How to Prevent a Halloween Costume Disaster

When choosing a costume: Be sure it is flame resistant. While flame resistant doesn’t mean a costume can’t catch on fire, it does mean it will resist burning. Wigs and other accessories should also be flame resistant. Look at the labels before purchasing costumes or fabrics to determine if they are flame resistant. Be sure it fits well. Oversized costumes with extra hanging fabric can pose a tripping hazard and provide opportunities for the costume to get caught on things like stair railings, tree branches and bushes. Choose bright fabrics. Choose costumes that can be seen during dusk and darkness. If the costume you choose provides for no visibility, add reflective tape to it (available at hardware stores).

Trick-or-treating bags and sacks should also be trimmed with reflective tape for added visibility. Make a flashlight a required costume accessory. Consider having your child carry a flashlight as a costume accessory. This will help your child to be seen and to see more easily. Opt for sturdy shoes. Have your child wear her everyday shoes with her costume. Dress up shoes and other costume footwear are not the safest options for walking around outside in the dark. Consider make-up rather than masks. Ill-fitting Halloween masks can obscure vision and even restrict breathing. If you choose to use a mask, be sure the eye holes are big enough to ensure a full line of sight. If you are using a scarf, be sure it is tied well so that it won’t fall over your child’s eyes, nose or mouth. Opt for accessories that flexible. Be sure swords, knives and other accessories are made of soft, flexible material rather than hard plastic. If your child falls, a soft accessory will be less likely to cause injury. Maximize your Halloween fun and minimize your child’s chance of injury by choosing the safest Halloween costume possible. How do you ensure Halloween costume safety? We’d love to hear about it. Share your tips in the comments below.