All dressed up Because they can obstruct a child's vision, masks are not recommended. If a child wears makeup, parents should look for nontoxic, hypoallergenic kits. Costumes should be flame-retardant and fit properly. Avoid oversized shoes, high heels and long skirts or pants that could cause a child to fall. Carving a niche Small children should never carve pumpkins.
Children can draw a face with markers, then parents can do the cutting.
Under parent's supervision, children ages 5 to 10 can carve with a pumpkin cutter equipped with safety bars. Lighted pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects and should never be left unattended. Give them colorful pencils, stickers, large erasers or decorative shoelaces. Watch for signs of tampering such as small pinholes in wrappers and torn or loose packages. Parents of young children should get rid of choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys.