From Vincent Iannelli, M.D.,
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Most plans for a safe Halloween should start well before Halloween and include getting a safe costume that is:

• flame resistant. Since candlelit pumpkins are popular on Halloween, a flame resistant Halloween costume is very important. Although it is easy to buy a Halloween costume that is flame resistant by simply checking the label, if you are making a homemade costume, be sure to use flame resistant materials.
• easily visible at night, which might include some kind of reflective tape or other bright and reflective materials incorporated into the costume.
• well fitted to your child and not too long so that it can make your child trip and fall, a leading cause of injuries on Halloween. Masks, hats, and other accessories, such as a sword, should also be appropriate to your child's size.

In addition, to help make sure your child can see and can be seen, you might incorporate a flashlight into your child's costume.

Homemade Halloween Costumes

Although homemade Halloween costumes seem an inexpensive and fun alternative to store bought costumes, you do need to be sure that they are safe. The 'ghost' trick-or-treating in our picture is a good example of a homemade costume that isn't safe.

The sheet is too long, which poses a tripping hazard, and the face opening isn't large enough to make sure that the child can see well.

Safe Halloween Costumes

Whether homemade or purchased in a store, make sure your child's Halloween costume is safe, including that it is made of flame resistant materials, is easily visible, and is well fitted to your child.