Child ID methods ??? About This Page:

[Danielle Harmon]

Originally Posted by emilyandlogansmom

I just made my tags! I used a Mickey Mouse head silhouette, put basic info (I'm lost, with my name, husbands name, grandparents names and our 3 cell #'s), laminated (with do-it-yourself luggage tags and cut down to size) and I tried it out on my daughter just safety pinned to the waist of her pants.

I think this will work?! I think making a necklace out of it would work well for my daughter, but don't think my son would leave it alone. My hope is to have it tucked enough under their shirts that they'll leave it alone, but sticking out enough that an adult helper would notice it sticking out.

I omitted a lot of info. I didn't put my children's name on it...I've always heard that was a safety no-no. Basically it's just my name and the grandparents names and our cell #'s. I was going for safety (though, my small-town simple mind doesn't see the harm in more info...I hear it's bad ), but does anyone think I left out anything important?

Thanks!

I think your info is great. We did the same thing by making our own, laminating them and sticking them in luggage tags that attached to their shorts. We also included a "script" for our kids to refer to, in case they panicked, so they would know what to say, and a list of "safe people" to talk to...Cast Member (w/picture of their badge), security (picture of a policeman in a blue uniform), and a mommy. Our "script" said: "Hi, I'm xxxxx. My mom and dad are lost. Our meeting place is xxxx. Can you help me get there?"

We took a picture of them each morning on our digital camera. That way we wouldn't have to remember what they were wearing!

Lastly, we identified specific meeting points in each park in case we were separated and listed these in the tag as well. First place we went each morning was the meeting place so they could see it and the surroundings.

Ours were: MK: Partner's statue (Mickey and Walt)
DHS: Mickey's Hat (underneath it in the pin station)
EPCOT: Fountain of Nations in Future World and American Adventure in WS
and
AK: Info Board

I don't think you are crazy. I think you are trying to be prepared. We have never needed to use our precautions, but it can be easy to get separated at times. I think the Grandparents will understand, especially if you just make it out to be "Hey, in case we get separated let's meet here...instead of running around the parks hoping to run into each other."

[gregorydreams]

I just got my tattoos in the mail! THey look great and come highly recommended from a neighbor who had them and used them and said they lasted for days! THe extras I can use for other outings when we get home!

[hockeyguysmom]

Originally Posted by emilyandlogansmom

Unfortunately, my largest concern lies with leaving the kids with my in-laws. Apparently I have some control issues, but they just don't watch them like I do. I don't think they'll take kindly to my briefing them on what to do if there's an emergency (or pay attention)...but oh my they make me nervous...

OK I am exactly the same way, last trip my mom offered to watch my little one at TL so DH & I could take our older son on some water slides. I was so worried and all the little guy did was play in the sand. I get worried that other family members will get distracted and not watch the kids like I would.

We got the wristbands from Custom Silicone Wristband Tool by Shanrene
Each of my sons got to pick 2 colors & they say "if lost call" on one side & both parents cell #s on the other side. We have also used them at local zoos & childrens museums. My younger son wears his on his ankle because I don't trust him to leave it on but my DS5 wears his on his wrist & loves it.

[emilyandlogansmom]

Originally Posted by hockeyguysmom

OK I am exactly the same way, last trip my mom offered to watch my little one at TL so DH & I could take our older son on some water slides. I was so worried and all the little guy did was play in the sand. I get worried that other family members will get distracted and not watch the kids like I would.

We got the wristbands from Custom Silicone Wristband Tool by Shanrene
Each of my sons got to pick 2 colors & they say "if lost call" on one side & both parents cell #s on the other side. We have also used them at local zoos & childrens museums. My younger son wears his on his ankle because I don't trust him to leave it on but my DS5 wears his on his wrist & loves it.

Great idea about the ankle! So many of these suggestions have been wonderful...but some not so much for a very curious 2 year old boy! Thanks!

[Kynna]

We've done bracelets but went to laminated ID cards. I put my DD's Allergy to medications on there so "shudder to think" if they needed medical attention when I couldn't be found they would have that info. I also take a photo of my girls and what they are wearing at the start of each day at the parks on my digital camera.

[Catamount90]

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

I made a wristband (one of those silicone type ones - like all the awareness bracelets) from wristbandsnow.com (pretty sure that's the website). Anyway, I put "Lost Boy" and then my cell phone #. I've heard that it needs to be something that's visible as the CM aren't supposed to go looking for a tag (like if it's on the inside of a shirt). I've also heard about the temporary tattoos and people using the pet id's to make a necklace, braclet, put on shoe, etc. I say it never hurts to be prepared.

