How to Keep Your Kids Safe While Trick-or-Treating This Halloween

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for children, filled with costumes, candy, and plenty of fun.

While the holiday is meant to be festive, it’s also important for parents to keep safety in mind to ensure the night is memorable for all the right reasons. A few simple precautions can help prevent accidents and keep your family safe while trick-or-treating.



Costume safety is a great place to start. Make sure costumes fit properly to avoid trips or falls, and avoid masks or accessories that block vision. Adding reflective tape, glow sticks, or flashlights is a smart way to make children more visible to drivers once the sun goes down. Comfortable shoes are also a must—Halloween often involves a lot of walking! Given that Florida is still a mosquito-infested swamp even in late October, apply some DEET containing insect repellants. A little preparation can go a long way toward keeping everyone comfortable and safe.

When it comes to trick-or-treating, supervision is key. Young children should always be accompanied by an adult, while older kids should travel in groups and stick to familiar neighborhoods. Remind your child to use sidewalks, cross at crosswalks, and avoid running across streets. Carrying a flashlight not only makes children more visible but also helps them see where they’re stepping.

Candy safety is another important part of the evening. Remind children not to eat treats until an adult has had a chance to look them over. For families with food allergies, this is especially important—checking labels and sorting candy ahead of time can prevent dangerous reactions. You may also want to keep a few “safe” treats on hand to swap out for candy your child can’t eat. Teal pumpkins on a porch indicate that non-candy treats are available at that house for children with food allergies. Consider putting one out on your front porch!

At West Orlando Pediatrics in Ocoee (and spitting distance from Winter Garden, Oakland, & Clermont), our goal is for families to enjoy a fun, safe, and healthy holiday. Dr. O’Brien and our team wish your children a Halloween filled with costumes, laughter, and plenty of treats. With just a few precautions, you can ensure your evening is spooky in spirit—but safe in practice.