How to ease babies and toddlers into Halloween fun

If you are celebrating your little one's first, second or third Halloween this year, it is important to know how to make the night safe and fun for even the tiniest monsters.

As a parent, you know your child best. Keep a look out for fears and anxieties about Halloween. The best way to handle fear and get a toddler ready is to discuss what's going to happen. Reading books to your child about trick-or-treating — and Halloween in general — is a great way to start that discussion.

Toddlers need to know Halloween is just for fun and the scary stuff is all pretend. You might even want to have your child practice in their costume before the big day.

If your little one doesn't want to partake in Halloween, then let that be OK. There is always next year, and 12 months can make a big difference!

A few tips:

• Allowing your baby or toddler to squish their hands around the insides of a pumpkin you've carved can be a great sensory activity. There are also plenty of no-carve pumpkin decorating options to try.

• Infants and young children thrive on routine, and it is easy for Halloween festivities to throw those routines off-track. If your schedule permits, try trick-or-treating while it's still light outside so you can stick to your child's regular bedtime.

• Even on their best days and in the best conditions, it is still a struggle for some toddlers to walk without falling. While you won't be able to prevent all of the tumbles, choosing a costume that is not too long or too bulky will help a great deal. Be sure to check the forecast before you go out and try to include layers if needed. Also remember to help your little one climb up and down any steps and porches.

• Have a “Plan B” costume. From leaky diapers to spit up to toilet training accidents, this age is always reason to pack a backup costume and plan for the unexpected. If potty-training is still a new thing and there's a narrow window between “I have to go” and an accident, you might want to rethink a complicated costume. There is also no harm in putting them in an easy-on, easy-off diaper.

• A house or costume that's too scary, a trip or a fall, or just a hard day can send your child into the temper-tantrum zone. But all is not lost! If your toddler quickly loses interest in trick-or-treating, see if they would prefer to answer the door and hand out candy to all the “big kids” instead. Plus, it can help you reinforce those important sharing skills!

• Although Halloween and sugar often go hand in hand, the AAP recommends limiting the amounts of sugar kids get each day. This may not be an easy task when most Halloween treats are packed with added sugar and artificial colors your little one doesn't need. Look out for snacks and treats that may seem “healthier” but still contain added sugars — flavored yogurts, flavored milks, sugary cereals, granola bars, juices and fruit gummy snacks. Other options for trick-or-treating toddlers, or those who choose not to give out candy, include crayons and notepads, stickers, stamps, chalk, bubbles, tattoos, play dough or stuffed animals.

• Watch for any treats that can be a choking hazard. Keep an eye on what your child has in his or her mouth at all times while on the trick-or-treat trail — it's so easy to get distracted! It's best to avoid eating while walking or running. Once your child is ready to enjoy treats at home, keep in mind babies and toddlers should not have any hard candies, caramel apples, popcorn, gum, small candies (jelly beans, etc.), gummy candy, pumpkin seeds or anything with whole nuts. Candy wrappers, stickers, small toys or temporary tattoos can be a choking hazard, as well.

It's important to always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home and get flashlights with batteries for everyone. If Halloween doesn't start until after dark where you live and you have younger children, check with your town or park district for Halloween activities offered earlier in the day.

• Children's health is a continuing series. Dr. Dina DiMaggio is a pediatrician who practices general pediatrics at Pediatric Associates of NYC and NYU Langone Health in New York. For more information, visit healthychildren.org.