Healthy and Halloween are usually two words that contradict each other, but as a parent, you want the best for your child. With Halloween just around the corner, your children will soon be gathering treats that may not be part of a healthy diet. Giving and receiving healthy treats is easier than it sounds. Here are some dos and don'ts to having a healthier Halloween.

Treats do not always have to be edible. Think of giving out something fun that children will enjoy. Crayons and markers are great ways to stimulate the creativity of a young child's mind. Halloween stickers and temporary tattoos are two other possible options. Think about making homemade crafts with your own children to hand out to other children around the area.

Every child loves a snack, but hold off on candies filled with corn syrup, sugar and other poor nutritional ingredients. Skip over the candy aisle in your local supermarket and look for other items that kids will still enjoy. Prepackaged cheese snacks, individual size trail mix bags and granola bars are healthy alternatives to give out instead of candy. If you want to hand out candy but still be as healthy as possible, make sure to read the nutrition labels on candies, looking for things like “sugar-free” or “sugarless.” It's important to know what is in the candy you are handing out.

Do not allow your child to accept any homemade foods or fruits, and avoid making homemade edible treats for other children as well. You don't know the safe food practices of the others who prepared baked goods or if the goodies contain allergenic ingredients. Other parents will likely feel the same way about any homemade foods you have prepared, this will not only save you time, but money as well. Although fresh fruits are a healthy alternative, be cautious because they may have something injected in them or could be contaminated in some way.

Check all individually wrapped candies for tiny holes in wrappers and signs that the candy has been opened and shut; these are indicators that the candy could have been tampered with or mishandled by the giver. Check candies for metal objects such as pins, needles and razor blades. Many community hospitals, doctor's offices and health departments offer free X-rays for Halloween candy. Check these organizations within your area to see if they are offering this service on trick-or-treat night.

An adult also should examine any novelty items or toys received by children under 3-years-old. Discard items that are small enough to present a choking hazard or those with small parts or components that could separate during use and cause choking.

Taking safety precautions and choosing healthy alternatives to sugar-laden candies not only make for a safer and healthier trick-or-treating experience but will keep your family safe and healthy to enjoy the Halloween season together.