10% involved kids six and under.
These injuries can happen anywhere and at any time, but are more prevalent with kids dressing up in Halloween costumes and stocking up on candy as they make their way through the town in the dark.
But they can all be prevented by following a few simple and practical safety tips for Halloween.
Safety Tips for Halloween Costumes
Picking out the right Halloween costume is a tough task, but making sure it’s safe is even tougher.
According to the CPSC, 25% of Halloween-related injuries are due to falls — and one of the biggest culprits is kids tripping on a costume that either doesn’t fit properly or doesn’t allow for full visibility.
READ MORE: These are the Halloween costumes people are searching for the most this year, according to Google
Costumes can also pose a fire hazard, while makeup can cause skin or eye irritation and allergies.
In an effort to ensure your child’s Halloween costume is as scary as it is safe, here are a few simple Halloween safety tips for kids who want to dress up this spooky season.
Pick a costume that fits properly
A costume that’s too long or loose can quickly turn a fun night into a trip hazard.
Make sure your child’s outfit fits comfortably and allows them to walk, climb steps, and move freely. If alterations are needed, hem the bottom or use safety pins to adjust the length.
The right fit keeps the night about treats — not trips.
Beware of capes that drag on the ground
While capes add drama to any costume, they can easily get caught under shoes or snag on decorations.
Choose shorter capes that stop above the ankles or skip them altogether if your little one will be running from door to door. You can also use velcro to ensure the cape stays in place while walking.
Safety doesn’t have to ruin the magic — just tailor it to fit.
Masks should be ventilated and easy to see through
Masks can make kids feel like superheroes or villains, but they can also make it hard to breathe or see.
Look for masks with wide eye openings and good airflow, or better yet, swap them out for face paint or makeup if possible. If using a mask, test your child’s vision before sending them on their way.
Clear visibility prevents stumbles — and ensures your child can see those glowing jack-o’-lanterns ahead.
Make sure all makeup is nontoxic and test beforehand
Face paint and makeup can be a fun and creative alternative to masks.
But always check the label for “nontoxic.” Do a patch test a few days before Halloween to avoid allergic reactions or skin irritation — and keep it away from the eyes and wash it off completely before bedtime.
A little extra care ensures your child’s spooky look stays fun — and irritation-free.
Utilize reflective tape to increase visibility
Trick-or-treating often happens after dark, and reflective tape can make a big difference.
Add a few strips to your child’s costume, candy bag and/or shoes to help them stand out to drivers. Glow sticks, LED bracelets and flashlights are also great for boosting visibility.
Opting for white or light-colored costumes can also help reduce the risk of injury or death.
Wear costumes that use ‘flame resistant’ material
Candles, jack-o’-lanterns and decorative lanterns are common sights on Halloween night.
Make sure your child’s Halloween costume, wig and/or accessories are made from flame-resistant materials like nylon or polyester. Avoid long, flowing fabrics that could brush against open flames.
Also try to avoid light-up costumes that can cause burns or fires.
Avoid decorative or colored contact lenses
Colored contacts might look cool, but they can be dangerous if not prescribed by an eye doctor.
Ill-fitting or unsterile lenses can scratch the eyes or cause serious infections. Instead, opt for makeup or costume glasses to complete the look safely — and consult with a doctor if lenses are being used.
When used improperly, colored lenses can cause temporary and permanent vision problems.
Avoid sharp objects, such as swords or canes
Costume props can complete the ensemble, but sharp or rigid items can cause injuries.
If your child’s costume calls for a sword, wand, or staff, choose a soft, flexible version made from foam or plastic — especially since kids often get excited and start running while trick-or-treating.
There’s nothing wrong with getting excited, but make sure they’re doing so safely.
Halloween Safety Tips for Kids Who Trick-or-Treat
With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, neighborhoods are expecting an increase in trick-or-treaters.
According to U.S. Census Bureau, there are an estimated 73.1 million children under the age of 18 in the United States — and many of them will be taking to the streets on Halloween.
Of the 133.2 million potential stops for trick-or-treaters, nearly 56.6 million include steps for kids to climb.
READ MORE: A family-friendly Halloween movie checklist that will keep kids and adults entertained all night
Other potential Halloween hazards while trick-or-treating include traffic and pedestrian dangers, poor visibility after dark, tripping hazards, stranger danger, getting lost and over-protective pets.
Here are a few safe Halloween tips to keep in mind when trick-or-treating this year.
Young kids should be accompanied by an adult
Younger children should always have an adult by their side while trick-or-treating.
Having a parent or trusted guardian present helps prevent kids from wandering off, running into the street, approaching unfamiliar houses alone and tripping while navigating walkways and crowded areas.
If older kids want to trick-or-treat with friends, make sure they stay in a group and don’t wander alone.
