Regardless of if your costume is bought or homemade, please use a "homemade" face. As a volunteer with our local fire dept and a first responder, I find it sad that every year at least one child is injured by their costume.
Instead of a mask, consider using makeup to create the face. A mask is often bumped out of place and blocks vision. Some masks also contain lead (from the paints) which can be inhaled. Other times small children have had them block their nose and mouth while sleeping and have suffered from a lack of oxygen. So instead of a mask, draw those whiskers and such on the face.
Also, if your child's costume has a tail, have them practice stairs with it. You may need to shorten it so that they don't trip over their tail. Don't let them ride their bikes with sandals, tails, or other costume parts that can be tangled in the brakes or spokes of the bike.
Also avoid materials that are highly flammable. Try to make it with pajama fabric if you can. It is marked as being flame retardant. One step too close to a Jack O Lantern can result in third degree burns.
Try to place some reflective tape on all sides of the costume and give your child a flash light. Avoid costumes that are of dark or black colors.
Lastly, please don't use draw strings around the face or neck area. Use elastic string instead, and make sure it is loose and won't choke a child if caught on something.
Source: very sad experiences
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By Rose Smith
A chill is in the air and the leaves are beginning to fall from the trees. Children are back in school, but there's only one thing on their minds....Halloween is coming. "What am I going to be this year?" they wonder.
As usual, parents will be dragged to the mall to check out all the latest and greatest in Halloween costumes. Some will opt to make their own. In either case, here are some costume tips to help make your child's Halloween safe and fun.
* If purchasing a costume from a store, make sure the label states that it is made from a fire-retardent material. If you're making your own costume, be sureto pick materials that are also fire- resistant.
* Costumes should be loose enough around the body so that warm clothing can be
worn beneath it without it being too
loose that it snags on items.
* Have your child try the costume on
a few days before wearing. Make sure
that it does not drag on the ground.
Pants and robes should be hemmed up
so that your child's feet are showing.
Tripping and falling is the leading
cause of accidental injuries on Halloween.
* As much as we'd love our children to
* Make sure the costume is easy to get
out of. Preferably, it should close
with snaps or velcro strips. If you
must use zippers or buttons, make sure
they are located in front of the costume
and easily reached by your child.
* Children should wear well-fitting,
flat shoes, not high heels.
* Wigs and beards should fit properly
* Use makeup instead of a mask. Masks
obstruct vision and children find it
hard to breath when wearing them.
* If your child insists on wearing a
mask, make sure it has large eye openings
(cut them bigger if you have to), and
openings for the nose and mouth.
* When purchasing makeup, make sure it
is labelled non-toxic. However, some
children (and adults) break out in a
rash with the heavy petroleum-based
makeups on the market. So, I've included
some homemade recipes below for those of
you who would like to create their own
Halloween makeup.
* Props and accessories should be made
of a flexible material. They should not
be rigid, sharp or overly heavy.
* Sew a name tag into your child's
costume, giving their name, address
and phone number.
* Remove makeup with shortening, cold
cream or baby oil and tissues. Thoroughly
wash face with soap and water after removal.
Mix the ingredients together and voila
- blood. Remove the washing up liquid
if you want to make edible blood. Adding
condensed milk makes it less transparent
and more like real blood. The blood is
extremely sticky and can stain skin and
clothes so makes sure its washed off
quickly. Use a stain remover on clothes.
Mix ingredients and apply.
Mix together the shortening, corn
starch and flour. Add 3 to 4 drops
of glycerin to make the mixture
creamier. Apply.
About The Author: Rose Smith is the owner of HalloweenHowl.com
and author of several ghoulish party ebooks.
Designed for "trick or treaters" of any age,
we invite you to come visit. Create creepy
crafts, discover interesting tips and tricks,
play spooktacular games and take part in
many other hauntingly fun activities.
http://www.halloweenhowl.com
