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Safety on Halloween can be just as scary as any ghost or goblin. But by using common sense and following some simple guidelines, you can turn a potentially dangerous situation into a great childhood memory.
Some trick or treat precautions include:
- Stay in groups
- Go with an adult
- Carry a flashlight
- Put reflective tape on costumes
- Check treats before eating
Your child has followed the rules and comes home with a bucket of treats. Now what? Before allowing your child to eat any of the treats, go through the items and throw away any fresh fruit, homemade treats, unwrapped candies, open candies, or treats that look suspicious.
Basically, when in doubt—throw it out!
If your child gets to the candy before you have the opportunity to inspect it and becomes ill, call the Iowa Statewide Poison ControlCenter, 800-222-1222, for poison emergency treatment and advice.
Your child collected lots of candy and wants to start eating it RIGHT NOW. Give your child the opportunity to select several treats to eat right away. Then dole out the rest of the goodies over a period of time.
Alternative Halloween treats
What are you going to hand out for treats this year?
UI Hospitals and Clinics dietition Betsey Pgfferoen has these ideas:
- Non-toxic bubbles
- Sugar-free gum
- Granola/cereal bars
- Halloween erasers, pencils, jewelry
- Halloween stickers, temporary tattoos
- Mini boxes of raisins, single servings of canned fruit
- Individual packages of cheese or peanut-butter crackers
- Stamps, markers, crayons, etc.
Another option is to skip trick or treating altogether and have a Halloween party with family and friends.
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