Nothing's more fun for kids than Halloween when they get to overdose on candy and dress up as their favorite characters. But we have to be vigilant to keep their day full of treats and not tricks. In this day and age there's no telling what to expect. People are less mindful if children are around to play pranks. And when I say pranks, I mean serious tricks that are actually harmful. As a parent, these things worry me so I try to take measures as much as possible to protect my child.
As you hunt for the perfect costumes, keep these tips in mind to prevent their princess dresses or Batmen disguises from posing a fire or strangling hazard.
- Look for labels on the costume that say flame resistant. While this doesn't mean it will prevent the costume from ultimately catching on fire, it does mean that it will not ignite easily or if it does catch on fire will self-extinguish.
- Some fabrics are more flammable than others. Cotton, linen, jute, and acetate are most likely to catch on fire. Synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon tend to melt rather than ignite and self-extinguish quickly.
- Avoid lots of glitter and sparkle, unless it comes from sequins sewn onto the garment. In the past, the Good Housekeeping Research Institute has found that costumes with spray-on glitter are very flammable because of the glue used to make the glitter stick. Sequins will melt if exposed to a flame.
- No dangling sleeves or large capes (sorry little Batmen!) Not only can they easily graze near a fire easily, they can be a tripping hazard.
- Accessories like wings, purses, or hoods should be short, handheld, or on the head. Scarves that drape over and around the neck can be a choking hazard.
So what do you and your family plan to dress up as this year for Halloween? My daughter is going to be Elsa from Frozen, of course. The rest of our family has yet to figure it out which is why we've been checking out some ideas online. One of the particular sites that's been keeping us interested is PureCostumes.com - they have something for everyone; even us over protective parents! Feel free so share some ideas!
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