🎃 A Fun & Safe Halloween: Tips from the CPR and Safety Lady!
Updated: Dec 8, 2023
As we excitedly approach the upcoming spooky holiday, I can't help but be reminded of my son's special connection with this month. Born a day before Halloween, our home has been a hotspot for Halloween festivities for almost two decades! Aren't these memories and traditions what makes childhood so magical? And don't we all remember the joy of collecting and enjoying Halloween candy?
However, alongside the fun of Halloween, there are certain safety concerns that we, as responsible guardians, need to address. My son, for instance, has severe allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame, which made many of those delightful treats off-limits.
Here are some Halloween safety suggestions:
Did you know? A child’s windpipe is roughly the diameter of a drinking straw, making it quite easy for food or small objects to obstruct their airway.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it's advisable to avoid giving children under 5 hard or chewy candies like Lifesavers, Jolly Ranchers, or caramel. These can easily become choking hazards.
It's essential to inspect all candies and toys collected during trick-or-treating to ensure there are no choking risks or potential allergens.
Encourage children not to talk or laugh with candy in their mouths, and always ensure they are seated while eating. Avoid having them snack in the car.
For us, Halloween always meant sorting candies into "safe" and "not-safe" piles due to my son's allergies. It's worth noting that about 1 in 13 children in the U.S., that's an estimated 5.6 million, grapple with serious food allergies. For them, Halloween can be both exciting and challenging.
To make Halloween enjoyable for all kids, Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) introduced the Teal Pumpkin Project. By displaying a teal pumpkin, families signal that they offer non-food Halloween treats suitable for children with allergies. Some great alternatives include:
Glow sticks or necklaces
Bubbles
Mini-slinkies
Whistles or kazoos
Finger puppets
Playing cards or bookmarks
Stickers or stencils
Let's work together to ensure Halloween remains a magical experience for every child in our community.
Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Halloween! 🎃👻🍬
