How to ID a diabetic child?

[Disneygrl75]

I am taking my 6 year old to WDW in October for the first time. He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes just after his second birthday. We don't have a problem with the shots or fingersticks (it is just a part of life to him), but he does not wear a bracelet or necklace identifying him as diabetic. The only time he is ever away from me is when he is at school and everyone there knows about his condition. I did try a Med Alert bracelet about a year ago, but he would not leave it on. My question is, what is the best way for me to ID him while at WDW just in case we were to be seperated (not that I EVER plan to take my eyes off him). Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Colleen

 

[mike07801]

Have you tried a MedicAlert necklace? I prefer it to the bracelet most of the time as it is not visible for the world to see. Emergency medical technicians, nurses and doctors know to look for it. Maybe that will work better? My suggestion would also to have your little one start wearing it every day now to get used to it.

Good luck and have fun on your trip.

 

[Talking Hands]

Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. It should be on tight enough that he cannot remove it. Tell him that not wearing it is not a choice. He must wear it. End of discussion. Sometimes parents have to be firm and give consequences if our decisions are not follwed.
NO BRACELET YOU DON'T GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT A PARENT RIGHT THERE HOLDING YOUR HAND. Loss of independence.

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree with the others. The Medic Alert bracelet or necklace is something he will need to wear at some time in the future, so why not start now? Medical personnel, EMS and police (any First repsonders) all over the US know to look for one whenever a patient is in an emergency situation.
Being a year older might make a difference in his acceptance of wearing it. He has more understanding. A lot of people don't like the bracelet because everyone can see it. Like Mike said, the necklace might be more acceptable to him (and Medical people still will be looking for it). Maybe his doctor or a nurse at the doctor's office could convince him to wear it. Also, I can't do a search right now, but you may want to see if you can find an internet discussion group of parents of kids with diabetes and see how some of them have solved the issue.
Good luck.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Please get the child a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace (I prefer the necklace). It is only $35 for the basic emblem. Go to www.medicalert.org to order it. As others have said it is vital they have some identification at all times.

 

[Michigan]

Both my girls wear the bracelet and the youngest one has been wearing her's since she was 3.

While you may think he is never away from you except for school, he could be with you and someone would still need to know. Like what would happen if you were in an accident and unable to talk to EMS before he was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Until you get a new bracelet that fits and he will wear take his old bracelet and remove the chain or band then lace it to the bottom lace of his shoe. It's better then nothing!

 

[phillybeth]

I would get two bracelets, one for him and one for a stuffed Mickey (or whoever his favorite character is). If Mickey is wearing it then it can't be that bad! I agree though that a Medalert is a necessity, you would be surprised how often kids of every age get away from their parents in Disney! Not having it is not worth the potential consquences.