DIY kid's costumes - Safety checklist

For children, a homemade Halloween costume can be the best kind. They get to pick the most intricate details and stay up late working with you until it's "just right". Personally, I'm a huge fan of DIY Halloween costumes. If you are planning to make costumes this year there are some important things to remember. This check list from Essortment will help you keep safety in check while creating the next great costume.

Costume Safety Checks

1. Ensure the costume has proper ventilation
   Any homemade mask needs vents at the nose, mouth and top of the head. Children often think they are breathing fine, until there is a real problem. They likely won't notice discomfort as quickly as we would, so you're best to make sure that there is plenty air circulation. make sure you test the mask out at home before sending them out in it.
2. Use flame resistant materials
   With awkward clothes and big capes there is a big risk of getting caught in the flame of a jack-o-lantern or by some other fire source. Commercial Halloween costumes are required by law to be flame retardant. If you're sewing something yourself, the fabric you choose is likely not. Choose a material that is flame resistant or consider applying a separate coating of flame retardant.
3. Make sure there is proper visibility
   If you have to use a mask, keep eye holes as big as possible. Children will quickly feel disorientated if they only have partial vision.
4. Allow for a good range of motion
   Try not to design a costume that restricts motion or requires the child to hold their head or back in an unnatural position. Children should be able to move quickly and get out of the costume if needed. Think plenty of velcro.

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