As a kid, Halloween is an amazing holiday, as they get to dress up as anything they want and go get free candy from their neighbors. As parents and medical providers, we see how Halloween can be dangerous, from accepting free candy from strangers to walking around in obscuring costumes at night. But don’t worry—we have some tips to help make Halloween safe and fun for your family.

• An adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. If your older children are trick-or-treating without an adult, make sure they have at least one buddy and plan and review a route that you approve of. Set a strict curfew and ensure they have flashlights with working batteries.

• Always stay on well-lit streets and use the sidewalk. Cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Try to plan costumes that are bright and reflective. If the costume isn’t, you can add strips of reflective tape to the back of costumes and all-around trick-or-treat bags.

• Make sure your child's shoes fit well and that they won’t trip on their own costume. To avoid hurting themselves or other children, avoid using sharp or long swords, canes, or sticks as costume accessories. Look for “flame resistant” on costume labels, as your child might encounter fire pits or candles in pumpkins.

• If your child wants to use makeup to add to their costume, find non-toxic face paint and makeup. Wear hats and face paint rather than costume masks to avoid obscuring your child’s vision and face. Do not use decorative contact lenses sold in costume stores without an eye exam and a prescription. These are illegal and could cause serious eye disorders and infections, which could lead to permanent vision loss.

• Never allow small children to carve pumpkins. Children can paint or draw on the pumpkin with markers; if necessary, an adult can do the cutting for them. Tealight candles are the safest for setting pumpkins aglow. Never place candlelit pumpkins on a path near trick-or-treaters.

• Consider offering non-edible goodies to trick-or-treaters who have food allergies. Look into the Teal Pumpkin Project for more information. Wait until children are home to sort and check for any spoiled, unwrapped, or suspicious items. Avoid homemade treats received from strangers. Eating a snack or a good meal before heading out can prevent wanting to snack on candies before they are inspected by an adult eye. Keep an eye on what your child has in their mouth while trick-or-treating. Remember that babies and toddlers should not have hard candies, caramel apples, popcorn, small candies, or gummy candy.

• Try to ration treats for the days and weeks after Halloween. You can make a plan with your kids and teach them about moderation. Contact us with any other questions or concerns. Everyone at Centennial Pediatrics of Spokane wishes your family a safe and spooky Halloween!

--Blog post written by Maggie Rietze, Centennial Pediatrics of Spokane Summer Intern Extraordinaire