While dressing your daughter to look like an Anne Geddes photo may seem irresistible, keep in mind that the little person wearing the costume may not find it appealing. Attention from strangers can be overwhelming. While many toddlers enjoy playing dress-up in the security of a familiar environment, they may feel differently about displaying their costumes to others. Toddlers have difficulty differentiating between fantasy and reality. When encountering a beloved caregiver dressed in costume, it can be difficult to convince a distressed toddler that the person behind the costume is a trusted friend.

Research shows us that infants respond to facial expressions in the earliest weeks of life. An angry facial expression can evoke a fearful response from an infant, so it stands to reason that infants may respond with great emotion when coming in contact with anyone dressed in costume or wearing a mask.

For those who do participate in the holiday, be aware that toddlers may not understand waiting until they get home to enjoy a treat. Very young children should avoid sweets that aren’t only detrimental to their developing teeth, but may present a choking hazard. When well-meaning neighbors hold a bowl of treats out for your child to “pick one,” toddlers, not mature enough for those required social skills, may demand the entire bowl.

Anita Massey is a retired infant-toddler specialist for the Child Care Council of Suffolk.