by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

Trick-or-treat safety is not the only thing for parent to think about this Halloween. Choosing safe Halloween costumes for kids is also vital. Sure, that fuzzy bear costume may look sweet on your little one. But is it safe? How can you tell? From one parent to the next, here are some safety tips to keep in mind when choosing your child's next costume.

Check for sharp edges. Before ever putting that costume on your child, check for things that may scrape or scratch. Sharp edges can most commonly be found on masks and other costume accessories. But also check the costume itself for sharp edges and other pieces that jut out.

Test for allergies to latex and other masks. The last thing you want on Halloween is to rush your child to the ER over a reaction. Do an allergy test at least 48 hours prior to your child wearing his Halloween costume. Check each mask label for the manufacturer's instructions on testing for allergies. General instructions will likely include exposing a small area of the skin to the material for a certain amount of time.

Test for makeup and accessory allergies. Face makeup and other Halloween costume accessories may also cause an allergic reaction. You might avoid face makeup and certain accessories, use hypoallergenic face makeup, or do a skin allergy test at least 48 hours in advance.

How well can your child see through masks and around hats? Tiny holes for the eyes are just one no-no when it comes to Halloween masks. Be sure your child can see fully when wearing any hats, masks, and face accessories. If your child cannot see side to side and directly in front of him without rotating his head, that's a bad sign.

Is the costume weather-appropriate? Sure, that fairy princess costume is adorable. But if it's snowing outside, your child better also have some cute warm clothing on top or underneath. On that same token, if your child is wearing a thick bear costume and it's 80 degrees outside, there better be some air filtration and/or fans inside of it.

Pay attention to length. Tripping over a costume might be funny. But it can also be quite painful. Be sure your child's costume is no longer than 6 inches above the ankles to prevent accidents on stairs and while walking or dancing.

Use appropriate accompanying footwear. Tired after a long day at work? You know that feeling your feet get? Help prevent that in your child on Halloween by making sure footwear is appropriate. Try finding shoes that are both comfortable and appropriate to the costume. Slippers and other dress-up shoes can be bought in a larger size to slip over more comfortable footwear.

Be sure costumes are bright, glowing, or have lighted accessories. Traffic can be busy on Halloween with all the activities going on. Make sure your kids are bright enough to be seen from a good distance.

Check faux weaponry for real dangers. True, these are supposed to be fake weapons. But that doesn't mean they aren't still dangerous. Look for sharp edges, removable parts, and other potential hazards to kids before sending them off to have fun on Halloween.

by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans &  Write W.A.V.E. Media

In 2007 I wrote about Halloween costumes for girls being too revealing. I would have hoped that in the four years since then, parents would have taken over and said that's enough.

Sadly, what I am seeing is the exact opposite. While we make our costumes, the kids and I of course like to browse the Halloween aisles of the stores. Each year, the skirts and dresses get shorter and the looks get a bit more outrageous than the last.

Why is it that some people (apparently many people, if you go by the number of costumes designed this way) feel the need to oversexualize young girls? Why do costumes for seven-year-olds or even teenagers need to be sexy?

I can understand why some adults would want those kind of costumes? But why do these looks exist for kids? Am I alone in the thought that these costumes are over the top?

Apparently not, as Andrew Riggio explored the topic in relation to teens earlier this year. Are teen girl Halloween costumes too sexy?

The results of a Web search on child and teen costumes or a visit to the store for the same may scare you, as it did me.

Please end the purchase and sale of sexy costumes for those under 18. I find it sad that I even have to ask.