Make Halloween Safe for Your Toddler

Small Halloween favors: Those tiny little plastic toys that inevitably end up in your home provide 30 seconds worth of fun for the kid, and a nightmare for the vacuum cleaner. Spider rings, puzzles, bracelets and all the other trinkets can be a problem for the "swallow-it-all" toddler! Combat by double-checking gift bags and older children's pockets at the door!

Candy: Oh the gobs and oodles of candy! Candy of every shape, every flavor, and every threat overflows in your home on Halloween. Even the most diligent parents won't be able to stop the sugar monsters from eating more than their share! When you have a toddler running around, keep the worst offending candy out of their hands. Candy bars top the list of trouble thanks to their sticky insides and hidden nuts. Taffy-like candies (like Starburst and Skittles) seem okay at first, but since they don't melt quickly your tot could choke on the pieces. Bubble gums is an absolute no-no! Hard candies are simply too slippery for a little one to negotiate, so avoid those altogether. If you want to share some sweets, offer smaller sized suckers and nut/caramel-free chocolates. As always, stay near your child while they eat to be sure nothing goes awry!

Costumes: Do you measure Halloween success by how adorable your baby is in that costume? It's easy to go overboard when reaching ultimate cuteness! Bottom line: Keep costumes as simple as possible. Face masks and head pieces can shift which can block your toddler's breathing or vision. Accessories like swords or wands are a ton of fun, but can be loaded weapons in the hands of a sugar-jacked toddler! Opt for soft versions of these props. Need ideas? Try these quick and easy Halloween costumes.

Make up: Your tiny guy or gal will more than likely rub make-up because it itches, smearing into either eyes and mouth. Let your kids' own personality shine through instead of covering it up! There are safe make-up alternatives available.

Quantity and Quality

Halloween is a billion dollar industry. Each year companies mass-produce their product to meet the insane demand. While there's plenty to go around, a certain amount of quality could be sacrificed. We've collated a group of tips to encourage both fun and safety:

Small and sharp bits: Before you hand over anything to your children, inspect any item thoroughly and stay watchful as they play with or eat their treats.

Concerns over chemicals: Many plastic Halloween items aren't regulated and could contain unfriendly chemicals, such as BPA's. Be discerning about what you allow your child to put in or near his mouth.

Make it or bake it: Make your own as an alternative to mass-produced goodies. Your kids will love to help you cook and craft, and be proud of their own creations!

Embrace the Fun!

Now that you've read our list, it's time to put up some decorations, don your costumes, take tons of pictures, and celebrate this creepiest of all days together! Share your memories and new traditions in our comment section. We'd love to hear and see what you've all created!

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