Plan your trick-or-treating route in advance
Before heading out, map out your trick-or-treating route so you know exactly where you’re going.
Planning ahead avoids unnecessary confusion, fatigue, and safety risks like busy intersections or dimly lit roads. It also allows you to estimate how long the outing will take, ensuring kids get home before bedtime.
Also make sure to set clear boundaries to keep everyone safe and accounted for.
Teach your child to never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle
Your child should never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle — no matter how friendly the invitation.
Remind them that candy should always be handed out at the door or from a porch, and not inside a house. Encourage them to come to you immediately if they ever feel uncomfortable or pressured.
Practicing this rule helps kids make safe decisions on their own, even in the excitement of the moment.
Only travel down well-lit areas and use sidewalks when available
Visibility is key to staying safe on Halloween night.
Stick to well-lit neighborhoods and use sidewalks whenever possible. If your area doesn’t have sidewalks, walk facing traffic and keep as far to the left as you can while avoiding shortcuts and wooded areas.
Bright, illuminated paths help ensure the night stays fun and accident-free.
Bring flashlights and glow sticks to increase visibility
A flashlight or glow stick might seem like a small detail, but it makes a huge difference in the dark.
These items help your child see where they’re going — and make them easier for drivers to spot. Choose LED flashlights with wrist straps for convenience or go hands-free with a headlamp.
You can even make it fun by color-coordinating glow sticks to match their costume. The brighter they are, the safer they’ll be.
Only cross the street when (and where) it’s safe to do so
Teach kids to look both ways before crossing and to only use designated crosswalks or corners.
Make sure they know to never dart across the street between parked cars. Encourage walking, not running, and waiting for traffic to come to a complete stop before stepping off the curb.
When in doubt, hold hands and cross together — and always make eye contact with stopped traffic.
Never assume that drivers will do the right thing
Even if your child has the right of way, never assume that drivers will see them — especially at night.
Costumes, dim lighting and distracted driving can all make pedestrians harder to spot. Encourage kids to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street and to stay alert at intersections or driveways.
Reflective clothing, flashlights and patience go a long way — but they don’t always guarantee safety.
Teach older children how (and when) to call 9-1-1
If your older kids are trick-or-treating without an adult, make sure they know how to call 9-1-1.
Go over examples of when it’s appropriate — such as getting lost, seeing suspicious activity or witnessing violence. Teach them how to describe their location clearly and how to stay calm on the phone.
It’s also a good idea to have them carry a cell phone with emergency contacts pre-programmed.
Halloween Candy Safety Tips
Your child is bound to come home with a bag full of candy, but how much of that candy is safe to eat?
According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend more than $3.9 billion on Halloween candy in 2025 — and 66% of households plan on handing out candy for Halloween.
Yet, eating too much candy (or the wrong candy) can be detrimental to a child’s health.
READ MORE: From coast to coast — these are the most popular Halloween candies in every state
This is true for children under the age of three who ingest hard candy, kids who have allergies and even those with medical conditions (such as diabetes) who need to limit the amount of candy they eat.
Here are a few Halloween safety tips to ensure your child’s candy is as healthy as it is sweet.
Tell children not to eat any treats until they get home
It’s tempting for kids to sneak a piece of candy (or five) while trick-or-treating, but remind them to wait.
Not only does this help you inspect their haul for safety when they return home, but it also prevents choking hazards while walking or running between houses — which we know they’ll be doing a lot of.
A quick snack before heading out — like a healthy dinner or a granola bar — can help curb temptation.
Inspect your child’s candy haul when they get home
Before your little ghosts and goblins dive into their candy stash, take a few minutes to inspect everything.
Check for any signs of tampering, like loose or torn wrappers, holes or strange smells. Discard anything homemade, unwrapped, or unfamiliar. While tampering is rare, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
This is also a good opportunity to throw out potential choking hazards or allergens.
Don’t eat homemade treats handed out by a stranger
Homemade treats may look delicious, but unless you know who made them, it’s safest to skip them.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to confirm what ingredients were used, how they were prepared or if they were handled safely. Even well-intentioned neighbors can accidentally include allergens or contaminants.
You can encourage your child to politely accept homemade items, but set them aside once home.
Make sure candy is individually-wrapped and store-bought
Individually-wrapped candy is not only easier to share but also safer for kids to eat.
Check that all treats are properly sealed, with no tears, holes or resealing attempts. Avoid anything unwrapped or repackaged in plastic baggies, as it may have been handled unsafely.
This is especially important for kids with allergies or sensitivities who rely on ingredient labels to confirm what’s safe to eat.
Beware of choking hazards for younger children
For kids under three, Halloween candy can present more danger than delight.
Hard candy, gum, caramel, nuts and even chewy candies can easily become choking hazards. Stick with soft, age-appropriate treats like chocolate bars or mini cookies instead.
