Home
News
Family News
Taking kids trick-or-treating this Halloween? The safety checks every parent needs to know

Taking kids trick-or-treating this Halloween? The safety checks every parent needs to know

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents shares essential Halloween safety advice for families, from choosing safer costumes to preventing pumpkin-carving injuries and staying visible on dark evenings.

HALLOWEEN GIRLS TRICK OR TREATING

Getty/Peter Dazeley

MadeForMums

Published: October 27, 2026 at 10:31 AM

Save

Halloween is all about spooky costumes, pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating, but parents are being urged to take a few extra precautions to keep little ones safe this year.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued fresh advice for families, highlighting potential dangers including flammable fancy dress costumes, button batteries in light-up decorations, cuts from pumpkin carving and the risks of crossing roads after dark.

October half-term money saver: 40+ places where kids eat free or for £1 this half term

With children heading out during darker evenings, RoSPA is also reminding drivers to take extra care in residential areas, where excited trick-or-treaters may be harder to spot.

Halloween costumes could pose hidden safety risks

Choosing the perfect Halloween costume is part of the fun, but RoSPA warns that some fancy dress outfits can present fire, strangulation and choking hazards.

Research by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) in 2024 found that more than 80% of costumes aimed at children under seven failed basic safety tests, including those for flammability and strangulation.

Parents are being encouraged to buy costumes from reputable retailers, particularly when shopping online, and check product labels and safety warnings carefully.

Becky Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA, said families could take simple steps to enjoy the celebrations without putting children at unnecessary risk.

Halloween should be spooky, but it should never be dangerous. From costumes and decorations to pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating after dark, there are a number of simple steps families can take to stay safe.

Becky Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA

When choosing a costume, look out for:

UKCA or CE safety markings, as applicable, and clear manufacturer information.
Long cords, drawstrings or loose accessories that could pose a strangulation risk.
Small parts that could become choking hazards for younger children.
Masks that restrict vision or make it difficult for children to see clearly.

It's also important to remember that homemade costumes, or those not tested to recognised flammability standards, may ignite more easily and burn more quickly.

Keep costumes, wigs and accessories away from candles, open fires, heaters and other heat sources. Battery-operated candles are a safer alternative to real flames in pumpkins and around the home.

Button batteries in Halloween decorations can be dangerous

Light-up toys, flashing accessories and Halloween decorations can help create a spooky atmosphere, but many contain small button batteries that can cause serious internal injuries if swallowed.

According to the Institute of Health Visiting, two children die each year as a result of button battery incidents.

RoSPA advises parents and carers to check that battery compartments are secure and keep products containing button batteries, along with spare and used batteries, out of reach of young children.

If you suspect your child has swallowed a button battery, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

What to see more MadeForMums in your search results? Tell Google!

From parenting news to expert advice and trusted product recommendations, make sure you don't miss the MadeForMums content that matters to your family. Add MadeForMums as a Preferred Source on Google.

How to make pumpkin carving safer for children

Carving a pumpkin is a classic Halloween activity, but sharp knives and slippery surfaces can quickly lead to injuries.

RoSPA recommends using tools specifically designed for pumpkin carving, where possible, and working on a stable surface in a well-lit area.

To help reduce the risk of cuts:

Always cut away from your body and keep fingers clear of blades.
Make sure your hands, tools and pumpkin are dry to reduce the chance of slipping.
Closely supervise children and only allow them to use age-appropriate tools.
Consider decorating pumpkins with paint, stickers or pens instead of carving them, particularly with younger children.

Parents and drivers urged to take extra care trick-or-treating

With many Halloween activities taking place after sunset, visibility is another important consideration for families.

According to the Department for Transport, nearly 2,500 people were killed or seriously injured on Great Britain's roads in October 2025.

Children wearing dark costumes can be difficult for drivers to see, particularly on poorly lit streets or in bad weather. RoSPA is urging parents to accompany children, help them cross roads safely and make sure they remain visible to motorists.

Before heading out trick-or-treating, remember to:

Carry a torch to help children see where they're going and make them more visible to others.
Add reflective materials to costumes wherever possible.
Use pavements and designated crossing points when available.
Keep children close to a responsible adult and avoid distractions near roads.

Drivers are also being reminded to slow down in residential areas and stay alert for children, particularly near parked cars, junctions and crossing points.

As children head out in the evening, we are reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert in residential areas. A moment's extra care could prevent a serious injury.

Becky Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA

With a little preparation, families can still enjoy all the fun of Halloween while reducing the risk of avoidable accidents. From checking costume labels to carrying a torch on the way to the next trick-or-treat stop, small precautions can make a real difference.

Authors

MadeForMums