Planning a Halloween that’s safe and fun for your baby or toddler just requires a bit of creativity. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Costumes
• If you plan to be outdoors, choose a costume big enough to layer a sweatshirt or light jacket underneath or snug enough to wear a jacket on top.
• If the night is warm, select a lightweight costume that won’t cause heat buildup.
• Keep costumes short to prevent tripping. Choose flame-resistant materials.
• Apply reflective tape and lighted accessories to aide visibility.
• Consider using a wagon to tote little ones who get tired.
• Skip the makeup on delicate toddler skin.
Go here for some cute DYI ideas
Keep trick-or-treating brief
• Avoid having a sleepy, cranky toddler by going during daylight hours so you're home before bedtime.
• Trick-or-treat at the grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, or neighbors to prevent over-stimulation and trick-or-treaters in scary costumes.
• Skip houses that seem too spooky since toddlers can’t differentiate between ‘real’ and ‘pretend.’
• Keep your outing short, 30 minutes to an hour tops.
Party in the house
• Dress your kiddo in a fun, lightweight costume and let him help hand out treats to trick-or-treaters. Make it a game to guess what each visitor is supposed to be. Be sure to peek out the door first to check the scare level of costumes.
• Host a Halloween party. Invite family, friends, and preschool playmates for a short evening (or afternoon) of games and a costume pageant. End with a family-friendly cartoons and treats.
• Organize a not-too-spooky Halloween block party with games, candy stations, and music.
Enjoy local fun
• Local churches, schools, and other organizations offer amazing fall festivals each weekend in October, complete with bounce houses, hay bale slides, games, and food.
• Don’t forget the Le Bonheur Zoo Boo at the Memphis Zoo. Hay rides, straw mazes, candy stations, and more are available for kids of all ages. • Dates: October 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, & 30, 31. Times: 5:30-9:30 p.m. • Tickets in advance: $10/members; $13/nonmembers. Day of event: $12/members; $15/nonmembers.
Spend the day at a local pumpkin patch and let your toddler pick his own pumpkin or toddle through a maze.