Top 10 Halloween Costumes 2003

A quick trip to the party store will offer hundreds of costume choices for your children. Not just ghosts and goblins, but Harry Potter, The Incredible Hulk, and
everything in between. While Halloween can be one of the most thrilling nights of the year for children, it's also one of the most dangerous. In fact, children are four times more likely to be struck and killed by a car while crossing the street to trick-or-treat on Halloween than on any other night of the year.

"The fun of trick-or-treating and the excitement of Halloween may be a distraction for kids. Careless street crossing coupled with drivers' more limited vision at night can make for a deadly mix," says Heather Paul, executive director of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. "Many of the risks kids face on Halloween can be avoided if parents discuss important safety precautions with their kids."

To help keep your children safe on Halloween, the National SAFE KIDS Campaign offers the following tips and advice for an enjoyable evening of
trick-or-treating.

"All Dressed Up..."

Create a costume from fire-retardant material. If you are going to purchase a costume, buy one that is flame-resistant.

Make sure the costume is short enough so that children don't trip.

Use face paint and hats rather than masks. Loose-fitting masks with small eyeholes can obstruct a child's vision.

Secure hats tightly so they don't slip over your child's eyes.

Children who will be trick-or-treating after dusk should have reflective tape on their costumes and carry flashlights with fresh batteries. Allow them to carry only flexible swords and other props.

Dress children in comfortable shoes that fit. Adult-size shoes can cause blistering or make a child trip and fall.

"Carving a Niche..."

Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers, then parents can do the cutting. Under parents' supervision, children ages 5 to 10 can carve with pumpkin cutters equipped with safety bars.

Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins.

Lighted pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.

"Healthy Halloween..."

Serve kids a healthy dinner (with foods they like) before trick-or-treating, so they won't fill up on candy.

Offer trick-or-treaters something other than candy. Give them colorful pencils, stickers, large erasers or decorative shoelaces.

Set a number of days candy can remain in the house before it gets thrown out.

Children shouldn't snack while they're trick-or-treating. Parents should check treats at home.

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.

"Home Safe Home..."

To keep their home safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.

Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.

Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.

Remember that Halloween is for children of all ages. So get involved with your little ghost or goblin!

And here are a few more tips from Robyn's Nest:

Be mindful of food allergies such as nuts and chocolate.

Tell children never to enter a stranger's home.

Oh, and if you'd like to include The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in your collecting, visit www.unicefusa.org or dial 1-800-FOR KIDS to order a collection box. The money collected this Halloween will go to fighting Polio.

Top 10 Halloween Costumes
2003

According to party supply retailer, iParty.com, the Halloween costumes for 2003 are:

1. The Wiggles Greg (Yellow), Murray (Red), Jeff (Purple), and Anthony (Blue) make up this popular singing group from Australia, as seen on the DisneyChannel, and kids are crazy for them.

2. Superheroes The Incredible Hulk, Spiderman, Power Rangers.

3. Cat in the Hat The movie is coming out later this year with Mike Myers.

4. Divas Bratz and pop stars.

5. Scream This one always makes the list!

6. SpongeBob and Patrick Star (SpongeBob's neighbor and best friend).

7. The Wizard of Oz Dorothy, Glinda the Good Witch, and the Scarecrow.

8. Austin Powers Yeah baby!

9. Gothic A perennial favorite.

10. Flappers Costumes based on the Academy Award winning movie, Chicago.

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Halloween Safety