October 7, 2024, 12:35 p.m.
The Hospitalist Team
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, creative costumes and an abundance of candy. As children excitedly gather their treats, parents need to stay alert about Halloween safety, especially regarding the goodies collected. Here are two key tips to ensure your little ones enjoy a safe and sweet Halloween.
1. Check labels and beware of homemade treats
While homemade treats like popcorn balls, marshmallow treats, cookies, brownies, fudge and candy apples can be a delightful part of Halloween, they also require extra caution. It’s essential to:
- Know the source: Only accept or eat homemade treats from trusted friends, family or neighbors. If you’re unfamiliar with the person offering the treats, you may want to be cautious and consider discarding them.
- Examine ingredients: Homemade treats may contain allergens such as nuts, dairy or gluten. Additionally, what appears to be homemade candy could be a medication or something that isn't candy at all. If there’s any doubt about the safety of these treats, it’s better to avoid them.
2. Inspect your child’s candy and look for signs of tampering
Before your children dive into their Halloween haul, take these steps to ensure their safety:
- Check wrappers: Inspect all candy wrappers for any signs of tampering, such as tears, holes or resealing. If a wrapper looks damaged or suspicious, discard the candy.
- Sort and supervise: Sort through the candy with your children to make sure that everything looks safe. Supervise their snacking and remind them not to eat any candy that has an unfamiliar or suspicious appearance.
Halloween should be a time for fun and treats, free from any unwanted surprises. Enjoy the celebrations and have a happy Halloween!
Call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if your child ingests something they shouldn't. You can also determine where the nearest accredited, Level I pediatric trauma center is located and bring your child there. St. Louis Children’s Hospital has six pediatric emergency department locations across the St. Louis and southern Illinois region. These include St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital at Memorial Hospital Belleville, Children’s Hospital at Memorial Hospital Shiloh, Children’s Hospital at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Children’s Hospital at Northwest HealthCare and Children’s Hospital at Progress West Hospital.
