Halloween is a time for fun costumes, trick-or-treating, and delicious treats. But for parents of young children, it’s also a time to be extra vigilant about food safety, especially when it comes to choking hazards. As we sort through our little ones' candy, it’s crucial to remember that many Halloween treats can pose serious risks to babies and toddlers who are still learning to chew properly. To help keep our little ones safe this season, here’s a list of five food-related choking hazards to be aware of on Halloween.
1. Hard Candies
Hard candy tops the list as one of the most dangerous Halloween treats for young children, especially small, round ones that can easily become lodged in the back of a child’s throat. Babies and toddlers lack the chewing skills needed to safely break down hard candies, making them a choking hazard. Let’s avoid giving hard candies to children under four and always supervise them when they’re enjoying candy.
Examples of hard candies to avoid include:
Gobstoppers
Gum Balls
Candy Corn
Chocolate-Covered Peanuts
Jolly Ranchers
Lifesavers
M&Ms (Peanut & Plain)
Milk Duds
Nerds
Pez
Rockets
Skittles
Smarties
Sweet Tarts
Tootsie Roll Pops
Whoppers
This is a non-exhaustive list.
2. Chewy/Sticky Candies
While chewy candies, like gummy bears, are fun for older kids, their sticky texture can pose a big risk for younger children. These candies are especially tough to break down for children who don’t yet have molars. Young children may “food pocket” or overstuff their mouths, especially with treats they love. If they can’t chew it thoroughly, it can get stuck in the back of their throat, leading to a choking risk.
Examples of chewy/sticky candies to avoid include:
Chocolate-Covered Raisins
Dots
Gummy Bears
Gummy Worms
Halloween Kisses
Hot Tamales
Laffy Taffy
Licorice Laces
Licorice Straws
Lifesaver Gummies
Mike & Ike Original Fruit
Nerd Gummy Clusters
Raisins
Sour Patch Kids
Starburst
Tootsie Rolls
Twizzler Nibs
This is a non-exhaustive list.
3. Popcorn
Popcorn is a popular snack during Halloween movie nights, but it’s not suitable for toddlers. The kernels and hulls can get stuck in a child’s airway, posing a significant choking hazard. If you’re planning a Halloween movie night with little ones under four, consider choosing a puffed snack instead.
Some safer options for babies are Baby Mum-Mum Rice Rusks, Gerber Puffs, Simply Gourmet Puffies, and Love Child Organic Love Ducks.
For toddlers, try Gerber Lil’ Crunchies, Toddler Mum-Mum Rice Rusks, or Sensible Portions Garden Veggie Straws.
4. Nuts and Nut-Containing Candies
Nuts are small, hard, and challenging for young children to chew properly. Children under four have underdeveloped chewing skills and small airways, making it easy for nuts to become lodged in the throat. The shape and size of nuts also increase the likelihood of choking if swallowed whole or inadequately chewed. It’s best to keep these snacks out of reach for our youngest trick-or-treaters.
5. Marshmallow Candies
While candies like marshmallows may seem like a soft and harmless treat, their sticky texture can be quite dangerous for toddlers. Like chewy candies, they pose a risk due to food pocketing and underdeveloped chewing skills. Even for adults, chewing a large marshmallow can be a challenge! It’s best to save marshmallows for older kids and choose safer, easier-to-eat treats for younger ones. If you find a “Peep” treat in your little one’s Halloween bag this year, consider it your earned treat—or perhaps “switch it”!
I recently learned about the Switch Witch, a concept that wasn’t around when my kids were little. For those seeking an alternative option this Halloween, the idea is that after trick-or-treating, kids can leave some of their candy out for the Switch Witch, who exchanges it for a small toy or gift. While this may not be feasible for everyone, it’s a fun way to enjoy the Halloween spirit with a mix of treats and surprises!
“Safer” Candy Options
For families with children under 4, this time of year can feel a bit anxiety-provoking—we get it! To help ease concerns, here’s a list of treats that we’d consider “safer” and easier for little ones to handle. Here are some options to consider:
Soft Chocolate Bars (without nuts or hard fillings): 3 Musketeers, Aero Bars, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Kinder Chocolate Bars, Milky Way
Chocolate-Covered Wafers: Coffee Crisp, KitKat
While these treats are softer, always supervise young children while they’re enjoying their Halloween goodies to ensure a safe and fun holiday!
Want to learn more practical child safety tips?
Explore our Infant+Child CPR and Choking Classes. They’re designed to equip parents and caregivers with the knowledge and confidence to act quickly and effectively when it matters most. Click here to learn more!