When fall rolls around and your children start to discuss what Halloween costumes they want to wear this year, they aren't thinking about safety. They're focused on whether they want to be a fairy princess, rock star, ghoul, space alien, fireman or bumblebee. You, on the other hand, are probably thinking about how to make sure your little ones will be safe when they go trick or treating and attend Halloween parties. There are several things to keep in mind when shopping for Halloween costumes that will ensure that your children are dressed safely.



1. Buy flame resistant costumes. Check the label or, if ordering online, order from a reputable U.S. based company. These will adhere to all U.S. manufacturing guidelines. Halloween is all about Jack-O-Lanterns and flickering candles, so you don't want kids wearing costumes that could ignite if they brush against a flame. If you'll be making the outfits yourself, make sure you use only flame retardant materials. It's actually easier to purchase pre-made costumes these days than to try and find the proper materials in many instances.

2. Keep night time visibility in mind. Whenever possible, Halloween costumes should use bright and light colors that can be easily seen at night. This is relatively easy when your son wants to be a ghost or your daughter wants to dress as a fairy, but what if one of your children wants to be the Grim Reaper? You'll need to attach some reflective tape around the hem of the Grim Reaper's black gown and sleeves if he's going trick-or-treating. Don't compromise on his safety! A flashlight is always a good idea for kids as well; you can find small flashlights in colors to match any costume at major chain stores everywhere.

3. Good fit is essential. Be sure to check the size charts when you order Halloween costumes for your children. You want the outfits to fit comfortably with enough room for warm clothing underneath, but nothing should drag on the ground or be too long at the sleeves. You never want anything that could snag on sharp corners or trip them when walking. In fact, the number one cause of Halloween injuries in children each year is trip and fall accidents!

4. Make sure the mask fits right. There is nothing wrong with a mask as long as it fits properly. If a Halloween mask covers a child's entire face, you may want to modify it slightly. Check to see if your child can see clearly through the eyeholes; if he or she can't, carefully enlarge them to improve the field of vision. The same goes for the nose and mouth area. You want breathing to be unobstructed. If your child says the mask gets easily steamed up or feels too hot, enlarge the breathing holes. Consider using make-up instead of a mask so that there is no obstruction at all.

5. Make sure make-up is hypo-allergenic. Face make-up is an excellent alternative to a mask because it doesn't block vision or breathing at all, however, you do want to test your child's skin before Halloween night. Test the make-up on a small area (just under the chin line is a good spot) a few days before doing the full makeup and leave on for a few hours. Then watch the spot for 24 hours to see if there is any kind of a reaction. You can find hypo-allergenic make-up at most larger suppliers that will work on all but the most sensitive skins.

Halloween costumes are the highlight of the holiday for children – dressing up and pretending to be someone else for a magical night of make-believe is what Halloween is all about. Following these tips will ensure that it's not only fun but safe as well.