Over My Dad Body

Halloween is such a fun time of the year, especially if it’s your little one’s first time joining in on the spooky activities!

Taking your child out for their first trick-or-treating adventure can be one of those unforgettable, heartwarming moments. While it’s all about joy and excitement, a few safety tips can make sure everyone has a fantastic night.

Here are some handy pointers to help you and your little bundle of joy enjoy a smooth, memorable first Halloween together.

Don’t go overboard with their Halloween costume yet.

For your child’s first Halloween costume, go with something simple and comfy to keep them at ease during their first spooky adventure. Steer clear of bulky or complicated outfits that might be a hassle for them to wear.

Costumes like a fairy, cat, or ghost are adorable, easy, and just right for their first time out. As they get older, they’ll have a blast experimenting with all kinds of creative costumes, but starting with something safe and easy is the way to go for their first trick-or-treat.

Map out your route ahead of time.

Planning your trick-or-treat route can look a bit different depending on where you live. If you are in a condominium or apartment, you may want to stick to your building, check out your complex, or maybe stroll over to nearby houses.

In a neighborhood, you might decide to visit just a few close neighbors or explore a bit further. Whatever route you choose, be sure you and your little one are on the same page. This helps take away some of the difficulties and guesswork, especially if it is your child’s first time trick-or-treating.

Be ready for “whatever-weather.”

October weather can be unpredictable, with warm, chilly, or rainy in many parts in our area, so it is smart to be ready for anything when heading out trick-or-treating. Pack an umbrella, extra shirt, or jacket to keep you and your child warm and dry if it’s cold.

Checking the forecast a few days ahead can help you know what to expect and avoid last-minute scrambling. If it turns out to be a warmer afternoon, a soft, cottony, and comfortable costume might be all you need. Trust me, planning for the weather will keep things easy and save you from having to turn back mid-trick-or-treat early!

Don’t forget to bring a stroller.

If you take a longer trick-or-treat route with your little “monster,” a stroller can be a lifesaver. First-time trick-or-treaters might not be up for walking the whole afternoon. A stroller with spacious pouches and extra storage underneath is ideal for holding all the essentials (and candies!)

You’ll have room for your child and things like treat bags, jackets, umbrellas, and water bottles. With the right stroller, you can focus more on the fun and less on juggling everything.

Keep nighttime visibility in mind.

Make sure you and your little one stay safe and visible as it gets darker earlier in the evening. Before heading out for your trick-or-treating adventure, consider packing glow sticks in the same color. This way, you’ll be easily recognizable to each other, adding a fun, festive touch!

Plus, glow sticks are lightweight and won’t bother your child while they are out collecting candy. A pack of glow sticks is an affordable way to make your nighttime trick-or-treating both fun and safe!

Make sure your little one stays fresh and clean.

Let’s be honest, candy can get pretty messy. When you add being outside to the mix, having something handy to clean up those sticky hands is a good idea. Bringing along hand sanitizer or baby wipes is always a smart move to keep your little one clean and fresh.

A travel pack of wipes or a mini hand sanitizer bottle takes up hardly any space. If you’re bringing a stroller (see Tip #4!), you can stash these items in the cupholder (if your stroller has one) or the storage pouch, making them easy to grab whenever you need them.

Stay hydrated.

One of the key tips for a successful trick-or-treating adventure is to make sure your little one stays hydrated. Bring a water bottle for your young trick-or-treater so you don’t have to head home just to grab a drink.

For us parents, don’t forget to pack your favorite thermos with your beverage of choice. You will definitely appreciate it when the afternoon gets warm or chilly!

Don’t forget to bring a backup treat bag.

Make sure to bring along an extra treat bag! This way, you won’t have to cut your trick-or-treating adventure short. Plastic pumpkin buckets can fill up quickly or just get too heavy to carry, so having a backup is always a smart move.

You don’t need anything fancy. Even a simple tote bag or pillowcase can save the day for your little one when their pail or bag gets full.

Be respectful and show inclusivity.

Halloween is a fantastic chance to teach your child about inclusivity and respecting other people’s choices. Encourage them to engage politely with neighbors by saying ‘trick or treat’ and ‘thank you.’ It is also important to respect homes that are not participating or have their lights switched off.

Plus, remind your child that everyone has different cultural and dietary preferences, so being considerate and understanding can go a long way.

Take photos.

Documenting your little one’s first trick-or-treat experience can be so rewarding.

Whether you choose to take photos or write a journal entry, these memories will be cherished for years. Capture those candid moments of curiosity and excitement, and don’t forget to include yourself in some of those keepsakes, too!

When Is the Perfect Age to Start Trick-Or-Treating?

Generally, ages 3 to 4 are often considered a great time to start the trick-or-treating tradition. Younger children can easily get frightened by all the scary masks and costumes, and their trick-or-treat buckets can quickly fill up with choking hazards.

I totally get it. You’ve got the most adorable little bundle in the world! You can’t wait to show off your little one’s costume so the whole neighborhood can see just how cute they are.

But here’s the catch. As much as you want to take them out in that adorable getup, remember that trick-or-treating is about children going door-to-door to show off their costumes and collect treats. For that, they need to be able to hold out their bags or plastic pumpkin pails while shouting. ‘Trick or Treat!’

And let’s not forget the ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ if you want to raise them to be polite. The thing is, younger children are not quite ready for that. They can’t say ‘trick,’ ‘treat,’ ‘please,’ or ‘thank you’ yet because, well, they are still in the adorable pooping and drooling phase.

However, dressing your baby or toddler in a cute costume, visiting a few friendly neighbors, or heading to a Halloween party or parade can be enjoyable for any age.

Keeping the Sugar Rush in Check

While Halloween and sugary treats are practically a package deal, experts still recommend keeping our children’s sugar intake in check. I know this can be challenging, especially when most Halloween goodies are loaded with artificial colors and added sugar that will not do our little ones any good.

Be on the lookout for treats that seem “healthier” but still pack in the sugar, like flavored yogurts, fruit juices, granola bars, and fruit gummies. If you prefer to give away non-candy treats (wait, what?!) there are some great alternatives to consider. Think crayons and notepads, stickers, stamps, chalk, bubbles, temporary tattoos, playdough, or even small stuffed animals.

Need some ideas for a festive, healthier trick-or-treat? Here are a few fun options:

• Halloween is a great time to introduce some seasonal flavors if your baby is around 6 months old and just starting on solid food. Try pumpkin puree. Whether canned, frozen, or fresh, pumpkins are packed with nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin A, potassium, and more to support your growing little one. You could also go with other seasonal favorites like sweet potato or roasted apple purees. Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon for a warm and cozy touch.

• For older toddlers, soft bites of roasted apple or applesauce, baked sweet potato fries with a dash of cinnamon, or apple muffins can be a lot of fun. You could even whip up pumpkin smoothies or fruity ice pops in fun Halloween molds for a more festive twist.

Capture the Pure Magic of Being a Child

From choosing costumes to planning the adventure, taking your child trick-or-treating for the first time is a magical moment that brings out the wonder of childhood. Keep in mind that by setting a few candy rules and focusing on safety and kindness, you can make this activity both memorable and fun.

Remind your child (and yourself!) that Halloween isn’t just about the candy but about the excitement, creativity, and sense of community it brings. So, as you head out on this whimsical adventure with your little one, savor each moment and make memories you will both cherish.