3 Mistakes Parents Are Making With Their Kid’s Costumes and Why They Are So Dangerous
October 29, 2018
Halloween is an amazing holiday when kids get to indulge in make-believe play and of course tons of candy! Unfortunately, as fun as this spooky holiday can be, it is statically one of the most dangerous nights of the year. Of course we treat a lot of upset stomach and food allergies, but burns, cuts, and broken bones are very common injuries we see in the emergency room on halloween night. As children dash from house to house, focused on their next treat, the dark congested streets can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. Today we are going to breakdown some common and dangerous mistakes parents make when choosing their child’s costume and what you should do to keep your child safe.
Related:The Secret Dangers That Lurk on Halloween!
How Costumes Attribute to Making Halloween one of the Most Dangerous Nights of the Year
Princess Problems. One of the most popular costumes for little girls on Halloween are the princess gowns. The bigger and fluffier the gown the better. Unfortunately, these beautiful costumes can be a safety risk for your child. The dark congested streets and the extra fabric around their feet is a very dangerous combination. We see many broken bones and lacerations because children trip over their costumes and fall. Make sure that your child’s costume fits appropriately. It is important to avoid over sized dresses and uncomfortable shoes. The bottom of your child’s costume should be a least 2 inches off the floor. Try to find a costume that your child can safely run in without tripping. Remember, candles are frequently used to light up pumpkins and other Halloween decorations. Running children, loose fabric, and fire are a horrible combination. Try to find costumes that are made with flame-retardant materials. Go over and practice the principle of stop-drop-roll with your child, just in case his or her clothes catch on fire. Remember that kids are excited and less cautious on Halloween, which is a major reason why it’s one of the most dangerous nights of the year.
Mask Mishaps. Parents underestimate the dangers of a mask while trick or treating. Masks can easily obstruct a child’s vision. This can not only lead to trip and falls, but serious injuries when crossing the roads. Twice as many child pedestrians will be hit by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year. It is imperative that your child is able to see the roads and avoids passing cars. Try to skip a mask and limit the amount of accessories. You can use non-toxic hypoallergenic face paint instead. Go over street safety with your child before heading out. Children under the age of 12 years old should always hold an adult’s hand while crossing streets. Make sure to always use the sidewalks. If there is not a sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far off of the road as possible. I suggest designating an adult to walk the children in your group.
Disappearing Disasters. Costumes such as zombies, vampires, and Dracula are typically black. Dark costumes on a dark night can make it hard for you to spot your child. The brighter the costume the better. You want your child to be visualized by passing cars. Get creative and incorporate reflective tape into the costume if possible. Lastly, try to avoid swords, knifes, and other sharp pointed accessories. It is not only a threat to your child, but to other trick-or-treaters too.
We hope these tips lead to a safe and enjoyable Halloween with your adorable dressed up kids!
