Easing Babies & Toddlers into Halloween Fun: 8 Tips for Parents

By: Dina DiMaggio, MD, FAAP

originally written for and published on healthychildren.org

Celebrating your little one’s first, second or third Halloween? A little planning can help keep it safe, fun and just the right amount of spooky. Here are eight tips for celebrating with your tiniest monsters!

1. Allow for plenty of time to fright-prep.

Halloween can feel exciting for some toddlers and overwhelming for others. You know your child best, so follow their lead and watch for signs that they’re feeling nervous.

Help your little one feel prepared by talking through what to expect, reading Halloween books together and trying on their costume before the big day. Remind them that the spooky decorations and costumes are pretend, and Halloween is meant to be fun.

Trick-or-treating is just one way to celebrate. A pumpkin festival, a children’s museum activity or a daytime event at a zoo or botanical garden can be a gentler introduction.

And if your child would rather skip the festivities, that’s OK! There’s always next year, and a year can make a big difference at this age.

2. Play with pumpkins.

Allowing your baby or toddler to squish their hands around the insides of a pumpkin you've carved can be a great sensory play activity. There are also plenty of no-carve pumpkin decorating options to try.

3. Go trick-or-treating before dark.

Infants and young children thrive on routine, and it is easy for Halloween festivities to throw those routines off-track. If your schedule permits, try trick-or-treating while it's still light outside so you can stick to your child's regular bedtime. If your child is sleeping, try putting a "please knock" sign on your door for other trick-or-treaters.

If trick-or-treating doesn't start until after dark where you live: Check your local library, recreation center or neighborhood news site for Halloween activities offered earlier in the day.

4. Watch for toddler tripping hazards.

Even on their best days and in the best conditions, it is still a struggle for some toddlers to walk without falling. While you won't be able to prevent all of the tumbles, choosing a costume that is not too long or too bulky will help a great deal.

Avoid costume props like long swords, canes or sticks that can cause accidental injuries, and remember to help your little one climb up and down any steps and porches.

Also make sure that your child can see, breathe, walk and move their arms easily in their costume. If they’re wearing a mask, hat or cape, make sure that they don’t block your child’s face or become a choking risk.

5. Have a "Plan B" costume.

From leaky diapers to spit up to toilet training accidents, this age is always reason to pack a backup costume and plan for the unexpected. If potty-training is still a new thing and there's a narrow window between "I have to go" and an accident, you might want to rethink a complicated costume. There is also no harm in putting them in an easy-on, easy-off diaper.

Be sure to check the forecast before you go out and try to include layers if needed. Also remember to help your little one climb up and down any steps and porches.

6. Be ready to pack up early if needed.

A house or costume that's too scary, a trip or a fall, or just a hard day can send your child into the temper-tantrum zone. But all is not lost! If your toddler quickly loses interest in trick-or-treating, see if they would prefer to answer the door and hand out candy to all the "big kids" instead. Plus, it can help you reinforce those important sharing skills!

7. Take precautions with added sugar.

Although Halloween and sugar often go hand in hand, the AAP recommends limiting the amounts of sugar kids get each day. This may not be an easy task when most Halloween treats are packed with added sugar and artificial colors your little one doesn't need. Look out for snacks and treats that may seem "healthier" but still contain added sugars—flavored yogurts and milks, sugary cereals, granola bars, juices and fruit gummy snacks. Other options for trick-or-treating toddlers, or those who choose not to give out candy, include crayons and notepads, stickers, stamps, chalk, bubbles, temporary tattoos, playdough or stuffed animals.

Here are some ideas for festive but healthy fall treats:

• If your baby is 6 months or older and is just starting solid foods: You can get them into the Halloween spirit with some pumpkin purees. Whether canned, frozen or fresh, pumpkin is packed with nutrients for your growing baby—beta-carotene, vitamin A, potassium, vitamin C, calcium and more. Other fall-themed options include butternut squash, sweet potato or roasted apple purees. You can even mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to add in fall-inspired flavors.

• Ideas for older toddlers: Seasonal treats may include soft bites of roasted apples or apple sauce, baked sweet potato fries dusted with cinnamon, apple zucchini muffins. Or, consider pumpkin-inspired smoothies or fruit ice pops made with fun Halloween molds.

  
  

8. Beware of treats that can be a choking hazard.

Keep an eye on what your child has in their mouth at all times while on the trick-or-treat trail—it's so easy to get distracted! It's best to avoid eating while walking or running.Once your child is ready to enjoy treats at home, keep in mind that babies and toddlers should not have any hard candies, caramel apples, popcorn, gum, small candies (jelly beans, etc.), gummy candy, pumpkin seeds or anything with whole nuts. Candy wrappers, stickers, small toys, or temporary tattoos can be a choking hazard, as well. As all parents know, babies and toddlers will put just about anything into their mouths!

If your child has a food allergy, check every treat before they eat it. When you are not sure what is in a treat, do not give it to your child.