Angel Alert

[Smithklb8]

Have any of you ever used the Angel Alert child monitor. I am looking for something to use before our next trip. My boys will be 8 and 5 at the time of our next trip. This monitor can be worn around the neck. You wear one half and the child wears the other half. If they get too far from you, the alarm sounds. Sounded like a good idea, but I would like to find someone that has actually used it before I spend the $35 for one. Thanks for any info!

 

[SnackyStacky]

I don't have kids, and I haven't used the monitor you're speaking of, but I would reccomend those leashes they make for kids. (I don't mean to offend...I've seen kids wearing them, but I don't know what they're called)

If you're going to be there during a peak season, there will be LOTS of people there, and that alarm could go off, but you might not be able to see your child. The leash will keep them close, but you'll always know where they are.

 

[stinkerbelle]

please don't put a leash on an 8 year old.

 

[EmmasGrammy]

I have to agree. Don't put a leash on an 8 yr. old!!

But I would suggest you speak with the kids ahead of time about what to do if you become separated. My nephew got lost several years back, and believe it or not, WDW does not have a paging system in the park. They do have a plan for lost children and an alert is sent out among the CM's but as parents you are instructed to check in at the safety station if your child is lost. That is a huge park and when its busy it is easy to lose someone (adults included). Pick a place to meet if you are lost and make it very specific! Don't say "the front of the castle" for example. That's a lot of area. Say "Meet @ the "partners" statue" (that's the statue with Walt & Mickey). Or select a place together as you enter the park.

My nephew, then 9 yrs. old, somehow managed to ride the monorail back to the resort (Poly) and just sat outside their door. Someone from Mousekeeping found him there and they finally reunited him with my sister after 4 1/2 hrs. She was sick with panic. Needless to say he held her hand the rest of their vacation!!!! Please put your plans in order before your trip.

Have a great time!!!

 

[tinkie]

Be sure to dress them in something immediately recognizable to you and do have a recent picture of him on hand. The best thing you can do is teach your child what to do in case you do become separated. Leash? NO. If they are young enough for a leash, I would use a stroller (buckled) instead.

 

[Mom2Madi]

This same subject is being discussed at TMFL right now.... I had seen this tip posted somewhere - there or here awhile back, but thought it was worth mentioning again...

Put a slip of paper or card in your child's pocket - or somewhere on their person that says....

"My Mommy's Cell Phone Number is ***-***-****" with advance direction to give it to a CM if they become separated.

My DD is 5 and knows her home phone and address - but that wouldn't help in WDW!

Here's hoping it won't be necessary!

 

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by stinkerbelle
please don't put a leash on an 8 year old.

As I already stated, I know that they have some other name, but because I've never purchased one, I don't know that name, but I have seen them on kids at Disney World.

 

[Bojangles]

Originally posted by SnackyStacky
As I already stated, I know that they have some other name, but because I've never purchased one, I don't know that name, but I have seen them on kids at Disney World.

I know what you are talking about. That is a device made for a toddler. NOT an 8 year old.

 

[Mymatisse]

Originally posted by Bojangles
I know what you are talking about. That is a device made for a toddler. NOT an 8 year old.

Strollers aren't made for 8 year old either! Sounds like that Angel Alert may be a good investment.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by Bojangles
I know what you are talking about. That is a device made for a toddler. NOT an 8 year old.

I also know the difference between a toddler and a kid, and I've seen them on kids.

 

[Doc and Family]

Strollers aren't made for 8 year old either!

I have to disagree with this. We get a double stroller and push it around. When the boys get tired, they climb in. When not, they walk/run around. I don't see a problem with using a stroller for kids this age--heck, if I could find someone to push me around in one, I'd climb in

I use to be one of those people who would condemn to hell anyone who would put a child on a leash. Then I had children, one of whom can disappear in a second--while you are holding him. While we don't utilize them ourselves, I have repented and reformed and have no problem, and completely understand people who do, although i think teenagers may be a little old for them

 

[Mymatisse]

Originally posted by Doc and Family
I have to disagree with this. We get a double stroller and push it around. When the boys get tired, they climb in. When not, they walk/run around. I don't see a problem with using a stroller for kids this age--heck, if I could find someone to push me around in one, I'd climb in

All I know is that if I asked for a stroller when I was 8 years old my mom would have laughed at me! If she was going to take me to Disneyworld I better had been able to hang with everyone else .

