As the spookiest night of the year approaches, families eagerly anticipate the thrill of trick-or-treating, costume parties, and all the festive trappings of Halloween. However, amid the candy, costumes, and revelry, there lurks an increased risk of injury that parents must be vigilant about. From vision-obstructing masks to restrictive costumes and sharp props, the experts have weighed in on the major Halloween "don'ts" and the preventative measures parents can take to ensure their ghouls and ghosts stay safe on All Hallows' Eve.

Illuminating the Path to a Safer Halloween

Shine a Light on the Darkness

Experts recommend adding a flashlight to your child's trick-or-treat arsenal to light their way as night falls. A flashlight ensures kiddos can safely navigate dark streets and uneven terrain, reducing the risk of injury by falling or tripping. Dr. Karen Goodman, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, suggests opting for lanterns, which provide 360 degrees of light and can easily be incorporated into a creepy costume.

Unmasking the Importance of Clear Vision

It's function over fashion when it comes to Halloween masks. Just as your child must be able to see in the dark, they must also be able to see out of any spooky mask, especially in the evening when visibility is compromised. Goodman suggests doing a mask vision check to ensure the eyeholes of the mask are in the appropriate place. If vision is limited, parents can enlarge the eye holes or suggest a different costume. She also recommends performing this vision test in advance of trick-or-treating to avoid any potential meltdowns.

Costumes that Conquer the Night

In addition to checking masks for vision obstruction, Goodman and Dr. Lisa Gaw, a pediatrician with Texas Children's Urgent Care, recommend a practice run to test costumes for mobility. Gaw cautions, "If it's difficult for them to walk in the daylight, just imagine them trying to go trick-or-treating in the dark with it on." Parents should keep an eye out for garb that is too long, large, or uncomfortable, as it could increase the likelihood that their little one will take a tumble. Make sure they can go up and down steps without incident and don't be afraid to make last-minute cuts and crops. Additionally, experts suggest investing in high-quality or handmade costumes, as the polyester throw-away costumes, designed to only be worn one time, could expose kids to toxins that have been linked to cancer and could disrupt the reproductive, immune, and metabolic systems.

Prop Safety: Avoiding Pointy Perils

Many Halloween costumes call for props that can be wielded as weapons. After all, what's a pirate without a sword or a wizard without a wand? "Whether it's a sword, stick, spear or wand — anything with a pointy edge, even if it's plastic, can be hazardous," said Goodman. In the spirit of "getting into character," kids may get reckless with their props, causing unintentional eye-poking or other injuries. To avoid disaster, parents should choose pliable pointed props made from soft materials.

Face Paint: A Cautious Approach

Parents should always opt for non-toxic and child-safe face paints. Experts note that you can check the FDA's list of color additives to see if the colors in these paints are FDA-approved; this is especially important for any makeup intended for use around the eye area. Experts also recommend a skin test, applying a small amount of the product to the underside of the arm to ensure there's no irritation or allergic reaction. A no-go for kid costumes? Novelty, colored contact lenses like those sold online and in costume stores have not been approved by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. These lenses can cause serious eye issues and infections, which could lead to permanent vision loss.