Halloween Costume Safety
October 18, 2005

The question is starting to be asked in homes everywhere: "What am I going to be for Halloween this year? A clown, a ghost, a cat?”

As usual, parents will be lured by anxious children to the stores to shop for the latest and greatest in Halloween costumes or will opt to make their own. In either case, here are some costume tips to help make your child's Halloween safe and fun.

Costume Safety Tips

• If purchasing a costume from a store, make sure the label states that it is made from a fire-retardant material. If you're making your own costume, be sure to pick materials that are also fire- resistant.
• Costumes should be loose enough around the body so that warm clothing may be worn beneath it without it being too loose so that it could get caught on things such as branches.
• Have your child try the costume on a few days before wearing. Make sure that it does not drag on the ground. Pants and robes should be hemmed up so that your child's feet are showing. Tripping and falling is the leading cause of accidental injuries on Halloween.
• As much as we'd love our children to wear light-colored clothing, some costume themes (vampire, witch, etc.) just wouldn't look right in florescent yellow. Instead, add strips of reflective tape to the front and back of all costumes, including their trick or treat bag. The sooner a driver can see your child, the safer your child will be. Remember, children don't drive cars, therefore they do not have any idea on how long it takes a driver to stop a car after they see the child.
• Make sure the costume is easy to get out of. Preferably, it should close with snaps or velcro strips. If you must use zippers or buttons, make sure they are located in front of the costume and easily reached by your child.
• Children should wear well-fitting, flat shoes, not high heels.
• Wigs and beards should fit properly and should not cover ears, nose or mouth.
• Use makeup instead of a mask. Masks obstruct vision and children find it hard to breath when wearing them.
• If your child insists on wearing a mask, make sure it has large eye openings (cut them bigger if you have to), and openings for the nose and mouth.
• When purchasing makeup, make sure it is labeled non-toxic. However, some children (and adults) break out in a rash with the heavy petroleum-based makeup on the market.
• Props and accessories should be made of a flexible material. They should not be rigid, sharp or overly heavy.
• Sew a nametag into your child's costume, giving their name, address and phone number.
• Remove makeup with shortening, cold cream or baby oil and tissues. Thoroughly wash face with soap and water after removal.

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