Make Sure Children's Halloween Costumes Are Safe

September 2008

With October approaching, people have begun searching the stores for children's Halloween costumes. Before you pick up that princess dress or that goblin's mask, however, there are a few costume safety tips you should know.

The U.S. Consumer Safety Commission offers the following recommendations for purchasing and making safe children's Halloween costumes:

• Make sure material is flame retardant. When purchasing a costume, mask, wig, or beard, look for the label "Flame Resistant." While this does not mean these items will not catch fire, it does mean that they will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
• Make sure that costumes are bright enough to be clearly seen by motorists. You can decorate or trim costumes and treat bags with reflective tape so that they glow in the beam of a car's headlights. Children should also carry flashlights to be easily seen.
• Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling, and children should wear well-fitting shoes. High heels are not a good idea for safe walking.
• Keep children's eyes clear of hats, scarves, and masks. Hats and scarves should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over children's eyes. Apply a mask of cosmetics instead of having a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or hinder vision. If a mask is worn, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision.
• Swords, knives, and similar accessories should be made of soft and flexible material to prevent injury.