Toddlers and Halloween – What You Need to Know

Halloween is a holiday that the whole family eagerly looks forward to. Just as it seems that the dreary winter is upon us, Halloween comes to cheer us up. Your family’s Halloween can be wildly successful or extremely stressful. Preparation is the key to being able to enjoy this busy holiday. For families with young toddlers, being prepared is doubly important. Here are some things to keep in mind before heading out trick-or-treating.

Before the Holiday:

Make sure everyone’s costume is fully prepared (do you have face paint in the house?) and fully wearable (no itchy tags).
Decorate the yard and front door.
Are you planning on wearing a costume? A silly hat? Don’t forget the adults!
Buy the candy. Or better yet, how about offering small prizes to the little visitors this year? The kids will appreciate fun stickers or erasers that will last long after the last candy is eaten. Adults will appreciate that their child is receiving one less dose of sugar.

Day of the Holiday:

Make sure your toddler gets her regular nap. If you plan on going trick-or-treating in the evening you want your toddler to be fully awake.
No matter how busy you are, be sure to serve healthy and nutritious meals. The kids will be getting enough junk food later on.
Check the weather and plan on what needs to be worn. If it’s going to be chilly, bulk up underneath the costume and pack sweaters for when it gets really cold. You do not want the kids getting sick.
Figure out how you are going to be getting around. Will your toddler need a stroller? Are you walking? Plan short routes so your toddler does not get tired out.
Prepare a bag with everything your toddler will need. Think tissues, diapers, wipes, toddler snacks, sippy cup, camera, batteries and jacket. If you prepare this in the morning, you can just grab and go later on.

Minimizing Your Toddler’s Halloween Fears:

Try on your toddler’s Halloween costume before the big day. Put it on an hour or two before you head out so you can make sure he is comfortable.
Try to stick to familiar neighbors, family, and friends. If you plan on going to strangers be sure to go to the familiar people first so your child gets the hang of it.
Explain, explain, explain. Before Halloween read books, point out the yard decorations, take a mask on and off yourself, and practice trick-or-treating at home. If your toddler knows exactly what to expect, he shouldn’t be scared.
Consider going on a special toddler trick-or-treat trip before nightfall. Take him to the people he knows. Put him to bed and have an adult stay at home with him, while another adult takes the big kids out.

Take a million pictures. This is the stuff memories are made of. Happy Halloween!