by Dr. Rachel McGuffey, Lexington Clinic Pediatrics
Children love Halloween! They love getting dressed up and going out to collect treats …. it is fun and exciting for them.
Here are some safety tips to help your child have a safe and enjoyable holiday:
- Make sure your child’s costume is bright and reflective. For dark costumes, attach something bright to help cars and others see your child.
- Make sure the costume is not too long to avoid tripping.
- Make sure masks fit your child’s face properly and that your child can see in all directions from it. If not, use make-up instead of a mask.
- Make sure all accessories are flame retardant.
- Make sure your child has a working flashlight to use for darker areas or when crossing the street.
- Always accompany younger children.
- Only go to homes with porch lights on and never enter the home to obtain treats.
- Carry a cell phone in case of emergency.
- Remain on streets with sidewalks and that are well-lit.
For parents staying at home to hand out treats, the following tips will help:
- Make sure your porch is unobstructed – remove any items that might cause tripping over.
- Make sure all leaves are swept from your walks and sidewalks.
- Make sure all your outdoor lights are working properly.
- Restrain your pets so that they will not jump on or bite the trick-or-treaters.
Once your child arrives home with their treat bag, make sure that a parent/adult goes through the candy to remove any opened, spoiled or suspicious candy. Children do not need large amounts of candy, so be sure to ration it. For children receiving excessive amounts of candy, help them choose which candy they would like to keep, and you may want to give away the rest.
For those of you who live in areas that are not conducive to trick-or-treating, check around for other Halloween activities. Many churches and malls organize trick-or-treating activities. Many libraries and neighborhoods have Halloween parties for children, where they can wear their costumes and play with other children. These parties are a good option for younger children who are not ready for active trick or treating as yet.
Hope you all have a happy and safe Halloween!
Rachel McGuffey, MD is board-certified in pediatrics. She provides primary care for children, childhood immunizations, well-child physicals, and school and sports physicals. Dr. McGuffey’s professional interest is general pediatrics.
Dr. McGuffey is accepting new patients. She offers complementary prenatal visits, both in-person and via telehealth, for expecting parents to meet her and discuss any questions or concerns ahead of their baby’s delivery.
Dr. McGuffey may be reached at (859) 258-5141.
