Growing up, I remember my parents inspecting my candy for razor blades and needles before I could have a single bite. Now, as an ER doctor and mom, I know those dangers are vanishingly rare — but there are other risks I do spend my time and energy on.
In fact, my own daughter once proved my point: at age three, hyped up on sugar and running in her princess gown, she tripped and split her chin open — while I was standing right there!
Here’s what I actually watch for on Halloween:
Plan for the danger hour.
- The risk of pedestrian fatalities is 43% higher on Halloween, compared to any other night, per the NHTSA. Plus, children ages 4-8 years are 10 times more likely to be hit on Halloween, than any other evening. We refer to the hour between 6-7pm as “danger hour” on Halloween – the most dangerous time due to sunset, rush hour commutes, and peak trick or treating. In fact, this is when pedestrian injuries are greatest.
- If your kids plan to go out during this time (which they probably do),
- (1) make sure that you’re with them
- (2) have them cross at intersections ONLY. I see kids every year dart back and forth across the street – often between parked cars. Do NOT let your kiddos do this – instead, have them walk up the sidewalk or side of street on ONE side, then at the end of the street, cross the street and go down the entire other side, instead of darting back and forth dozens of times between houses.
- (3) watch for cars backing out of driveways and parking spots as well – not just cars driving in the street
- If you’re not going with your kids, (1) review their path they’ll go, and reinforce the above instructions about not darting back and forth across the street and (2) have them put away their phones, as pedestrian injuries from distracted walking are significantly on the risse – and greatest in teens.
- If you’re driving, I recommend doing your best to avoid driving during trick-or-teating time (5-9pm), and if you must, to please do so with EXTRA caution and lights on.
Check costumes.
- When my daughter tripped in the above story, I had checked the hem of her while standing – but I hadn’t checked it if she was stepping UP, as if onto a sidewalk – and that’s what happened – while running, she jumped onto a sidewalk and stepped on her dress. Now, I make sure hems are short enough to handle standing AND running and jumping!
- Skip masks that block vision – many are cute, but block the child’s ability to see, especially peripheral vision – which is key when crossing the street. Save the masks for the school parade, and skip them for trick or treating.
- Have a child with sensitive skin? Spot test any makeup or skin paint they plan to use, before Halloween!
Be ready for glow sticks.
- The good? These don’t cause permanent damage – the bad – they REALLY do sting at first.
- What to do:
- Rinse your child’s eyes with running water – for 15-20 minutes. The shower is easiest way to do that – have them stand in the shower, at any temperature that is comfortable, hold their face in the water, and blink their eyes.
- Then let them rest, eyes closed, for about 45 minutes
- That, plus their own tears, should rinse out the eyes.
- While that’s happening, also call Poison Control – 1-800-222-1222 or go to webpoisoncontrol. That way they can follow-up, and answer any ongoing questions. Especially call them if the pain doesn’t get better, or if they have ongoing irritation, light sensitivity, swelling, or anything else that worries you.
Watch for button batteries.
- Costumes increasingly have button batteries – lights on the costumes themselves, or blinking lights or sound in props (like that light saber) or masks
- 1700 children swallowed button batteries in 2023, or over 4 per day – and every year we see deaths or SEVERE from these in children.
- It’s typically in kids under 6, and peaks at 1-2 years
- My advice? For kids under 4, opt for costumes without batteries, and if your child has a prop with one, duct tape over the battery compartment.
- If your child has swallowed a button battery, call Poison Control immediately, ask them about giving your child honey, and proceed to your nearest ER.
Be candle-smart.
Between decorative candles and jack o lanterns, PLUS costumes with capes, it’s easy to tip over a candle and cause a burn. Here are some tips
- Irrigate with rom temp water, and soak gauze, with loose dressing
- Important to irrigate in <3minutes to prevent injury and cell death
- Topical: aloe vera or bacitracin
- If involves face, hand, goes all the way around a limb, big blisters, or groin, then need to see a doctor
Caution with risky foods.
When it comes to actual foods, I let my kids eat their candy, but have a few rules:
- No popcorn for children under 4-5
- No hard candy, no jaw breakers, or gum while trick-or-treating (ie running, which can increase the choking hazard)
- I try my best to get them to EAT a solid meal before going out, so we aren’t eating all of that candy on an empty stomach!
With a few thoughtful steps, Halloween can stay magical — and much safer.
