| When fall rolls around and your children start to | | | | your children. You want the outfits to fit |
| discuss what Halloween costumes they want to | | | | comfortably with enough room for warm clothing |
| wear this year, they aren't thinking about safety. | | | | underneath, but nothing should drag on the ground |
| They're focused on whether they want to be a | | | | or be too long at the sleeves. You never want |
| fairy princess, rock star, ghoul, space alien, | | | | anything that could snag on sharp corners or trip |
| fireman or bumblebee. You, on the other hand, | | | | them when walking. In fact, the number one |
| are probably thinking about how to make sure | | | | cause of Halloween injuries in children each year is |
| your little ones will be safe when they go trick or | | | | trip and fall accidents! |
| treating and attend Halloween parties. There are | | | | 4. Make sure the mask fits right. There is nothing |
| several things to keep in mind when shopping for | | | | wrong with a mask as long as it fits properly. If a |
| Halloween costumes that will ensure that your | | | | Halloween mask covers a child's entire face, you |
| children are dressed safely. | | | | may want to modify it slightly. Check to see if |
| 1. Buy flame resistant costumes. Check the label | | | | your child can see clearly through the eyeholes; if |
| or, if ordering online, order from a reputable U.S. | | | | he or she can't, carefully enlarge them to improve |
| based company. These will adhere to all U.S. | | | | the field of vision. The same goes for the nose |
| manufacturing guidelines. Halloween is all about | | | | and mouth area. You want breathing to be |
| Jack-O-Lanterns and flickering candles, so you | | | | unobstructed. If your child says the mask gets |
| don't want kids wearing costumes that could ignite | | | | easily steamed up or feels too hot, enlarge the |
| if they brush against a flame. If you'll be making | | | | breathing holes. Consider using make-up instead of |
| the outfits yourself, make sure you use only | | | | a mask so that there is no obstruction at all. |
| flame retardant materials. It's actually easier to | | | | 5. Make sure make-up is hypo-allergenic. Face |
| purchase pre-made costumes these days than to | | | | make-up is an excellent alternative to a mask |
| try and find the proper materials in many | | | | because it doesn't block vision or breathing at all, |
| instances. | | | | however, you do want to test your child's skin |
| 2. Keep night time visibility in mind. Whenever | | | | before Halloween night. Test the make-up on a |
| possible, Halloween costumes should use bright | | | | small area (just under the chin line is a good spot) |
| and light colors that can be easily seen at night. | | | | a few days before doing the full makeup and |
| This is relatively easy when your son wants to be | | | | leave on for a few hours. Then watch the spot |
| a ghost or your daughter wants to dress as a | | | | for 24 hours to see if there is any kind of a |
| fairy, but what if one of your children wants to | | | | reaction. You can find hypo-allergenic make-up at |
| be the Grim Reaper? You'll need to attach some | | | | most larger suppliers that will work on all but the |
| reflective tape around the hem of the Grim | | | | most sensitive skins. |
| Reaper's black gown and sleeves if he's going | | | | Halloween costumes are the highlight of the |
| trick-or-treating. Don't compromise on his safety! | | | | holiday for children - dressing up and pretending to |
| A flashlight is always a good idea for kids as well; | | | | be someone else for a magical night of |
| you can find small flashlights in colors to match | | | | make-believe is what Halloween is all about. |
| any costume at major chain stores everywhere. | | | | Following these tips will ensure that it's not only |
| 3. Good fit is essential. Be sure to check the size | | | | fun but safe as well. |
| charts when you order Halloween costumes for | | | | |