A not-scary Halloween for a toddler
Toddlers don't need the whole night. A costume they're used to, a few friendly doors before dark, and home in time for bed.
- Time
- 1 hour
- Cost
- $0
- Ages
- 1 to 3
- Where
- Your street
What you need
- A soft, comfortable costume or pajamas with ears
- Small bucket or bag
- Stroller or carrier for the walk home
- A few safe swap treats: a small board book, a bath toy or a snack they already eat safely
Before you start
- Candy is a choking hazard. AAP says babies and toddlers should avoid hard candy, gum, gummies, popcorn, small candies and whole nuts. Wrappers, stickers and small toys are hazards too.
- Hands on. AAP says always go with young children. Hold hands or carry them at every street.
- Easy costume. AAP says costumes should fit and be short enough not to trip on. Face paint, tested on a small patch of skin first, is safer than a mask.
- Bedtime wins. AAP says to consider earlier Halloween events so younger kids keep their regular bedtime.
Steps
- Practice the costume. Try the costume on for 10 minutes of play a few days before.
- Practice the knock. Practice at home: they knock and say "Trick or treat," you give a block, they say thank you. Swap roles.
- Go early, go short. Go before dark, three to six friendly houses. Skip the spooky ones. Dad carries the bucket; nothing eaten on the walk.
- Name the scary things. If something scares them, kneel and name it plainly, then move on.
- Empty the bucket, then swap. Dad empties the bucket, removes candy and wrappers. Swap: book, bath toy or safe snack. Candy stays up high, out of reach; siblings eat theirs away from toddler.
- Bath and bed on time. Wash off paint, then the usual bath, book and bed. Look at photos tomorrow.
If it stalls
- If they won't wear the costume, pajamas with a drawn-on nose count.
- If they'd rather hand out candy than get it, let them. Sitting on the porch with you is Halloween too.
Doors knocked
home by
Our Halloween: costume, favorite door, what made them smile
Best part: Signed by Date