Safe & spooky: Halloween costume safety

Maria Calvert is an MU Extension field specialist in human development.

UNION, Mo. – It is fun for children to pick out or create their Halloween costumes, but make sure their costumes are not only fun but also safe.

Check the fit. The fit of a costume and shoes is important. Make sure the costume is short enough to prevent tripping or snagging on objects. Look for materials labeled flame resistant or flame retardant, including costume fabrics, wigs and other accessories. Consider your child’s individual sensory needs and choose costumes and accessories that are comfortable for them.

Make sure your child can be seen. While every child wants their costume to look its best, visibility is especially important in low-light conditions. Add reflective tape to costumes, strollers, wagons, candy bags and other items whenever possible. Glow sticks and flashlights can also help increase visibility and make it easier to navigate the trick-or-treating route.

Think about masks and makeup. Nontoxic makeup and decorative hats can be safer alternatives to costume masks that may obstruct vision. If using makeup, test a small area of skin first to check for irritation. Check the ingredient list and avoid products containing harmful substances.

If your child wears a mask, make sure it fits securely, is breathable and allows for full vision. Children and teens should not wear decorative or colored contact lenses unless they have been properly fitted and prescribed by an eye care professional. Decorative contact lenses obtained without a prescription can cause serious eye injuries.

Choose safe accessories. When choosing accessories such as play swords or other props, select items made from soft, flexible materials to help prevent injuries. Avoid sharp, pointed or rigid accessories.

Practice before Halloween. Once you have selected the perfect costume, have your child practice wearing it. This gives them a chance to become comfortable in the outfit and allows you to identify and fix any problems before Halloween night.

Remove costumes and makeup before bed. After an exciting night of trick-or-treating, remove your child’s costume, makeup and accessories before they go to bed. This helps prevent skin irritation and keeps costumes and accessories from becoming a nighttime hazard.

With a little planning, you can help make sure your child’s Halloween is both safe and spooky!