Safety Tips For Kids Halloween Costumes

During all the excitement of Halloween celebrations, dangers associated with costumes are rarely on the minds of the average person. They are, however, of serious concern. Despite the so-called safety testing conducted by costume makers and manufacturers, individuals are harmed by unsafe Halloween costumes every October. By being aware of the possible dangers and taking steps to protect yourself, you can enjoy a safe and pleasant holiday.

One the dangers of unsafe habits can make for example, is a one-year-old boy of seven years in 2004 was severely burned. The photographs were taken and distributed to the children Lord of the Rings Ring Wraith costume, despite the flames and the bad boy is still in production again and sold. How do you protect your children from such a tragedy?

First, consider the material used to make costume. These are made of 100% nylon or polyester better because they do not tend to takefire. Even if they do, the flames are quickly extinguished. Besides the danger of the fire itself, melted polyester can drip onto and burn the skin. Be aware that some costumes have decorations or trimmings that are polyester or nylon while the costume itself is not. Anything apart from these pieces can potentially catch fire and burn, including any other article of clothing the child is wearing apart from the costume itself. Many costumes of superheroes contain ignitable foam padding. Costumes that are 100% acrylic come with the most potential danger since they are highly flammable.

Beware of homes with Halloween decorations that feature lit candles or other open flames. Avoid using these in your own home as well. Since costumes tend to be larger and less maneuverable than most clothing, children may have a hard time ensuring that it does not come in contact with decorative candles.

Besides the obvious risks associated with fire, Halloween costumes put their wearers in danger for other reasons. Costumes that are especially long and that include masks or other headwear could impede clear vision and make children more susceptible to tripping and falling, which is responsible for many injuries annually.

Using contact lenses of a specific design or color has become more popular in recent years as a part of many costumes. These contacts, sold anywhere from flea markets to gas stations, are popular with adults and can cause serious eye problems. They have been implicated in bacterial infections, corneal abrasions, and other injuries that can permanently affect vision.

The sale of such contacts is essentially unregulated, so their level of cleanliness and overall quality cannot be trusted. The best rule to follow is simple. Don't put things into your eyes that shouldn't be there in the first place.

While there certainly are some dangers associated with its celebration, Halloween can be an enjoyable day for everyone. Simply apply the above mentioned suggestions and stay safe during this holiday.