Trick-or-treating on Halloween is a night that many kids look forward to all year. Unfortunately, it can also present a few health hazards if parents aren’t careful. Find out how you can keep Halloween fun (and safe) with these essential tips from Dr. Lauren Strady, DO, a pediatrician with University of Maryland Shore Medical Group.
Stay Visible
“Kids get excited at Halloween, so they may want to run from house-to-house,” says Dr. Strady. This can potentially cause injuries, especially if you’re trick-or-treating after dark.
Kids should carry some type of light or wear reflective gear so people can see them in the dark. “Glow sticks are a fun alternative to reflective gear. Flashlights can also do the trick while helping them get into the Halloween spirit,” says Dr. Strady.
You should be especially cautious about cars. According to the National Safety Council, children are twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. They need to be highly visible and vigilant of their surroundings.
Keep Clean Hands
While trick-or-treating is part of Halloween fun for many kids, it can also be a prime way to spread germs. “Kids tend to get sick this time of year because there are a lot of viruses going around and they spread easily when people don’t wash their hands,” says Dr. Strady.
When your kids put their hands into a bucket of candy, they’re picking up bacteria on the hands of every other child that visited the house for treats. Try to keep your kids from putting their hands on their mouths or faces while trick-or-treating. Once you get home, immediately have your kids wash their hands thoroughly with soap. Scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds is the best practice for getting rid of bacteria.
Help Your Kids Sort Their Candy
After the fun of trick-or-treating ends, it’s time for your kids to enjoy the fruit of their labor — but it’s important to do so safely. “When I was little, we always dumped out our candy bags in our rooms. If your kids do this, make sure that have an adult nearby to help them sort through their treats,” says Dr. Strady.
Be on the lookout for candy with open wrappers. Also, dispose of DIY or homemade candies. “You don’t know what’s in homemade candies, so it’s important to be cautious,” Dr. Strady says.
Teach Portion Control
While many people might be concerned about the nutritional aspect of trick-or-treating, Dr. Strady encourages parents not to worry. “In general, if your kids are eating a well-balanced diet, they can have a piece of candy now and again,” she says.
Instead of allowing your child to have free reign over their Halloween treats, she encourages parents to provide kids with a piece after lunch and a piece after dinner. “You need to moderate portion sizes and frequency. We don’t want tummy aches,” Dr. Strady says.
Maintain a Routine
Once you come home from trick-or-treating and go through all of the candy, transition your kids right back into their normal nighttime routine. Bedtime routines are important for everyone, but especially for kids. “A regular bedtime routine — even on special occasions — helps them get the best sleep possible, which is essential for their overall health and development,” says Dr. Strady.
Always Have Supervision
As tempting as it might be to let your kids trick-or-treat with their friends alone, always ensure that there is an adult present. “If the kids are 12 or younger, they should be out with a parent. Even if they’re in a group with friends,” says Dr. Strady. If a parent isn’t able to join the fun, Dr. Strady recommends recruiting an older sibling or babysitter that’s of high school or college age to help keep an eye on them.
