KIDSHalloween costumes can be unsafe for children
Is this true? Make your call, then see what the science says.
Short answer: Yes. The evidence supports this.
Child health guidance is consistent that costumes can cause harm. Risks include tripping, poor vision, flammable fabric, skin reactions and decorative contact lenses. Few studies have measured costume injuries directly, so how often it happens is unclear.
AI-generated summary of the research cited · not reviewed by a medical professional · checked 13 October 2026 · How we checkWhat the research found
Child health guidance lists the same costume hazards. Long costumes can cause trips. Masks and hats can block vision. Costumes should be labelled flame resistant. Makeup should be patch-tested first. Long swords, canes and sticks can hurt a child who stumbles. Guidance for babies and toddlers adds that bulky costumes and props raise the risk of falls.
Decorative contact lenses are a clear risk. Guidance says they are medical devices. If they fit poorly, they can cause serious eye problems and permanent vision loss. In the US, selling them without a prescription is illegal.
The research on injuries is indirect. A UK study of road crashes from 1990 to 2017 found children's risk of being killed or seriously injured was 34.2% higher between 5 and 6pm on Halloween than on other days. A US insurance study (2003 to 2014) found more falls during Halloween week. Neither study looked at costumes. The only costume-specific research found was a case report of a head injury from a carnival costume.
What it doesn’t mean
- This does not mean costumes are dangerous in themselves. Most risks can be reduced by choosing a well-fitting, short, bright costume and testing makeup first.
- Studies have not shown how often costumes cause injuries, or whether costumes were the cause in the Halloween injury increases seen.
- See an eye doctor before any decorative contact lenses are used. See a GP if a child has a skin reaction to makeup or a head injury from a fall.
Sources
General information only, not medical advice. KIDS fact-checks are generated by AI from published research and are not reviewed by doctors or other health professionals. They can be wrong or out of date. Always talk to your GP or child’s doctor about your child, and call 000 in an emergency. Spotted a problem? Tell us.
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