Halloween is an exciting time of year for families—costumes, pumpkins, trick-or-treating, and festive fun light up the season. To help parents make the most of the celebrations while keeping safety and health a priority, the HSE’s MyChild.ie offers practical advice for a spook-tacular, stress-free Halloween.
Dr. Abigail Collins, National Clinical Lead for the HSE’s Child Health Public Health Programme, explains, “Halloween conjures up a lot of excitement for families every year, but it’s also a time to be mindful of seasonal risks, such as choking hazards and burns. This Halloween, we’re also encouraging parents to consider vitamin D supplements to keep their children healthy during the darker months.”
Tips to Keep Your Little Ghosts and Ghouls Safe, Strong, and Healthy
1. Vitamin D for the Dark Months
From Halloween to St. Patrick’s Day, give your child a daily vitamin D supplement to support healthy bones, teeth, muscles, and immune systems:
- Children 1–4 years: 5 micrograms daily
- Children 5–12 years: 10 micrograms daily
With less sunlight and limited vitamin D sources in food, supplementation is key to preventing bone conditions like rickets.
2. Supervised Trick-or-Treating
Ensure children are always supervised by adults when trick-or-treating. For larger groups, position one adult at the front and another at the back to keep everyone safe and accounted for.
3. Check Treats for Choking Hazards
Choking risks increase during Halloween. Remove unsuitable items from your child’s trick-or-treat bag, especially if they are under 5 years old. Avoid:
- Whole or chopped nuts (use smooth nut butter or crushed nuts instead)
- Marshmallows, popcorn, or chewing gum
- Hard, small, or round sweets such as jellybeans, fruit gums, chocolate mini eggs, and lollipops.
4. Flame-Free Fun
Fireworks and bonfires can pose significant risks. Opt for safer alternatives, like community events or creative indoor activities. Many councils, libraries, and local organisations offer free, family-friendly options.
5. Costume Safety
Choose costumes with CE marks to ensure they meet European safety standards. Look for “flame-resistant” labels and avoid oversized shoes or long fabrics that can cause trips. Layering “normal” clothes underneath costumes provides extra protection against fire hazards and keeps little ones warm during outdoor festivities.
6. Be Visible in the Dark
Keep everyone safe after dark by using reflective strips, lighter-coloured clothing, or high-visibility vests. Carry a torch, stick to footpaths, and avoid poorly lit areas. Drivers, take extra care—slow down and watch for children in costumes.
7. Button Battery Awareness
Button batteries found in toys and decorations can be hazardous. Keep them out of reach and seek emergency medical help if a child swallows one.
8. Preventing Viruses
Take advantage of the mid-term break to get your child vaccinated against the flu. The nasal spray vaccine is free for children aged 2–17, offering protection for your family and vulnerable loved ones.
9. Get Winter Ready
Prepare for winter illnesses by stocking up on essentials like thermometers and over-the-counter medicines. Make a plan for who can care for your child if they fall ill.
Emergencies Happen—Know What to Do
If a child’s clothes catch fire, teach them to stop, drop, and roll—stop moving, drop to the ground, cover their face with their hands, and roll until flames are extinguished. Use a blanket or towel to smother flames if rolling isn’t possible. Cool burns under running water for 20 minutes and seek immediate medical help. In emergencies, dial 999 or 112.
Make It a Safe and Happy Halloween!
Dr. Collins reminds families, “By keeping safety and health tips in mind, parents and children can enjoy a fun-filled, magical mid-term. Protect your little ones from flu, watch out for hazards, and have a fang-tastic time!”
For more health and safety advice, visit mychild.ie.
