Halloween makes up some of childhood’s most magical moments. For kids, it’s a night filled with costumes, candy, and community. But for parents, the safety concerns can be a bit spooky. As your pediatric care partner, we’re here to help you keep your little ones safe and smiling all night long. So, here’s a pediatrician-approved checklist filled with trick-or-treating safety tips so your family can have a worry-free Halloween in OC.

Costume considerations

A great costume does more than bring your child’s favorite character to life — it helps keep them safe too! 

• Opt for bright or light-colored costumes that increase visibility after dark, or add reflective tape, LED lights, or glow-in-the-dark accessories for peace of mind.
• Choose non-toxic face paint rather than a mask which can obstruct vision and make it harder for kids to see oncoming traffic or other dangers.
• Check that your child’s costume has a comfortable fit, allowing them to move freely without anything dragging on the ground and causing a trip hazard.

Road rules

With all the excitement of Halloween in OC, it can be easy to forget typical street safety guidelines. To avoid dangerous situations, keep these practical rules in mind around roads:

• Never let little ones go out alone. Trick-or-treating should always be a group activity with young children accompanied by a trusted adult.
• Older kids should stick to a group and a familiar route with trusted adults nearby or, at most, a phone call away.
• Encourage children to walk on sidewalks whenever possible and to only cross streets at marked intersections — never in the middle of a block.
• Stop, look, and listen. Running into the street, even on a quiet block, can be dangerous, so remind your child to always look both ways and never run into the street.

Nighttime notes

If your child is trick-or-treating after dark, the right lighting will help keep them visible and safe. 

• Equip kids with a small flashlight or wearable LED to help them see and be seen — especially if their costume isn’t already fitted with lights.
• Bring a backup lighting source in case yours runs out of battery or gets lost along the way.
• Only visit well-lit homes and avoid approaching any dark porches.

Candy check

Before your child enjoys their hard-earned treats, take a few moments to make sure it’s safe.

• Inspect all candy before eating and throw away anything unwrapped, torn, or suspicious-looking.
• Watch for allergens. If your child has food allergies, choose allergy-free Halloween candy, check ingredient labels thoroughly, and keep an epinephrine auto-injector on hand if your child has a prescription.
• Set limits on how much candy your child eats in one sitting. Too much sugar is sure to bring out their inner monster!

Pet precautions

Even the calmest pets can be easily frightened by masks, costumes, loud noises, jump scares, and, of course, an ever-ringing doorbell. So, take a few precautions to ensure your furry friend is feeling friendly:

• Keep pets secured indoors during peak trick-or-treating hours to prevent stress that can cause unexpected behavior or accidental bites. It’s safer for everyone, including your pet!
• Use a leash when taking your pet for a walk on Halloween and keep them away from young children to avoid jumping, biting, or eating candy that could make them sick.

Stranger safety

Celebrating Halloween in OC is a great chance to connect with our local community! However, it’s crucial to never let your guard down when it comes to stranger safety.

• Choose “trusted adults” such as parents, extended family members, teachers, or close family friends that your child should listen to and ask permission from.
• Remind your child never to enter a stranger’s home or vehicle without permission from one of their trusted adults.
• Stay in familiar neighborhoods and make sure kids know to always stay with their group or a trusted adult.

Invite inclusivity

Keep in mind that some kids require allergy-free Halloween candy or have other special considerations. Here’s a few ways to make it fun for every child:

• Consider offering non-food treats like stickers, toys, or glow sticks for children as allergy-friendly alternatives to candy.
• Spot the teal pumpkins! If you see them outside a home, it means they’re offering allergy-friendly goodies. It’s a small gesture that helps every child feel included in the fun,

At Ocean Pediatrics, your family’s well-being is always our top priority. If you have any questions or concerns about Halloween safety, don’t hesitate to ask our team. From your child’s first checkup to their last year as a trick-or-treater and beyond, we’re here to offer the compassionate care your family deserves. From all of us at Ocean Pediatrics, we wish you a safe, sweet, and spook-tacular Halloween in OC!