How to Choose a Safe Halloween Costume for Toddlers (2025 Parents’ Guide)

safe Halloween costume

When it comes to choosing a safe Halloween costume for toddlers in 2025, parents should consider the following aspects:

Check Safety Labels: Ensure that the costume complies with the Safety Technical Code for Textile Products for Infants and Children (GB 31701 - 2024). For costumes purchased in the UK, make sure they meet the relevant European safety standards, such as EN 71.
Avoid Dangerous Elements: Stay away from costumes with sharp objects, like pointed accessories or hard plastic parts that might scratch or poke the child. Also, avoid costumes with small detachable parts to prevent choking hazards.

Breathable Fabrics: Opt for breathable materials like cotton or cotton blends to keep the child comfortable. This is especially important if the child will be wearing the costume for an extended period.
Weather Appropriate: Consider the weather on Halloween. For cold weather, choose warm materials like fleece or velvet; for mild weather, lighter cotton or linen blends are better.
Proper Fit: Have the child try on the costume and make sure it's not too tight or too loose. Check that the sleeves and pants aren't too long to avoid tripping, and that the neck and waist areas aren't restrictive.

Visibility: Select costumes with bright colors or reflective strips, or attach reflective tape to make the child visible in the dark, especially if they'll be out trick - or - treating at night.
No Vision Obstruction: Ensure that the costume, including any hats, masks, or hoods, doesn't block the child's vision.
Simple and Secure: Avoid overly complex designs with many loose parts or long trailing elements that could get caught on things and cause falls. Make sure any zippers or fasteners are covered to prevent scratches.

Safe Props: If the costume comes with props, make sure they're made of soft, non-toxic materials. Avoid props with sharp edges or small parts.
No Dangerous Electronics: Steer clear of costumes with LED lights or other electronics that don't have proper safety certifications to prevent electrical hazards.