When you’re a kid, there’s nothing quite as exciting as making the decision of what to be for Halloween. As a parent, you love to see your kids’ faces light up when they get their costume and talk about what they’re going to be. But it’s also important to make sure that your child’s costume is safe for them to go parading around the neighborhood trick-or-treating. You know how to child-proof a home, but what about a costume? A Halloween costume is a big decision, and it’s exciting to see everything come together. And we’ve got some tips to make sure that your kid’s costume is super safe.
1. Avoid loose-fitting costumes.
Baggy clothing or costumes that are long and loose can be a trip hazard for kids. It can be hard to walk in awkward, cumbersome clothes. And you don’t want anyone to wipe out as they’re trick-or-treating. Make sure that the costume is properly sized and fits your child well. That goes for the shoes, too! Tripping over your own two feet is no fun at all.
2. Use face makeup instead of masks or hoods.
Masks and hoods can make it hard to see, which can make it harder for your child to stay on their feet and alert for possible hazards. They can also impair breathing if they’re too heavy. Rather than using a mask, go with non-toxic, FDA-approved face makeup instead. Before applying it to your child’s face, try it out on a small area of skin. And after the trick-or-treating fun is done, make sure to remove the makeup promptly and thoroughly. Leaving face makeup on for a long time can cause skin irritation.
3. Choose fire-retardant costumes.
You child’s costume should be made of a fire-retardant material, just to be on the safe side. That goes for wigs, capes, and other accessories, too. It’s just a good idea to go fire-retardant – why not, right? It’s important to make sure your kids are as safe from fire as they can be.
4. Add reflective tape to the costume and treat bag.
To keep your child safe as they’re trick-or-treating, trip out their costume with some super fancy reflective tape. This will make it easier for motorists to see you and your child, and that’s super important. You can put the glow-in-the-dark tape on their costume and their trick-or-treat bag (or pumpkin) for maximum visibility.
5. Select accessories carefully.
Any accessories that go along with the costume should be flexible and soft, just in case someone accidentally gets whacked. Foam is much less painful than plastic or wood. They should also be short and spongy. That goes for swords, fairy wands, light sabers, and shields alike. Make sure that all of your accessories are age-appropriate.
6. Add a glow-stick to the costume.
Along with your reflective tape, gift your child with a magic glow stick. Again, this makes it easier for motorists to see your child. It’s important to be as visible as possible on Halloween night, when there are a lot of trick-or-treaters and cars alike on the roads.
7. Go with a light-colored costume if possible.
Light colors don’t blend in with the night as well as dark ones do, making it easier for you and drivers to spot your child. If you can, encourage your child to choose a costume that’s bright and bold.
8. Choose an age-appropriate costume.
It’s important to make sure that the costume your child wears is meant for their age group and size.
Halloween is a lot of fun for kids. There’s a thrill that comes along with putting on a costume and becoming someone or something else for the night – and then, of course, there’s the candy that comes from trick-or-treating! But it’s essential that you supervise your child’s costume choice and make sure that every part of the outfit is as safe as can be. Then you’ll be ready to trick-or-treat in style! From all of us here at InsuranceHub, Happy Halloween!
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