Halloween Costumes for Kids

Halloween costumes for kids are not only an integral part of the holiday, they are also the most fun part of it for kids. Kids just can't wait for the moment when they dress up in their costumes and go out in the neighborhood to "trick or treat" and celebrate with their family and friends at a Halloween party.

And why not indeed? After all, Halloween is a kids' holiday!

So what are your kids dressing up as this year? Has a decision been made? Will it be a home made costume or do you intend to buy your costumes?

No matter what you decide, either way, everyone will be dressed up on the upcoming holiday. What's really important is choosing safe costumes for your kids.

Making Safe Halloween Costumes for Kids

Even from the initial planning of the costume, kids' safety must be taken into consideration. Plan a costume that will ensure your child's safety when he/she goes out.

Here are a number of tips to help you plan:

• Ensure use of inflammable materials and avoid materials such as: cotton wool, natural feathers and plastic sheets.
• Be sure to make a costume that will enable your child mobility and comfort.
• Ensure that the costume isn't too tight.
• The use of masks is not recommended for kids under the age of eight due to fear of the child not using the mask properly. Consequently, if the costume requires a face covering use of make up is recommended.
• For older kids masks may be prepared but ensure that the masks include openings to avoid suffocation, and in addition are wide enough not to limit the field of vision.

Purchasing Halloween Costumes for Kids

• Ensure that the label on the costume states that the costume is made from inflammable materials. If it does not state specifically on the label make sure that the costume is not made from the following materials: cotton wool, nylon or polyester materials, paper or cardboard.
• Costume cleaning - It's recommended to send the costume to the dry cleaners and not to wash it at home as regular washing is liable to lower the costume's fire resistance.
• Choose a close fitting costume rather that a wide and puffy one which could be easily set on fire when in the vicinity of candles, ovens, etc..
• Make sure the costume is not too long for the child's body to avoid tripping.
• Make sure the child wears suitable and comfortable shoes.
• When buying Costume masks - Ensure that the mask is not tight on the child's face in order to enable him/her to breathe freely. It's also recommended that the masks include openings to avoid suffocation, and also are wide enough so as not to limit the field of vision.