Halloween safety: Tips to keep your kids safe this spooky season

Halloween is a time for fun, costumes, and candy, but it also brings unique health and safety risks, especially for young children.

To help families enjoy a safe and happy Halloween, Elizabeth Burcham, PA-C, with the AdventHealth Medical Group Ear, Nose and Throat at Parker Clinic, shares her top concerns and advice for parents this season.

Top Halloween safety concerns:

1. Choking hazards

Small objects and certain types of candy can pose a serious choking risk for little ones.

“Hard candies, nuts, gum, and small toys can easily become choking hazards,” Burcham explains.

Parents should avoid giving small, hard, or round candies, nuts, and popcorn to children under age four. After that age, these foods can be introduced on a case-by-case basis depending on the child’s chewing ability.

Burcham also recommends keeping a LifeVac device at home as an added precaution.

2. Button batteries

Button batteries, often found in light-up toys, decorations, or flashing accessories, can be deadly if swallowed.

“These can cause severe internal burns within just two hours,” warns Burcham. “Do not wait for symptoms to appear and never induce vomiting.”

If ingestion is suspected, seek emergency medical care immediately.

3. Foreign objects in the nose and ears

Little ones are naturally curious, and that curiosity can lead to trouble.

“We often see children who have put candy, beads, or small costume pieces in their ears or noses,” says Burcham.

Parents should avoid trying to remove the object at home, as repeated attempts can traumatize the child and may require removal under anesthesia. Instead, go straight to an ENT specialist.

For nasal objects, Burcham suggests trying the “mother’s kiss” or encouraging an older child to attempt a gentle “snot rocket” if appropriate.

4. Hearing protection

Halloween isn’t just about candy, parties, haunted houses, and loud events can pose a hearing risk for people of all ages.

“Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss,” Burcham cautions.

Earplugs are a simple and effective way to protect your hearing while still enjoying the festivities.

Common Halloween-related ER visits

According to Burcham, foreign objects are among the most common reasons kids visit the ENT clinic or emergency room around Halloween.

“If you suspect your child has something in their ear or nose, see an ENT right away,” she advises. “We have the right tools to remove objects safely.”

She also strongly warns against water beads, a popular sensory toy that expands when exposed to water.

“If swallowed, they can grow in the esophagus or trachea, blocking a child’s airway,” Burcham says. “Never have these in your home.”

How parents can help keep kids safe

Burcham’s top advice for parents is simple but powerful:

“Always check your child’s backpacks, bags, and candy before they eat anything,” she urges.
Even if your child protests, this is one battle parents must win, safety always comes first.

What to tell kids before heading out

Most young children will be trick-or-treating with an adult, but Burcham emphasizes teaching them early about safety habits.

“I tell my kids not to eat any candy until it’s been checked by an adult they trust,” she says. “Make that a rule before you even leave the house.”

A final message to parents

As Halloween approaches, Burcham’s main message is one of awareness and vigilance.

“There are so many things that can harm kids that we don’t even think about,” she says. “Even well-meaning gifts or treats can pose a danger. Always check everything your child brings home.”

And above all, she reminds parents:

“Always win this fight with your kids. You’ll never regret protecting your child, or someone else’s.”

A safe Halloween starts with awareness

With a little extra caution and preparation, families can enjoy the fun of Halloween while keeping their children safe from hidden hazards.

Click here to learn more about the AdventHealth Medical Group Ear, Nose and Throat at Parker Clinic and here to schedule an appointment with Elizabeth.