Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for kids — costumes, candy, and spooky fun! But for parents, it’s also a time to stay vigilant and keep safety in mind. Between busy streets, unfamiliar neighborhoods, and endless sugary treats, it’s easy to overlook important health and safety steps.
At Pediatric Heroes & Families Primary Care Clinic, we care about your family’s well-being during every season. Here’s our guide to a safe and healthy Halloween night in San Antonio.
A fun costume doesn’t have to come at the expense of safety. Keep these tips in mind:
• Choose Bright or Reflective Materials: Make sure your child can be seen by drivers after dark. Add reflective tape or glow sticks if the costume is dark.
• Check for Proper Fit: Avoid costumes that drag on the ground or have loose accessories that could cause tripping.
• Use Non-Toxic Makeup Instead of Masks: Masks can limit vision, making it harder for kids to see cars or steps. Face paint is safer and more comfortable.
• Test Makeup Before Halloween Night: Try it on a small patch of skin to avoid unexpected allergic reactions.
San Antonio neighborhoods can get busy on Halloween night. To keep your child safe:
• Bring Flashlights or Glow Sticks: Bright lights help drivers see your kids and help your kids see where they’re walking.
• Stay on Well-Lit Streets: Stick to areas with good lighting whenever possible.
• Walk, Don’t Run: Encourage kids to walk between houses to avoid falls or collisions.
It’s tempting for kids to snack while trick-or-treating, but always inspect candy first:
• Throw Away Open or Damaged Wrappers: Only keep candy that is fully sealed and untampered.
• Be Aware of Choking Hazards: For young kids, avoid hard candies, gum, or small toys inside packaging.
• Check for Food Allergens: If your child has allergies, read labels carefully or sort candy before allowing them to eat.
💡 Tip: Feed your child a healthy dinner before heading out. Kids who aren’t hungry are less likely to snack on unsafe candy.
If your child has food allergies, Halloween can feel tricky — but there are ways to keep it safe and fun:
• Look for the Teal Pumpkin Project: Houses with teal pumpkins offer non-food treats like stickers or toys.
• Bring Your Own Allergy-Safe Snacks: This way your child can enjoy the fun without risk.
• Educate Your Child: Teach them to politely decline candy if they’re unsure about ingredients.
Halloween doesn’t have to mean sugar overload. Parents can encourage healthier traditions by:
• Mixing in Non-Candy Treats: Small toys, glow bracelets, or fun pencils.
• Setting a Candy Limit: Decide ahead of time how many pieces your child can enjoy each day.
• Incorporating Movement: Make walking part of the fun! Trick-or-treat in larger neighborhoods for extra exercise.
San Antonio’s popular trick-or-treat spots can get busy. Keep these tips in mind:
• Stick Together: Children under 12 should always be accompanied by an adult.
• Plan Your Route: Choose safe neighborhoods with sidewalks and good lighting.
• Teach Street Safety: Remind kids to look both ways before crossing and to avoid cutting through yards or alleys.
If your child has allergies, asthma, or other health needs, schedule a check-up with Pediatric Heroes & Families Primary Care Clinic before the holiday season gets busy.
📞 Call us at (210) 625-5708 or book an appointment online to keep your family safe and healthy.
