It’s that time of year when pumpkins are everywhere, from pumpkin-flavored food and drinks to pumpkin decorations and, of course, pumpkin carving.
Many families look forward to carving jack-o'-lanterns for Halloween each year. It’s a time to get creative, bond with your children and make memories. But as much fun as carving pumpkins can be, it’s also important to remember safety – especially when little hands are involved.
With the help of Tracey Fejt, RN, trauma outreach and injury prevention coordinator with Banner Children’s, we share how to enjoy this Halloween tradition while keeping everyone safe.
Pumpkin carving safety tips
1. Find the perfect pumpkin: Look for a medium-sized pumpkin with a sturdy stem and a flat bottom. This way, it will not roll around while you are working on it.
2. Set up a safe workspace: Carving pumpkins can be messy. Lay down some newspapers or a disposable trash bag for easier cleanup. Ensure the room is well-lit and you have enough room to work comfortably. If small children are helping, use a table at their height so they can reach everything easily without needing to stand on chairs or stools.
3. Sketch out the design: Let younger kids draw the design for their jack-o’-lantern on paper first. Or download and print cutout designs from the internet. Tape it to the front of the pumpkin and use a pencil to poke holes along the lines you want to carve. Then, an adult or older child can do the carving.
“Between ages 9 and 12, children can start to have the strength and skills to help carve a pumpkin,” Fejt said.
4. Use the right tools: Put away the kitchen knife (you aren’t Mike Myers). They are not safe for kids and can be difficult to control—even for adults. Instead, consider a carving kit.
“Carving kits are designed to be safer than using a kitchen knife,” Fejt said. “The tools, like carving saws, are not razor sharp and are usually designed for kids’ hands. And, because they are smaller, they are great for detailed and intricate cuts.”
Some carving kits come with a special claw for scooping out the guts of the pumpkin, or you can use an ice cream scooper.
“Pumpkins are tough and slippery,” Fejt said. “Have plenty of towels available to dry your hands and tools as you go.”
5. Cut off the bottom instead of the top: That’s right. Forget the stem and cut a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin. This makes it easier to move, clean out and light.
6. Supervise, supervise, supervise: It might seem obvious, but it’s important to keep your eyes on your kids while they are carving. Even older kids and teens should have an adult nearby in case they need help. Never leave children alone with sharp tools, even for a moment.
7. Consider battery-powered lights: Once your pumpkin is carved and gutted, you’ll need a light to make it glow.
“Instead of using candles, which can be a fire hazard, opt for battery-powered LED lights or glow sticks,” Fejt said. “They’re safer and can even come in different colors, adding an extra fun element to your design.”
No-carve pumpkin ideas
If you want to avoid the risks of carving altogether, consider some no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas. These options are perfect for younger kids and still allow for plenty of fun and creativity:
- Paint your pumpkin: Use non-toxic paint to create faces, patterns or your favorite characters on the pumpkin. You can even use glow-in-the-dark paint for an extra eerie effect.
- Decorate with stickers: You can buy stickers made especially for decorating pumpkins. They come in all sorts of designs, from spooky faces to cute animals. The best part? No mess!
- Use craft supplies: Glue on googly eyes, felt or other craft materials to make a unique jack-o’-lantern.
- Wrap with fabric: Use old cloth or gauze to wrap your pumpkin like a mummy. Add some eyes and you have a cute and safe decoration.
- Pumpkin masks: Cut out a piece of cardboard or foam in the shape of a mask and decorate it. Then use a pin or tape to attach it to the front of the pumpkin. It’s a simple way to give your jack-o’-lantern a fun personality without any cutting involved.
What to do if an accident happens
Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. If someone in your household gets cut while carving, here’s what to do:
- Apply pressure: Use a clean towel or paper towel to apply pressure to the wound for at least 15 minutes.
- Seek medical help: If the bleeding doesn’t stop, go to the nearest urgent care or emergency room.
- Avoid further injury: Remind everyone to be cautious around sharp tools and open flames. Always watch children during these activities.
Takeaway
Pumpkin carving is a cherished Halloween tradition, but it’s important to keep safety in mind. By following these pumpkin carving safety tips, using no-carve ideas and educating your kids about the risks, you can enjoy a fun and injury-free Halloween season.
Check out more tips for Halloween costumes and treat-or-treating safety for kids.
