Halloween is a magical time filled with costumes, spooky decorations, and, of course, the excitement of trick-or-treating begins to build. While it’s a fun tradition, as parents, we want to ensure that our toddlers have a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience, including the treats they receive. In this article I’ll explore the what to avoid and also the best Halloween candy choices for toddlers, striking a balance between the delight of the holiday and the health-consciousness that comes with caring for our little ones.
So what is the best Halloween candy for toddlers? There are right and wrong choices when it come to what candy to give toddlers. There are choking hazards, food allergies, and if I can be honest there are some that you just don’t want your kid to have. Mostly, because they take forever to finish.
Besides safety concerns, it’s not so much which is the better for you candy. Some are better then others but it’s more about moderation. Moderation is the key.
Best Candy For Toddlers
Fruit Snacks
If they are soft and breakdown in the mouth fast. Annie’s brand is good like that.
Fruit Leather
I’ll admit my youngest also eat target brand Fruit and veggie strips but she is on the later side of being a toddler
Baked goods
It’s not candy but baked goods are a fun alternative to candy for kids. Cupcakes are our favorite go to. Super easy to make. Regular cupcakes, chocolate or vanilla and tricolored frosting.
To make the frosting is super simple you just buy a tricolored frosting tip like this one at Joann.com and frost away.
As for sprinkles, just watch for choking hazards like the candy bones you see in this photo.
Another easy treat is organic Halloween cookies. They are fairly easy to find kits or make your own during this time of year. Sugar cookies are the normal go too because of how easy they are to make. What’s great about them is you can have a fun time decorating them with the kids.
Chocolate Bars
Candy like milk chocolate bars or dark chocolate bars aka Hershey bars, Reese’s peanut butter cups (if your kids are not allergic to peanuts). Other ones include white chocolate bars, chocolate-covered peppermint patties (York’s are the best), and crunch bars
Moderation and Parental Supervision
As always, moderation is key when it comes to indulging in Halloween candy. While it’s okay for toddlers to enjoy a few pieces of candy on Halloween night, be mindful of their consumption and set limits to avoid overwhelming their young tummies. According to AAP it is best to avoid adding sugar to your child’s diet before the age of 2. Additionally, always supervise your child while eating treats to ensure their safety.
Moreover, opting for mini or fun-sized versions of popular candies ensures that the portions are just right for little hands and tummies. Individually wrapped, mini chocolate bars or organic cookies add to the excitement of Halloween without overindulgence.
Allergy-Friendly Alternatives: Inclusivity for All Trick-or-Treaters
In the spirit of inclusivity, consider offering allergy-friendly candies to ensure that all little trick-or-treaters can participate in the Halloween fun. Look for treats that are free from common allergens like nuts, dairy, soy, and gluten. Many brands now offer allergy-friendly candy options, making it easier to accommodate various dietary restrictions without compromising on taste.
Non-Candy Treats: A Sweet Alternative
While candy is a significant part of Halloween, non-candy treats can be equally exciting for toddlers. Stickers, temporary tattoos, small toys, or Halloween-themed coloring books can be wonderful additions to your toddler’s treat bag. These alternatives add variety and provide a break from the sugar rush, creating a balanced Halloween experience.
Safety First
Regarding safest candy you’re looking at chocolate candy that melts quick is the best for toddlers.
The candy you want to avoid is candy that would be considered a choking hazard.
Candy with
Whole nuts or seeds
Candy like Almond Joys and Hershey with almonds not only are these a choking hazard but can also be a allergen.
Sticky candy
Laffy Taffy, Milky Way bar, Carmel chews can get stuck in their teeth and be a pain to clean and can also get stuck in their throats blocking their airway.
Chewy Candy
Sour Patch Kids, Gummy Bears, Swedish Fish, jelly beans, tootsie rolls, and fruit snacks that are chewy like gummy bears.
Small Candy
Small Candy like M&M’s, jelly beans, and smarties to name a few
Hard Candy
Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers, Nerds, Tootsie pops, Candy Corn (falls into a few of these categories of what not to give to a toddler)
Lollipops are a big no no. Hard candy, some are sticky, and most are considered a choking hazard.
Popcorn
According to American Academy of Pediatrics you should keep popcorn away from children younger than 4 years old. Kernel flakes can get caught in their throats causing gagging, or choking. They can also have sharp edges. Whole kernels themselves are considered a choking hazard as well.
What to do with all the candy
Let them have a few days where they get it after dinner or sneak a few in with their lunch. After a few weeks though I suggest getting rid of a lot of it. Remember less then 2 months after that you have Christmas candy making it’s way in the house and then 2 months later you have Valentine’s Day candy, and 2 months later you have Easter egg candy. So trust me you will have plenty of candy to last.
When you go trick or treating with the kids you can end up with so much candy that you know you have to get rid of most of it.
Pawn it off on your co-workers
I usually take the extra candy to work and leave it in a common area like the kitchen or front desk.
Halloween Candy Buy Back
This is probably the one I’ll be donating to from now on. Local businesses, and dentist offices have events at which they trade candy for money, coupons, hygiene kids, etc. In turn the candy is sent to U.S. Troops! I can tell you, as a veteran myself, the troops appreciate those gestures. Not only does having your kids to participate in such a great cause help their health by them not eating all the candy but it teaches them compassion. So, Halloween Candy Buy Back give it a shot.
You can see that we didn’t always follow the the guidelines I’m suggesting in this post. Mainly, because we didn’t have an article like this. Luckily we never had any major issues. Just a few fits about why they can’t have certain candy… Or all the candy. I hope this helps you navigate the hordes of candy your kids will bring in.
Just like all the other holiday’s you use to love as a child, you will see Halloween in a different light. You now get to experience it through your kids eyes and you will discover it’s the next level of enjoyment. Have fun trick-or-treating and don’t get caught eating their candy.
If you are looking for The Best Place in Southern California To Go Trick-or-Treating check out this article on
