Halloween Fun, Safety and Sleep

I love that Halloween kicks off the “holiday season.” Such a fun tradition to start off the cavity-breeding that is the final months of the year. Hold on to your waistband, from this point on the rest of the year will fly by.

Aside from all of the dressing up and trick-or-treating fun of the night, it’s important to have some boundaries for the young ones, too. And as always, to manage all of our expectations.

Below are some Halloween Safety and Sleep Tips to enjoy the holiday:

Baby:

  • Choose an easy and comfortable costume.
  • Go before bedtime if possible – no need to wait until dark to visit family and neighbors.
  • Babies in costume are cute, but try to stick to family and neighbors you know.
  • Take pictures BEFORE you head out – while everyone is still happy and rested!

Toddlers:

  • Choose an easy and comfortable costume that your toddler can see out of and walk in easily.
  • Bring a wagon or stroller – all that walking on toddler legs is exhausting.
  • Insist on using the bathroom before you leave the house.
  • Keep costume props to a minimum (if any.) Encourage soft and safe props if it becomes non-negotiable.
  • Always make sure your toddler has eaten dinner BEFORE going out!
  • Give your toddler a little flashlight to carry or even better – a glow stick necklace so you can keep an eye on them!
  • Stick to well-lit houses and neighbors you know. Never approach a dark house.
  • Always carry an extra water bottle.
  • One hour is plenty of trick or treating time for a toddler.

Don’t overthink Halloween. Accept early on that holidays will put a blip on your sleep routine. Try to get your child lots of rest early in the week so when Halloween comes, they’ll be excited to dress up and get out!

Happy Halloween!