What to think about when selecting your child's Halloween costume

When you look back through your photo albums, pictures of your children in their Halloween costumes will likely bring on laughter and fond memories. But first you'll have to get your child to keep her costume on long enough to snap a photo.

Celebrating your children's first few Halloweens can be a blast for both them and you, but finding a costume that is comfortable enough to wear for an hour or two can be a challenge. And when dressing a small child for Halloween, it's also important to keep them safe and warm. Whether you are making your own costumes, or browsing boys and girls Halloween costumes at the store or through an online retailer like Costume Super Center, here are a few things to keep in mind:

* Use face paint instead of a mask. Younger children often won't do well with wearing something extra on their faces. It will also ensure that their vision won't be blocked so they can see where they are going.

* Make sure your child can move freely in the costume. If not, you're likely to see the costume on the floor before you make it out the door. Again, it's also a safety issue, as you don't want a costume that will cause your child to fall down. If the costume has a tail or other lose accessories, make sure they don't get in the way of your child's footsteps.

* On that same note, make sure your child can easily go to the bathroom if he or she needs to do so.

* If you're going trick-or-treating, make sure your child's costume is warm enough. Add layers underneath if it is not. Plan ahead for all types of conditions when selecting a costume.

* It may also be a good idea to make reflective materials a part of your child's costume so cars and other trick-or-treaters can see them. You can either add them or look for costumes that already have them. Another option is to have your child carry a flashlight or glow stick or attach lights to their costumes.

* Avoid any flammable material. If you're buying a costume, check the label to find out what it's made of, and avoid using anything that could catch on fire if you are making a costume or adding on to one.

Courtesy of ARAcontent