October 22, 1999

Mary Lou Kelleher, RN, of MGH Pediatrics, offers the following suggestions to help keep trick-or-treating safe:

Costumes

• Dress children in light colors or apply reflective tape on their costumes to ensure visibility.

• Make sure costumes are flame retardant.

• Keep hems short to prevent tripping.

• Dress children in rubber-soled shoes or sneakers – not high heels.

• Do not use costumes or masks that cover the eyes. Face paint is preferable.

Treats

• Set limits on how much candy children can eat.

• Allow children to eat only candy that is individually wrapped.

• Inspect all food treats before consumption.

Trick-or-treat

• Take younger children out before dark and make sure they are accompanied by an adult.

• Talk to younger children about what they might see while trick-or-treating. Some costumes can be quite scary.

• Make sure that older children who go out without adult supervision stay in a group, visit only known neighborhoods and go to houses that are well lit and welcoming. Establish a curfew. Give older children change to make a phone call or give them a cell phone.