Got Candy? Children's Hospital Passes Out Halloween Safety Tips

Sure, the costumes may be scary, but collecting candy shouldn't be. Dr. Barbara Gaines of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC offers Patch some helpful trick-or-treat tips. Now go have a happy and safe Halloween!  

• Trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods at homes of people you know. Don’t go to unknown neighborhoods or travel too far from home. Always carry a flashlight.

• Preschool-age children and toddlers may be afraid of the scarier aspects of Halloween. Talk to younger children in advance about the difference between reality and make-believe.

• Respect the designated trick-or-treating times in your neighborhood.

• Make sure all children have adult supervision when trick-or-treating. No one, no matter how old, should trick-or-treat alone.

• When choosing or making a costume, make sure it is made of fire-resistant material and bright colors. If you choose a dark color, add reflective tape so the trick-or-treaters will be seen by drivers of oncoming cars. Make sure the costume is not a tripping hazard.

• Avoid sharp objects as accessories.

• Make sure costumes are large enough to permit warm clothes underneath if the temperature is low.

• Instruct children not to eat any treats until they get home and an adult checks their collection. Make sure the candy is not homemade, and throw out unwrapped treats or anything that looks like it may have been opened or tampered with. Serve dinner before trick-or-treating so children won’t be hungry on the way.

• If using face paint or make-up as part of a costume, make sure the ingredient labels say “made with U.S. approved colored additives,” “laboratory tested,” “non-toxic” or “meets federal standards for cosmetics.”

• Younger children are better off not wearing masks. If you choose to use one, make sure it does not obstruct vision or breathing. An elastic band can be used to secure a proper fit and prevent the mask from slipping.

• Set a curfew, and know in advance the route that older children are taking.

• If driving, beware of children darting out into the streets.

Editor's Note: You have until 9 p.m. Monday to enter your child in our Halloween costume contest! You could win a trip to meet Heidi Klum and a donation to a local charity of your choice! Submit your photo