Health Tip: Choosing a Safe Halloween Costume

By
Diana Kohnle
October 9, 2009, 11:23 AM ET
1 min read

Oct. 10 -- (HealthDay News) -- It's that time of year -- when the stores are chock-full of skeletons, ghosts, zombies and other youthful disguises.

To help ensure a safe Halloween for children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these guidelines to help parents choose the right costumes:

  • Make sure costumes fit properly and don't drag on the ground, posing a tripping hazard.
  • Stick a few strips of reflective tape on all costumes, so they're easier to see in the dark. This tape is available at many hardware, sporting goods and bicycle stores.
  • Ask your child to carry a flashlight, and to use it while walking in the dark.
  • Don't allow your child to wear costume shoes (or a parent's shoes).
  • Look for accessories that are soft, flexible and don't pose a danger to others.
  • Opt for face makeup and paint, rather than a mask, which can restrict vision.