Handholders... do you use, not use, better suggestions??? About This Page:

[DisneyLuv]

Has anyone used those handholders while at WDW? If so, where/what kind did you purchase? We have very active boys who will be 4 and 6 by the time we go back in December. Since we are going during x-mas week, am kinda worried about keeping up with them with the massive crowds. We no longer use a stroller on a daily basis, but do plan on purchasing two umbrella strollers (or renting a double) for the trip (hopefully they'll at least sit in them some of the time!!!). Never used handholders before, so advice would be appreciated. Anyone have any positive or negative experiences with handholders??? Will also be me, DH and DS16 if that matters. Thanks!

[imagineer95]

Handholders may prove to be more of a hassle than your time is worth. I would suggest dressing your family in bright colors, always hold hands unless you are or in a stopped queue, and write your contact information (room #, parent's names, etc.) on a piece of masking tape and sticking it on the inside hem of your boys' clothes. That way, if they are separated from you, they can show a cast member their information and be returned to you as quickly as possible.


Have a magical vacation!

[lukeandbrookesmom]

I would strongly suggest using the strollers whether you bring them or rent them Their little legs will not hold up well in the heat and crowds and the strollers are great for keeping them in place and in view at that age. Another benefit of using strollers is that I find kids at that age tend to let you know when they have to go potty it really means RIGHT NOW so you'll be able to get to a restroom quicker if they are in strollers.

[Colexis Mom]

We usually kept the kids in the strollers when they were younger, and never used anytime of device to hold onto them. Never ran into any problems, and took many trips when they were younger!

[CollinsFamily]

I know of a lot of people who are against handholders ("I can't believe you'd put your KID on a LEASH like a DOG!"--Yes, this has actually been said to me). I agree with going ahead and bringing the strollers. But, I would bring the handholders, too if they make you more comfortable and your kids are active and want to be out of the strollers as much as possible. (Strollers also give you a place to drop your "loot" or hang your backpack when walking around) If you find you don't need them, you can tuck them into the strollers. Personally, I use the handholders partly because my daughter uses a walker to walk, and that's the only way I CAN hold her hand.

[DisneyLuv]

Thanks for the info! I'm still not sure whether I will use the handholders or not. Not sure why but something in me doesn't quite like the idea, but again not sure if considering the crowds it would be worth it to give a try. (The stroller however was always in the plans though, despite hubby thinking his boys don't need one, we will NOT be going to WDW without it .)

[mom2twingirlies]

What is a handholder???
We have harnesses for my girls which we use when necessary. We didn't need them at WDW as it wasn't crowded and they were OK with sitting in the stroller as it was a novelty, since they hadn't used one regularly in a couple of years.
I sometimes get looks from people with the harnesses, but I want to keep them safe and they are my children, so it doesn't really matter to me what people think.
I also ordered ID wrist bands for them that had our contact information in them. They were old enough to understand that they were not to take them off and to show them to a CM if they got lost from us.

[Principessa_di_Fata]

For me, four and six seems maybe kind of old for hand holders. I think personally I'd just stick to the strollers and put some kind of ID on them, maybe a wristband or something with their first name and your cell numbers, or something.

But I don't see anything wrong with leashes or hand holders for kids. I've never used them, but I totally get the idea behind them and don't think it's a big deal.

If it makes you comfortable, bring them, just in case, and see how you feel when you're there.

[Aspiemom]

I also think those handholders are not for older kids. I would use the umbrella strollers and Like someone else suggests, put them in Bright , easily identifiable clothing in case they run off and you need to spot them quickly.

[Carousel96]

I'm not familiar with the term "handholder" but we had a harness for DD when she was little.
I wasn't comfortable using it much at WDW or anywhere with a crowd -- I thought they were dangerous for other folks. People don't expect a cord between a child and adult and I was afraid another guest would trip over it.
DD was always more open to using her stroller at WDW than at home.

[heziggy]

this may sound crazy, but we use to use dog leahes when our son was younger. they just clpped right on to a belt loop. very easy to manage and also inexpensive. or you could use a retractable to allow the kids a lil more running room. some people may think i am nuts using a leash, but i would rather my son be safe thren to disappear among thousands of people.

[KLBV]

When my son was 2 and 3 we took him to the very crowded Jersey beach area. I was never a fan of the traditional harness type things but found a fanny pack very similar to this one http://www.safensoundkids.com/tglnghrn.jpg

and used it there. We did however also constantly hold his hand and just had this strap on as a backup in case he suddenly wiggled his hand loose and took off running. Strictly a safety issue for us but personally I would not let him just run and be connected to me with the "leash". I've seen times when parents just let them run ahead and they are still getting into things they shouldn't in stores etc. My son loved the fact that he had someplace to put his treasures and even used it without the strap at other times!

[KLBV]

some people may think i am nuts using a leash, but i would rather my son be safe thren to disappear among thousands of people.[/quote]

Bottom line...your kids are safe and not lost somewhere!!

[HOOPDEEDO4ME]

I used harnasses when mine were toddlers and loved them! Bring them with you and use them if you feel more comfortable.

[PamelaK]

I used a leash on DD when she was little. When people questioned me or gave me dirty looks, I would just comment "I know where my child is, and I know she is safe." That usually shut them up because their child was usually running around like a little heathen. I also had parents comment on what a good idea it was and sked me where to get one.

I like the dog leash idea too,. It would have been cheaper. I always had her in overalls, so hooking it to a belt loop or strap would have been easy.