Halloween may still be a few weeks away, but many kids already have their costumes chosen and are looking forward to trick-or-treating and other Halloween celebrations. As families prepare for festivities, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center experts are sharing tips to make sure kids have a fun and safe Halloween season. 

Beware of Trick-or-Treating Risks

Before you head out to trick-or-treat, make a safety plan with your kids. Mary Beth Howard, M.D., M.Sc., pediatric emergency medicine physician, says there is a national increase in pedestrian injuries and deaths around Halloween. She also shares these safety tips to keep in mind:

• Make sure costumes fit well and don’t drag on the ground.
• Avoid swords, canes and long sticks as props, as these can hurt children if they fall.
• Use face paint instead of masks that limit vision.
• Add reflective tape or glow sticks to costumes for visibility.
• Supervise younger children closely during trick-or-treating, and use well-lit routes.
• Reserve pumpkin-carving for adults or older teens, and give younger kids safer decorating tasks (e.g., painting pumpkins instead).

Navigating the Spooky Season  

Halloween decorations and scary movies are thrilling for some people, but can be frightening for others. Johns Hopkins Children’s Center psychologist Joseph McGuire, Ph.D., offers tips to help combat fears and anxiety that kids may have this season:

• Point out fun decorations and read age-appropriate books about the holiday to introduce it in less overwhelming ways.
• Help kids understand what is real and what is fake.
• Consider picking funny Halloween movies over scary ones.
• Practice trick-or-treating before the big night to set expectations, and choose a block or area with familiar faces and/or smaller crowds.
• Parents should keep expectations in line with what might be realistic or developmentally appropriate for their child.

Offering Healthier Halloween Choices

Halloween is often centered around candy and treats. However, eating too many sweets can lead to health concerns. Brandon Smith, M.D., Johns Hopkins Children’s Center pediatrician and medical director of the Harriet Lane Clinic, suggests caregivers and parents:

• Create “candy rules” with your kids before Halloween so you are all on the same page about how much is acceptable to eat.
• Take the focus away from the candy and put it on other fun Halloween activities.
• Try to serve a healthy meal before trick-or-treating, so kids will be less likely to eat too many sweets before they come home.  
• Consider candy alternatives if you are handing out treats, such as glow sticks, stickers or pencils.

Preventing Burns

Spooky Halloween decorations often involve candles, small flames or steam. To avoid burn injuries, Children’s Center Pediatric Burn Program Director Alejandro Garcia, M.D., recommends that parents:

• Choose costumes, wigs and accessories for your child that are labeled as “flame resistant” or “flame retardant.”
• Keep children away from decorations that have an open flame or release hot steam.
• Use battery-operated candles in jack-o’-lanterns instead of real candles.
• Keep walkways and doorways clear of decorations to prevent burns and falls.
• Tell children to keep a safe distance (at least 3 feet) away from firepits.

If you or your child does get burned, follow these steps:

• Run the burned areas under cool water for 10 minutes. Do not use ice, oil, ointment or lotion.
• Cover the burned area with a loose, dry, clean cloth.
• Seek medical care at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center for those 15 or younger, and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for those older than 15.

Fighting Food Allergy Fears

Parents of children with food allergies might have increased concerns during Halloween parties and trick-or-treating. Jennifer Dantzer, M.D., pediatric allergist and immunologist, recommends these tips to protect your kids while still allowing them to participate in festivities:

• Before eating, read every label and inspect all treats, as many popular treats contain allergens, and ingredients can vary depending on the size of the treat.
• To ensure time to review labels, avoid eating candy until after trick-or-treating.
• Carry emergency medication so it is readily available if needed.
• Create a fun family tradition by doing a candy trade with siblings, or swap candy for nonfood treats.