When can kids eat candy?

Many candies, especially hard, sticky, or gummy ones, pose a choking risk for children under 5. For kids over age 2, you can introduce chocolate-based candies. Before you offer it, check the label since chocolates can contain large pieces of nuts that are potential choking hazards.

Unless it’s a special occasion, avoid offering foods with added sugar for children under 2 years to:

• Promote healthy eating habits

• Reduce health risks like high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes

• Prevent issues like weight gain and obesity

Safe Halloween treats for toddlers

• Chocolates

• Wafer-based treats like Kit Kats

• Peanut butter cups

• Animal crackers

• Mini cupcakes

• Yogurt melts

• Popsicles

• Ice cream or ice cream bars

• Cookies

• Fruit leather

Candy choking hazards for toddlers

• Small round candies like sucking candies, gum drops, jelly beans, candy corn, M&Ms, and Skittles

• Lollipops

• Gum

• Hard candies

• Sticky candy like taffy and caramels

• Gummy candy

• Chocolate with large pieces of nuts

• Caramel apples

• Popcorn

How much candy should your toddler have on Halloween?

Deciding how much candy to give your child is a personal choice and depends on your family and your child. What works for one family may not work for you or your child. Focus on moderation most days and be flexible on special occasions like holidays or birthday parties.

Create a plan with your partner and caregivers in advance to ensure everyone is on the same page about handling treats in your family. This can prevent awkward conversations or negative discussions about treats in front of your child.

Tips for balancing Halloween candy and sugar

• Allow for more flexibility on special occasions like Halloween. Imposing too many rules and restrictions on Halloween candy can draw more attention to it, making it even more enticing.

• To keep your child full and satiated, offer a substantial snack that includes protein, healthy fats, and fiber before trick-or-treating. A hungry child is more likely to overindulge.

• Encourage regular hydration throughout the evening. Pack a small backpack with a water bottle and pause every few blocks for a quick sip as staying hydrated helps keep their stomach full.

• After Halloween, do not discuss their candy stash and keep it out of sight. Many toddlers will forget about their candy and won’t ask for it.

• For children who are more likely to remember their candy haul, plan ahead together. You could agree to donate a portion of their treats or use a reward system where they can swap candy for a small toy or money. Depending on the type, you can also freeze some candy to enjoy later.

How can parents promote positive exposure to treats and candy?

Making small treats part of a child's diet is important to prevent unhealthy food fixations. When parents impose strict limits on candy or use treats as bribes or punishments, it can elevate the perceived value of treats and can be viewed as overly desirable and can lead to unhealthy obsessions. Kids can sense your anxiety, frustration, or negative feelings, so maintaining a positive attitude helps them avoid associating negative emotions with specific foods.