Also, the only reason I mentioned a stroller is because of a previous posters comments to the effect that an 8 year old in a stroller was acceptable, but putting one of those bungy leash thingys wasn't. I see absolutely no distinction. If you are willing to stick an 8 year old child in a stroller so they don't get away from you, then putting a leash on may be an option as well.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

I think for children who are 5& 8, the best advice is education. Talk with them often about staying with you. Remind them that if they can not see you, you can not see them and if you can not see them you can not be sure that they are safe. Introduce them to a CM upon entry to the parks and chat for a minute to reinforce that these are kind people who can help.
I have seen the angel alerts at Wal-mart and thought how cool but I do not know of anyone who has used one. Sorry. I say that every family must use what is necessary to care for thier family; stroller, lease, or whatever. These were not things you asked about and I'm sure you did not want to start a debate but hope there is some information in here somewhere that will help you.


Have a fun and safe trip.

Jordans' mom

 

[jimmybop]

Originally posted by Smithklb8
This monitor can be worn around the neck. You wear one half and the child wears the other half. If they get too far from you, the alarm sounds.

this sounds like a good idea... but just becareful when they go to get on rides that you are not going on. It could get a little annoying (to you and the ones around u if its really loud) having it go off over and over again.

 

[NotUrsula]

OK, folks, what you are calling "leashes" are properly known as "safety reins" and they are meant for toddlers. They don't make them big enough for an 8 yo. (Unless perhaps special types for the developmentally disabled, but I've never seen such a thing.)

As for the "Angel Alert", it really isn't suitable for use at theme parks. It isn't loud enough. You won't be able to hear the alarm over the ambient noise around you.

If you put ID on your child, don't put it underneath clothing unless you are *absolutely* confident that your child will remain calm enough to remember to hand it over by himself. It won't be of any use if your child panics and is crying hysterically. CM's cannot undress a child to find ID; it would put them at risk for charges of abuse.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Well I have a 4 month old daughter that I plan to take to Disney World when she is 3. She will be on a leash. I am not going to make her sit in the stroller the whole time and when they are that age they move fast. With that many people I will be as cautious as I possibly could be. I know some people think that children shouldn't be on leashes - I'm one that if it keeps my child safe I'm all for it. As for the angel alert I have never heard of it but I could see it working. But like the other poster said trying to find a small child in the crowds may still be difficult. I agree with the folks that say go over what a child should do if they get separated with you before the trip and if needed at the start of each day and/or the entrance to a different park. And hold their hands as much as they will tolerate. As far as what is appropriate at each age that is an individual decision.....and like my husband says...if someone is rude enough to say something about me having my child on a leash I will just respond "At least I know where MY child is" Our children are our most prized possessions and it's our responsibility to keep them safe and teach them how to keep themselves safe as they get older.

 

[stinkerbelle]

I really didn't mean to start a whole debate here. I just think that an 8 year old is a bit old for a "restraint" or leash.

Trust me...I've seen some toddlers who were PRIME canidates for leashes. Like the one who got away from her mother and her mother reached out and grabbed her daughter by the HAIR and pulled her back. YIKES!

As crowded as any place might be...why not just keep an eye/hand hold on your child? Put the 5 year old in a stroller and have the 8 year old hold onto yours or your spouses hand.

 

[cleo]

A debate on what is suitable for keeping children safe may be better suited to the debate board. Please feel free to debate leashes/child safety reins/etc in the debate forum.

Some children at age 8 need a stroller, some do not. Please feel free to debate that topic on the debate board as well.

The OP asked about the Angel Alert. Thank you for the answers to the question so far. Does anyone else have any experience with this potentially useful item?

 

[Schmeck]

Questions to consider about this system - Does it weigh a lot? Can it get wet? What if the child keeps taking it off? Does it get activated if it gets close enough to another alert system? Will the child actually stop if he/she hears the alarm?

 

[markºoº]

Another option is to get an id tag that is brightly colored and attaches to their shoes. The are velcro and easy to remove when not needed. The back has a place for you to add id info.

Here is a link.

http://www.whosshoesid.com/index.as...tyles&cat=134648&cartstep=minfo&prodid=783678