On our last trip to WDW in June of 2012, I saw the scariest thing. No, it wasn't the hitchhiking ghosts from the Haunted Mansion. It wasn't even the Yeti on Expedition Everest. It was a mother frantically searching for her lost child. Tears streaming down her face, she stayed in the last place she had seen her child, while her husband and several kindly (and extraordinarily compassionate and helpful) cast members, who communicated via headsets, went off in search of the child. Ultimately, the parents and child were reunited, but I know how harried and wrought I felt as a mere onlooker; I cannot imagine what those parents must have felt like.
Now, my own daughter, only 15-months-old, spent most of her time on that trip safely ensconced in her stroller, so the chances of her wandering off were limited. However, I had done plenty of research and reading up on strategies for keeping your children safe while traveling, especially if they were not yet old enough to communicate their parents' names, cell phone numbers, etc.
I read a lot of tips, including sewing labels into the backs of their shirts, attaching tags to their shoes, or using clothing markers to write the child's information and parents' cell phone numbers somewhere that the child could easily find and reference them. Disney Diva has a great page with some handy tips. Based on all of the tups that I read, I settled on just a few that seemed both useful and feasible.
We found that what worked for us was using our phones to take a picture of Eila each morning before we left our resort. That way, we had a complete picture of exactly what she was wearing in case we got separated and needed help looking for her.
We also decided to use Safetytat. I had seen these products advertised in Parents Magazine, and they were referenced in a number of Internet sources I relied on for research.
Now, my own daughter, only 15-months-old, spent most of her time on that trip safely ensconced in her stroller, so the chances of her wandering off were limited. However, I had done plenty of research and reading up on strategies for keeping your children safe while traveling, especially if they were not yet old enough to communicate their parents' names, cell phone numbers, etc.
I read a lot of tips, including sewing labels into the backs of their shirts, attaching tags to their shoes, or using clothing markers to write the child's information and parents' cell phone numbers somewhere that the child could easily find and reference them. Disney Diva has a great page with some handy tips. Based on all of the tups that I read, I settled on just a few that seemed both useful and feasible.
We found that what worked for us was using our phones to take a picture of Eila each morning before we left our resort. That way, we had a complete picture of exactly what she was wearing in case we got separated and needed help looking for her.
We also decided to use Safetytat. I had seen these products advertised in Parents Magazine, and they were referenced in a number of Internet sources I relied on for research.
For our trip to WDW, we ordered Safetytat's "Princess Pack." We also purchased the write-on tattoo set instead of the pre-printed set - that way we could share the pack with my nieces, too. The tattoos are waterproof and lasted for several days. You just have to be sure to write clearly with the marker that is provided with the product. Another caution is that these tattoos become wrinkled quite easily, so you have to be very careful in the application process.
If you look closely at the above picture, you can see Eila's Safetytat on her right forearm. The Safetytat provides clear identification for children, but it is also pretty unobtrusive, so we were very clear to point it out to Eila so that she knew to show it to a grown-up or a cast member in case we got separated.
We also found this super cute backpack, complete with a tether (leash?) that allows a child to feel independent while the parent still feels connected and safe. We purchased it at Toys R Us, and it also comes in turquoise (which we purchased for our niece). It's the perfect size to stash some small snacks and amusements for entertainment at restaurants or while waiting in line or for a show. Eila did not use her backpack much on our last trip, but she's much more mobile and adamant about exploring the world on her own two feet, so I'm sure it will get more use on our upcoming vacation!
We also found this super cute backpack, complete with a tether (leash?) that allows a child to feel independent while the parent still feels connected and safe. We purchased it at Toys R Us, and it also comes in turquoise (which we purchased for our niece). It's the perfect size to stash some small snacks and amusements for entertainment at restaurants or while waiting in line or for a show. Eila did not use her backpack much on our last trip, but she's much more mobile and adamant about exploring the world on her own two feet, so I'm sure it will get more use on our upcoming vacation!
Walt Disney World is the most magical place on Earth, and I honestly did not feel as if I (or my family) was ever unsafe there. Despite that, the sight of that distressed mother struck fear into my heart. Elizabeth Stone once said that, "Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." For me, this is totally and utterly true, and when we're on vacation, I want the focus to be on the fun we're having and the way my daughter's face lights up every time she meets Mickey or Pooh. I don't want to be worried about what might happen - especially since my teaching schedule dictates that we vacation at WDW during all of the busiest (and most crowded) times. But, I really believe that the more prepared you can be ahead of time, the more relaxed, enjoyable, and safe your vacation will be!