Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, Oct. 31, 2026, so many kids will be out earlier and longer than on a school night. Here is what the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) tell parents to check before trick-or-treating, from costumes and candy to pumpkins and colored contact lenses. Each tip is stated as the agency gives it.
Where Halloween injuries actually come from
In its most recent Halloween safety release (Oct. 18, 2022), CPSC estimated an annual average of 3,200 Halloween-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments over the previous three years. Pumpkin carving accounted for 55%; falls while decorating, tripping on costumes or walking while trick-or-treating for 25%; and cuts, ingestions and other injuries tied to costumes, pumpkins or decorations, plus allergic reactions and rashes, for 20%. About 46% of the injured were under 18, and about 10% of all injuries were to children 6 or younger.
The AAP adds that child pedestrian injuries are more likely on Halloween than on any other night of the year (HealthyChildren.org).
1. Costumes: fit, fabric and visibility
- Pick a costume that fits; avoid overly long or baggy costumes that cause trips and falls (CPSC). Costumes and shoes should fit well and be short enough not to catch on objects (AAP).
- Look for "flame resistant" on costume labels, and check wigs and accessories too (AAP, FDA). CPSC says polyester or nylon is a better choice than sheer cotton or rayon, but any fabric can burn if it touches an open flame.
- Eye and nose holes in masks should allow full vision and easy breathing; CPSC says makeup may be a safer alternative to a mask. Hats shouldn't slide over the eyes (AAP).
- Add reflective tape to costumes and treat bags, and give kids a flashlight or glow stick (CPSC, AAP).
- Skip sharp or long swords, canes and sticks as accessories (AAP).
Source: HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)
2. Face paint and colored contact lenses
The FDA says to test makeup at least 24 to 48 hours ahead by putting a small amount on the arm of the person who'll wear it; a rash, redness or swelling is a sign of a possible allergy. Check that bright colors are FDA-approved for their use, especially around the eyes.
Decorative (colored) contact lenses need an eye exam and a prescription, even if the package says "one size fits all." The FDA says lenses sold in costume shops or other stores without a prescription are illegal, and the AAP warns that poorly fitting lenses can cause serious eye problems and permanent vision loss. The FDA's advice if eyes become red, painful or have discharge: remove the lenses and see an eye doctor right away.
Source: FDA: Decorative Contact Lenses for Halloween and More
3. Candy check: what to pull before kids dig in
- Feed kids a light meal or snack before they go out, and have them wait until you've checked the haul at home (FDA).
- Don't let kids accept or eat anything that isn't commercially wrapped. Throw away anything with signs of tampering, such as odd color, tiny pinholes or torn wrappers (FDA).
- For children with food allergies, read every label (FDA, AAP).
- For toddlers, the AAP says to remove hard candies, caramel apples, popcorn, gum, small candies such as jelly beans, gummy candy, pumpkin seeds and anything with whole nuts. Small toys from treat bags can be choking hazards too (AAP News).
Handing out treats? The AAP suggests pretzels, raisins, applesauce pouches or tangerines, or non-food treats such as crayons, stickers, chalk, bubbles and temporary tattoos. For parties, the FDA says to rinse apples under running water before bobbing and to serve pasteurized juice or cider.
Source: FDA: Halloween Food Safety Tips for Parents
4. Pumpkins and decorations
- Leave the carving to adults. Kids can scoop out the inside with a spoon or trace the design with a marker (CPSC).
- Light jack-o'-lanterns with battery-operated lights or glow sticks instead of candles. If you use candles, keep them away from curtains and decorations and never leave them burning unattended (CPSC).
- Clear lawns, steps and porches of anything trick-or-treaters could trip over (CPSC, AAP).
- Check light strings for cracked sockets, frayed wires or loose connections, throw out damaged sets, and use only lights tested by a recognized testing laboratory (CPSC).
Source: CPSC
5. On the street
- Go with young children on their rounds. If trick-or-treating starts after dark where you live, look for earlier community events (AAP).
- Older kids should go in a group, follow a planned route and agree on a time to be home, with a flashlight after dark (AAP).
- Talk about distracted walking: no texting, phone calls or music while crossing streets (AAP).
- Cross as a group at crosswalks, never between parked cars or out of driveways, and don't assume drivers will stop. Stay on well-lit streets and sidewalks, or walk facing traffic at the far edge of the road if there's no sidewalk (AAP).
- Kids should never go into a home or car for a treat (AAP).
Source: HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)
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