Safe Trick or Treating in Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead
Safe Trick or Treating in Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead
Halloween is nearly here, and for lots of our little ones it’s the first year they’re old enough to join in. Pumpkins, costumes and a bag of sweets can make it a magical evening. A bit of planning helps everyone enjoy it, whether you’re in Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead or the villages in between.
Plan Your Route Before You Go
Pick a few streets you know well. Short, familiar loops work best with little legs, and you can always add more if everyone’s still going strong. Stick to well-lit roads with pavements. Where you can, go with another family or two, as there’s safety in numbers, and it’s more fun when the children can compare costumes.
Think About Timing
The clocks go back the weekend before Halloween, so it will be dark by late afternoon. Starting early suits babies and toddlers, who tend to run out of steam (and patience) quickly. Many families go out around dusk and head home before the later, rowdier crowd. If your little one has an early bedtime, there’s no shame in doing one or two friendly houses and calling it a night.
Make Sure You Can Be Seen
Dark costumes and dark roads are a tricky mix. A few easy fixes:
- Add reflective strips or stickers to costumes and trick or treat buckets
- Give each child a glow stick, wristband or torch, and carry a torch yourself
- Choose light or bright colours where you can, or pop a hi-vis jacket over the top
- Keep little ones close near roads and driveways, as drivers may not spot small children in dark costumes
Choose Costumes That Are Comfy and Safe
Make sure costumes fit well, with no trailing fabric to trip over. Masks can block a child’s view, so face paint is often a better choice (do a patch test first for sensitive skin). Check that costumes are labelled flame resistant, and keep little ones away from candles and lit pumpkins. Comfortable shoes matter too, and a warm layer underneath is a good idea, as it gets chilly fast.
Only Knock Where It’s Welcome
A popular tip is to visit only houses with a pumpkin or Halloween decorations on show, which usually means the residents are happy to see trick or treaters. If there’s no decoration, it’s best to leave them be. Younger children should always be accompanied by a grown-up, and it’s a good idea to wait at the gate or path while they knock, rather than letting them go inside anyone’s home.
Treat Safety
- Check all sweets before anything is eaten, and bin anything unwrapped or open
- Keep an eye out for allergens, and take care with small, hard sweets, which are a choking risk for under-5s
- Save the big sugar feast for when you’re home. A little snack before you set off helps stop the tummy-rumbles (and the temptation to dig in early)
- Consider swapping some sweets for stickers, small toys or pencils. Teal pumpkins are a growing signal that a house offers non-food treats for children with allergies
Be a Kind Neighbour
If you’re having visitors at your door, keep your path clear, light your porch and put pets in another room. Bear in mind that not everyone will want to be disturbed, including households with newborns, elderly residents or anxious pets.
Make a Plan for “Just in Case”
Take your phone, make sure it’s charged, and let a friend or family member know your route. Make sure older children know your phone number and what to do if they get separated from you. For very little ones, a wristband with your number written on it is a sensible, simple precaution.
Can’t Face the Dark? Come and Celebrate With Us
If an evening of trick or treating feels like too much with a baby or toddler, you’re not alone. We’re running Halloween classes and parties this month, and a few places are still available. You can book through our website, and it’s a lovely, relaxed way to enjoy the spooky fun in the warm.
However you spend the night, we hope you have a safe, happy and sweet Halloween.