Thanks for the idea.

I just ordered bracelets from wristbandsnow

I put our cell phone numbers on the side that faces out. I put the kids names on the inside with our hotel name. Their names won't show out to others, so I am not that worried about the names on the band. Sometimes kids panic and won't give their names. I thought it would make it easier for the CM's if the name was on the band.

[graygables]

Silicone bracelets have not worked well for us. DDs tend to break/lose them. We have successfully used military-style dogtags on a chain around the neck. I grew up Army and had to wear mine every day (still remember warming it on the radiator before putting it under my shirt ), so it was no stretch to have DDs wear them, too. They come in fun colors now, too. We put first and last names, plus cell phones, then used a sticker to put our resort info on the back. Both of my younger ones have communication issues, so it made us all feel better knowing all they had to do was show their ID to a CM.

As a CM who has dealt with lost parents, Will's narration of the scene is pretty typical and I would say that most families are reunited very quickly, but it is also much easier if we have a PHOTO of your child that you just took that morning so we can see his/her clothing or if your child can tell us what YOU were wearing. If we hear that Junior had on a yellow shirt, we're looking for a yellow shirt. When Junior shows up in a white shirt, that could have cost us time in finding him. The quickest, though, is a cell phone #. If we have that, all we have to do is call you, bam, you're back together.

To be honest, it is very easy for parents to get lost at WDW, but it doesn't happen as often as many people might think and we are very good at getting everyone back where they need to be. I promise you, someone awesome will be calming your child and working as quickly as possible to find you with a well-tuned system.

[OhToodles!]

Originally Posted by Catamount90

Thanks for the idea.

I just ordered bracelets from wristbandsnow

I put our cell phone numbers on the side that faces out. I put the kids names on the inside with our hotel name. Their names won't show out to others, so I am not that worried about the names on the band. Sometimes kids panic and won't give their names. I thought it would make it easier for the CM's if the name was on the band.

I hope you don't even need to use them!

[Catamount90]

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

I hope you don't even need to use them!

Thanks
I hope they are unnecessary as well.

It never hurts to be prepared. My 8 yo will do fine. I am more nervous about what my 6 yo would do if lost. On the other hand my 8 yo is more likely to wander off.

[LoriNSC]

I ordered from sayitbands.com. They have child & toddler sizes. My kids don't seem to mind wearing them. (Just wore them to the zoo yesterday.) They can be worn on their wrist or ankle. (I sometimes use the child size on my 3 yr old's ankle since she like taking it off her wrist to play with it.) I love them. It gives me piece of mind.

[belleandmaddysmom]

Originally Posted by Ceara's mawmaw

When I took my DGD3 this past December, I took a picture of her each morning before we left...so all I would have to do is get my camera and show her picture

That is a great tip because when you are in a panic b/c your child is missing, this will be a simple way to remember exactly what she was wearing that day.

I know you shouldn't panic...but I know I would!

It sounds like you have a great tag made with all the necessary info on it. Now go have some fun!

[AngelLily03]

Over planner me got a small photo keychain that I could slip a bit of information. It has her name, and the cell phone numbers of my entire travel party as well as Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt, and Uncle back home. It states to take her to the nearest CM and contact me immediately. I'll clip the key chain to her belt loop. I'll also take her photo every morning so I have a visual of her outfit.

[triscat]

Here is a place that I found: Kids Travel ID • The Mouse For Less

I let my DS pick one out and then on word I filled in the info, added a photo and then printed them out. My DH took them to work and lamenated them. What is nice is that there are 4 id tags so both my husband and I can carry one. Also it has layouts for tags to go on other things like camera cases, NDS, back packs and whatever else.

[emilyandlogansmom]

Originally Posted by AngelLily03

Over planner me got a small photo keychain that I could slip a bit of information. It has her name, and the cell phone numbers of my entire travel party as well as Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt, and Uncle back home. It states to take her to the nearest CM and contact me immediately. I'll clip the key chain to her belt loop. I'll also take her photo every morning so I have a visual of her outfit.

GREAT idea with the photo keychain. I already have mine done, just laminated...but that is a great idea. And then when you're home you can put a Disney picture in it and use it!

[Bri9801]

I just ordered some SafetyTats for our upcoming trip.....so far nothing but good things to say. Easy to use website, easy ordering, delivery was fast (maybe because I am not to far but I got mine in 2 days), and I really like the way they look.

I will let you know how they work out.