Its HalloweenThe one night of the year when begging is encouraged, getting scared is fun, and playing dress up is the rule of the country.
inspired by Pagan Harvest RitualHalloween has turned into a major commercial holiday, second only to Christmas at expense,
However, between the candy, costumes, and fun, the risk of injury increases. according to US Consumer Product Safety CommissionThere were 3,200 emergency room visits related to Halloween between 2019 and 2022.
Experts weigh in on the top Halloween “don’ts” for your kids, as well as preventative measures parents can take to make sure their ghosts and sprites stay safe on Halloween night.
Don’t leave a flashlight at home
Experts recommend adding a flashlight to your child’s trick-or-treat arsenal to illuminate their way as night falls. A flashlight ensures that children can navigate safely through dark streets and uneven terrain, reducing the risk of injury from falling or slipping.
Dr. Karen Goodman, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, said. TODAY.com Lanterns, which provide 360-degree lighting, are a better option and can easily be incorporated into a scary costume.
Don’t wear a mask that they can’t see through
When it comes to Halloween masks it’s about more than fashion. Just as your child should be able to see in the dark, they should also be able to see out of Any scary mask, especially in the evening when visibility reduces.
Goodman suggests performing a mask vision check to make sure the mask’s eyeholes are in the proper location. If vision is limited, parents may enlarge the eye holes or suggest a different outfit.
She also recommends doing this vision test before trick-or-treating to avoid any potential meltdowns.
“(Children) may put a mask on right before they go out or when they go out and suddenly they realize they can’t see anything, but then they don’t want to take the mask off,” he explained.
Don’t wear too restrictive clothing
In addition to checking masks for vision obstruction, Goodman recommends practice runs to test the costumes for mobility — and she’s not the only person urging caution.
Dr. Lisa Gow, a pediatrician at Texas Children’s Urgent Care, tells TODAY.com, “If it’s hard for them to walk in the daylight, just imagine them wearing this and trying to go trick-or-treating in the dark. Have been.”
Keep an eye out for costumes that are too long, large or uncomfortable as this may increase the chance that your baby will fall. Make sure they can go up and down the stairs without incident and don’t be afraid to cut and trim at the last minute.
Parents should also consider investing in high-quality or handmade costumes, as polyester throwaway costumes, which are designed to be worn only once, Can expose children to toxic substances Which have been linked to cancer and can disrupt the reproductive, immune and metabolic systems.
Do not decorate with sharp props
Many Halloween costumes require props that can be used as weapons. After all, what is a pirate without a sword or a magician without a wand?
“Whether it’s a sword, a stick, a spear or a stick – anything with a sharp edge, even if it’s plastic, can be dangerous,” Goodman said.
In the spirit of “getting into character”, children may be careless with their props, which can lead to unintentional gouging or other injuries. Parents should choose flexible pointed props made of soft materials to avoid disaster.
Do not apply face paint without skin test
Parents should always choose non-toxic and kid-safe face paint. Experts note that you can check the FDA’s list color additive Check to see if these paint colors are FDA-approved; This is especially important for any makeup intended for use around the eye area.
Experts also recommend a skin test, which involves applying a small amount of the product to the lower arm to ensure there is no irritation or allergic reaction.
Are children’s costumes prohibited? Novelty, colored contact lenses such as those sold online and in apparel stores Has not been approved by the FDA for safety and effectivenessThese lenses can cause serious eye problems and infections, which can lead to permanent vision loss.
