Vittoria Allen - October 01, 2024

Halloween Advice: How to Prepare for Halloween with Littles 

Halloween is a magical time for children, full of costumes, candy, and creativity. However, when it’s your child’s first Halloween or if they are still young, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re planning your baby’s first trick-or-treat or gearing up for another year of spooky fun, these tips and ideas will help you prepare for the big night. 

Getting Ready for Halloween 

Preparation is key to having a stress-free and enjoyable Halloween with kids. Here’s how to get started: 
  1. Plan the Perfect Costume:
Costumes are the main attraction for kids on Halloween, and with so many options, it can be overwhelming. For little ones, comfort is key. Go for costumes that are easy to put on and take off, breathable, and warm enough for the cooler fall weather. Consider creative babywearing costume ideas, like transforming your Ergobaby carrier into a part of the costume! From a kangaroo pouch to a superhero sidekick, the possibilities are endless. If you’re using a stroller, check out our Stroller Halloween Costume Ideas for inspiration. 
  1. Organize with Other Parents:
Planning a group trick-or-treat with other parents can make the night more fun and manageable. Discuss routes, meeting points, and safety strategies ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to agree on a start and end time, especially for younger children who might not last through a long evening of festivities. 
  1. Get into the Halloween Spirit with Decorations:
Involve your kids in decorating the house for Halloween. Simple crafts like making paper ghosts or carving pumpkins can be fun family activities. If you’re not interested in the DIY vibe, there’s no shame in using pre-made decorations that are easy to set up but still create a festive atmosphere. 

How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Trick-or-Treating 

The first trick-or-treating experience is a fun milestone for both you and your child. To make it memorable, follow these tips: 
  1. Safety First:
If they’re old enough, teach your child about the basics of Halloween safety, such as holding hands while crossing the street, staying close to adults, and not entering strangers’ homes. For very young children, using a stroller like the Metro+ can help keep them secure while you navigate busy sidewalks. 
  1. Street Smarts:
If your child is walking, make sure their costume doesn’t obstruct their vision or make it difficult to move. Reflective tape on costumes or candy bags can help drivers see your little ones in the dark. Additionally, carrying a small flashlight or using glow sticks can be fun for the kids and helpful for visibility. 
  1. Babywearing Benefits:
If your child is still an infant or toddler, babywearing can be a lifesaver on Halloween night. Not only does it keep them close and secure, but it also allows you to have your hands free for carrying candy or holding onto an older sibling. Ergobaby carriers are designed with comfort in mind, making them perfect for long walks around the neighborhood. 
  1. Be Prepared for Spooky Sights:
Halloween can be a little scary for young children. Prepare them for seeing spooky decorations and costumes by explaining that it’s all pretend, and if they do get scared, be ready to take a break if needed. Maybe talk a walk or drive around the neighborhood during the day when the decorations don’t look as scary! 
  1. Candy Safety:
Check all candy before your child eats it. Avoid letting them consume anything that isn’t factory-wrapped or looks tampered with. In our house, the “Switch Witch” comes to visit, where the kids can leave their candy out and the Switch Witch comes to swap their candy for a toy. With kids who are extra sensitive to sugar, this fun tradition saves me a lot of headache after the initial Halloween high! 
  1. Create a Travel Kit:
Carry a small travel kit with essentials like bandaids, a small flashlight, snacks, and water that can fit in your carrier storage or stroller. You never know what you might need while you’re out and about.    [video width="1080" height="1920" mp4="magefan_blog/2024/10/Meme_-_Why_Babywear_on_Halloween.mp4"][/video]

Halloween Costume, Craft, and Décor Ideas 

Here are some ideas to make the season with your littles extra special: 
  1. DIY Costume Ideas:
Involve your kids in making their costumes. Simple and fun ideas include turning a cardboard box into a robot or using old clothes to create a scarecrow. For babies, try costumes that incorporate the stroller or baby carrier, like a race car or a kangaroo pouch. 
  1. Halloween Crafts:
Get crafty with your kids by making Halloween decorations. Paper plate pumpkins, ghost garlands, and DIY spider webs are easy and fun to create. These activities not only get your kids excited for Halloween but also help develop their fine motor skills. 
  1. Festive Décor:
Transform your home into a Halloween haven with easy-to-make or store-bought decorations. Pumpkin carving is a classic, but you can also try painting pumpkins for a mess-free alternative. Adding some spooky lighting, like orange string lights or LED candles, can create a festive ambiance.   Halloween with little ones can be a fun experience when you’re well-prepared. From planning the perfect costume to trick-or-treat safety, these Halloween safety tips and babywearing costume suggestions will help you and your child enjoy the spookiest night of the year!