Halloween can be a fun, magical time for little ones, but it also brings unique challenges for parents—especially around candy and safety concerns. Navigating the sugar highs and potential choking risks can feel overwhelming, but a little preparation goes a long way in making Halloween safe and enjoyable for everyone. As you prepare for the festivities, know that it’s perfectly okay to set limits that feel right for your family and focus on creating memorable, safe experiences. In this post, we’ll explore helpful tips for managing candy intake while honoring food relationships, identifying common choking hazards, and affirming yourself as a parent during this spooky season.
How I Handle The Sugar Overload as a Registered Dietitian & Mom of 2
This is by far the number one concern I hear about during the holiday season. And we really take a deep dive into it at Halloween time.
I think most are aware that eating too much sugar can contribute to poor health outcomes. But there is a line..
No, candy is not the most nutritious of foods.
But it does serve a purpose!
It’s fun! Associated with happy times! Parties! Friends! Family! Joy! Tasty! Yum! Yay!
I want my children to develop a positive relationship with all foods. I want them to know that there can be a ‘time & place’ for everything.
If you make a BIG deal out of candy, it will become a BIG deal to your children.
Placing boundaries on the amount of sugar you allow is a perfect line to draw.
H knows that EVERY food has a boundary in our house, so a “candy limit” doesn’t seem weird to her. And we don’t make it a huge deal. It’s just how it is! And she looks forward to picking her 3 pieces per day
You don’t have to freak out over the sugar avalanche in your house right now.
Just make sure to get those nutrient dense foods in too!
Handling Halloween and Candy with Little Ones: A Parent’s Guide
Halloween is a fun and exciting time, especially for little ones who get to dress up and enjoy the festive atmosphere. However, as with any event that revolves around treats and candy, there are a few things to consider to ensure your child’s safety while still allowing them to enjoy the holiday. Here’s a guide to help you navigate Halloween candy with small children, with special attention to choking hazards.
Choosing Age-Appropriate Candy
When selecting candy or reviewing your child’s trick-or-treat haul, it’s essential to focus on what’s appropriate for their age and developmental stage. For children under the age of four, certain candies can present choking hazards or be too tough for them to chew safely.
Choking Hazards to Watch Out For:
Hard candies like lollipops, jawbreakers, and butterscotch discs can become lodged in a child’s airway.
Sticky candies such as caramels, taffy, or chewy gummies can stick to teeth and be difficult to chew, increasing the risk of choking.
Small, round candies like gumdrops, jelly beans, or small chocolates are easy to swallow whole, potentially blocking the airway.
Nuts and candies with nuts (like peanut M&Ms or Snickers) are not only choking hazards but could also pose a risk for allergic reactions.
For younger children, opt for safer treats like:
Soft, easily chewed chocolates (without nuts)
Mini cookies or animal crackers
Applesauce pouches or fruit snacks designed for toddlers
Candy Moderation without the Stress
The excitement of trick-or-treating can leave kids eager to dive into their stash of candy, but offering some structure around candy consumption can help prevent upset stomachs and sugar crashes while still allowing them to enjoy the fun. Here are some strategies:
Set expectations early: Let your child know that they can pick a few candies to enjoy on Halloween night, and the rest can be enjoyed over the following days.
Create a treat plan: If you’re concerned about excessive candy, you can trade out some candy for non-food treats like small toys, stickers, or books. You could also engage your child in a "candy trade-in" where they can swap extra candy for a fun activity or outing.
Involve them in decision-making: Letting kids have some autonomy, such as choosing their favorite pieces for a post-Halloween treat, can make them feel involved and prevent feelings of restriction or overindulgence.
Allow candy WITH meals or at various times during the day rather than all in one sitting
Choking Prevention Tips
Choking is a real risk, especially for toddlers and young children who are still mastering the art of chewing and swallowing.
To reduce choking hazards:
Supervise closely: Always be present when your child is eating candy or other snacks.
Cut or break candy into smaller, manageable pieces: For toddlers, breaking soft candy into smaller bites can reduce the risk of them trying to swallow too much at once.
Encourage sitting while eating: Avoid letting children run around or lie down while they eat, as this can increase the likelihood of choking.
Know the Heimlich maneuver: It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with basic first aid, including the Heimlich maneuver, in case a choking incident does occur.
Balancing Fun and Safety
Halloween doesn’t have to be stressful for parents. Allowing children to indulge in candy is part of the fun, and with a few precautions in place, you can help them enjoy the holiday safely. Remember, Halloween is an opportunity to teach moderation, mindful eating, and most importantly, enjoy a fun and memorable time with your little ones. By selecting age-appropriate treats, setting clear boundaries, and staying aware of potential choking hazards, you can ensure your child has a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience.
Practical Tips & Resources + What W Eats Halloween Edition!:
Since I mentioned serving candy with meals and such, let's take a look at What W Eats!!
What W Eats Wednesday!! 🥳🥳 *Halloween Edition* 👻🧡
Check out some yummy things W has been munching on! 😊👇🏼
• @myserenitykids Grass Fed Bison with Organic Kabocha Squash and Spinach Baby Food Pouch🥬
• Banana + Acorn Squash + Overnight Oats (Oats, Banana, Cashew Butter, unsweetened chocolate Almond Milk, Maple Syrup)🍌
• Monster Mash Cookies 👹🍪
• Halloween Party Pot Luck 🎉👻 - Strawberry/Pineapple, @whitecastle Burger, Taco Dip 🍓🍔
• Peach Almond milk Yogurt with Peach Chunks, Mashed Potatoes, Cod (cooked in the air fryer) 🐟🍑
• Overnight Oats + Scrambled Eggs + Pancake 🥚🥞
• @hersheys Mini Milk Chocolate Bar🍫
I hope you all have gotten in some nutrient dense foods along WITH the yummy Halloween candy this week! 😜
& most importantly, I hope it is a fun holiday if it is one you celebrate 👻🎃
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Parenting can be so hard. Confusing. Overwhelming. Difficult, Scary.
Let's end with 10 affirmations for those difficult days. Those tough moments.
Take a breath & repeat after me <3
I am a strong and capable mother, providing the best care for my baby.
I trust my instincts and make choices that are best for both myself and my baby.
I am patient and understanding as I navigate the journey of infant feeding.
I embrace the unique bond I share with my baby during feeding times.
I am grateful for the opportunity to nourish and nurture my baby through feeding.
I am doing my best, and that is more than enough for my baby.
I listen to my baby's cues and respond with love and care during feeding.
I am confident in my ability to provide the nourishment and comfort my baby needs.
I prioritize self-care to ensure I have the energy and strength to care for my baby.
I seek support and guidance when needed, knowing that I am not alone on this journey.
Remember, every parent and baby are unique, and the most important thing is to create a positive and nurturing environment for both yourself and your baby during feeding times. You deserve joy. You deserve peace.
You are doing a wonderful job!
❤❤
Thank you for your support and love in this space! It means more to me than you will ever know.
I truly enjoy sharing this information and I hope you find the information provided valuable. If you do find this information helpful, I kindly ask that you consider sharing - via social media, word of mouth, email, etc. I would love to help support as many out there as I can! <3
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Jessica Enderle, R.D., L.D.
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