Always supervise young children while they’re eating and make sure older siblings know not to share any treats with little ones. It’s also smart to have a drink nearby in case something goes down the wrong way.
Do your best to ration treats to avoid excessive sugar
After all that trick-or-treating, it’s easy for kids to go overboard with candy.
Instead of banning sweets outright, teach moderation. Allow a few pieces per day and store the rest out of sight to limit temptation. Too much sugar can lead to upset stomachs, trouble sleeping and dental issues.
You can even make it fun by trading candy for a small toy, book, activity or monetary reward.
Halloween Decorating Safety Tips
Halloween safety tips also apply when putting up, taking down or admiring Halloween decorations.
According to the CPSC, more than half (55%) of all Halloween-related injuries are related to pumpkin carving — and many more were due to falling while putting up or taking down decorations.
Decorations that use electricity also pose a major fire hazard when used in excess.
READ MORE: You might think it’s too soon for Halloween decorations — but your neighbors clearly disagree
Whether you’re decorating indoors or outdoors, with kids or by yourself, with or without power cords or using store-bought or homemade decorations, maintaining a safe environment should be a top priority.
Follow these safety guidelines to keep your Halloween décor festive and safe.
Keep Halloween decorations away from open flames
Jack-o’-lanterns, candles and luminaries add the perfect spooky glow to Halloween night, but they’re also one of the biggest fire hazards.
Keep all decorations, especially those made from paper, fabric or plastic, far from open flames, heaters or fireplaces. Use stable candle holders and never leave a lit candle unattended.
If you’re displaying pumpkins outdoors, set them on flat, nonflammable surfaces and out of reach of trick-or-treaters’ costumes. A few extra inches of distance can make a big difference.
Use flameless candles when lighting a jack-o’-lantern
Instead of lighting your carved pumpkins with real candles, opt for flameless LED candles or battery-powered tea lights. They’re safe, long-lasting and look just as spooky — without the fire risk.
Flameless options also prevent burns for curious kids who can’t resist peeking inside their pumpkins. Many LED lights even flicker like real flames, adding the same eerie effect.
Whether you’re lining your porch or decorating indoors, this simple switch keeps your display glowing safely all night long.
Remove tripping hazards on your porch and walkway
Between excited kids, bulky costumes and dim lighting, tripping hazards are a recipe for spooky disasters.
Keep your porch and walkway clear of obstacles like extension cords, garden hoses and decorations that stick out into the path. If using inflatables or props with cords, secure them tightly and tape wires down.
Sweep away leaves or debris that could cause slips, and make sure steps are dry and clutter-free. A clear path helps trick-or-treaters stay upright — and ensures your décor gets admired, not stumbled over.
Make sure your home is well-lit
A well-lit home helps trick-or-treaters see where they’re going — and lets parents feel at ease.
Keep your porch light on and consider adding small solar or LED pathway lights to guide visitors safely to your door. Avoid overly bright spotlights that can create shadows or blind young eyes.
Make sure key areas like stairs, doorways, and driveways are clearly visible. Good lighting doesn’t just make your house more inviting — it’s one of the simplest ways to prevent accidents on Halloween night.
Let young children decorate (not carve) pumpkins
Pumpkin carving might be a Halloween favorite, but it’s best reserved for adults and older kids.
For younger children, let them get creative with paint, stickers, markers or even push-in decorations. These alternatives are safer, just as fun and allow them to participate without the risk of cuts or scrapes.
You can also let them scoop out the insides with a spoon — it’s messy, sensory fun without sharp tools.
Keep your pets restrained at all times
Halloween can be stressful for pets with the constant doorbell ringing, loud noises, and unfamiliar visitors.
Keep dogs and cats safely indoors and away from the front door to prevent them from running away. If your pet gets scared easily, consider giving them a quiet space to relax during trick-or-treating hours.
You should also keep candy — especially chocolate — well out of reach of any nearby pets.
Don’t overload extension cords and outlets
Halloween decorations can use up more power than you think.
Plugging too many lights or inflatables into one outlet or extension cord can cause overheating, sparks or even electrical fires. Check the wattage limits on your cords and use surge protectors if possible.
Keep cords away from water and make sure outdoor plugs are rated for exterior use. Once the festivities are over, unplug decorations before going to bed.
Use different-colored pumpkins when necessary
If you see teal, blue or purple pumpkins on porches this year, they’re not just decorative — they carry special meaning.
A teal pumpkin signals that a home offers allergy-friendly, non-food treats. Blue pumpkins often represent autism awareness, while purple pumpkins promote epilepsy awareness.
Consider adding one of these pumpkins to your display to help create a more inclusive Halloween for all kids. It’s a simple, meaningful way to show support and spread kindness in your neighborhood.
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Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for kids. With a little preparation and commitment to Halloween safety tips for kids, it can also be one of the safest. We hope you have a safe Halloween!
