By Samuetta Hill Drew
We have explored this month the many safety measures which should be considered when carving your pumpkins into Jack-O-Lanterns, along with how to safely decorate your homes for your ghoulish visitors on Halloween. It is now time to move our discussion to those heroic, sometimes sweet, yet oftentimes scary costumes youngsters like to select for Halloween.
This is a fun time for children and adults to use their imagination to transform themselves into their imaginary alter egos. An essential time to continue practicing safety measures is during this transformative period. You want to select a costume that will be fun and not cause a safety hazard.
So, let’s look at some costume safety tips to consider when selecting just the right costume for 2023:
- select bright or lightly colored costumes that are easily seen at night.
- if your children are allowed out after dark, attach reflective or glow-in-the-dark reflective tape to the costumes and their trick-or-treat bags.
- you may also want them to carry a flashlight, glow stick and/or light up bucket.
- only buy costumes labeled “flame retardant.” This means the material will not burn. If you make your own costumes, use nylon or polyester materials, which are flame-retardant.
- all wigs and accessories should be “flame retardant.”
- to help prevent falls avoid loose or over-sized costumes.
- put a name tag with your phone number on your child’s costume.
- masks can make it hard for children to see or breathe. Instead, try using non-toxic face paint or makeup. Always test makeup in a small area first to see if any irritation develops.
- remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
- make sure that any props your child may carry, such as wands or swords, are short and flexible.
You want to help Keep an Eye on Safety for your superheroes, fairy tale princesses, ghouls and goblins by making Halloween fun but safe.
