With brilliantly colored leaves falling and cool crisp autumn nights, can Halloween be too far behind? Halloween is a fun time that produces wonderful memories for your child. To ensure that your child has a safe and happy Halloween, try to incorporate as many of these safety tips as possible.

Choosing a Costume:

Selecting a costume is one of the most important things to consider. You should pick a costume with material that is flame retardant. Even though many people light their jack-o-lanterns with other less dangerous methods, some people still use the traditional candle. If a pumpkin should get knocked over or your child somehow gets too close to an open flame, a fire resistant costume could help prevent a disaster. The material should also be either light in color or brightly colored, so your child can be seen easier in the dark. You could also place reflective tape on the costume or sew a glow stick or two on it. The costume should also fit properly and be several inches above the ankles, as you do not want your child tripping over it. In addition, make sure footwear is well fitted to prevent stumbling or getting blisters.

For better vision, try to opt for non-toxic hypoallergenic face makeup as opposed to a mask. However, if you cannot get away with makeup, then find a mask with large eye holes that will not impair your child's vision. Advise your child to remove the mask in between house stops and only place the mask back on when at the door. If your child insists on accessories like daggers, guns and other weapons, be sure that they are not realistic in appearance and are made of a harmless bendable material.

Jack-O-Lanterns:

Carving the pumpkin can be a terrific family activity. Even though there are pumpkin carving kits available that are somewhat safer, it is still best to have an adult do the actual carving. Let your child draw the face and scoop out the pumpkin seeds. Do not light your jack-o-lantern with a candle. Instead you can use specially made battery powered lights that do the job just as well.

Halloween Night:

Dish up a hearty dinner for your little goblin before unleashing him out on the neighborhood. With some luck, this will help him suppress the temptation to eat any candy before he returns home. It is ideal to have an adult go out with the children. You will not have any complaints from small children. However, at some point older children no longer wish to be seen with their parents and will want to go out with their friends. Here you may be able to enlist a trustworthy older teenager to accompany them. Never let your child venture out alone no matter what his age. Make sure he is at the very least with a group.

Before your child sets out, discuss trick or treating rules with him. Explain how important it is for him not to eat anything before he comes home. Instruct him to obey all traffic signals and rules like looking both ways before crossing a street and only at the crosswalk. Also, he should stay on the sidewalk and walk, not run. Cutting across yards can be hazardous because there may be a garden hose, rocks or other obstacles that he may trip over. Warn him not to use a remote shortcut, but to stay on populated streets. Remind him to stay with the group so as not to get lost. Trick or treating should only be done at houses with porch lights on. Caution him not to go into anyone's house or car. Your child should have the following items with him: a wristwatch, enough coins to be able to make several phone calls and a lightweight flashlight with fresh batteries. Be sure to know the route he will take and that it is in a safe area. Settle on a time that he must be home.

Checking the Candy:

Once your child returns home with his loot, you must inspect it thoroughly before he consumes any of it. Throw out anything that looks suspicious, such as items that are unwrapped, appear to have been tampered with or are homemade. Examine fruit for any cuts or holes. Wash, peel and cut it into pieces before giving it to your child. For younger children be careful of toys and candies that may be a choking hazard. By following these sensible Halloween safety tips, your child's memories will be of a holiday that was filled with treats, witches cackles, black cats, but no boo-boos.