I have a runner!

[Tropics]

DD was a runner when we went at 22mo. I totally recommend a leash backpack. She had a stuffed panda backpack/leash that she loved. It gave her a bit of freedom to run but I felt safe knowing that I was almost within arms reach of her whenever she did run. As great as it would be to teach your DS not to run and the consequences of running... it might not work as well as you would like before your trip. Being prepared in advance is the best way to go. There will be SO much to see and do and there will be SO much excitement at WDW that even the best teaching can be forgotten by a toddler when they get excited. Be prepared for anything and you'll be fine.

BTW, we didn't care about any stares that we received when DD was wearing her leash. She loved it and didn't fight it... it actually made her really happy to wear it. I would rather that she be safe and with me than to worry about other people's issues. Only you know your child and what they will and will not be capable of!

 

[iLoveMickey87]

I wasn't sure about writing it on his arm. Is that safe? I mean sharpie and all? Maybe I will look for one of those bands that he can't get off .

Im butting on this one and dunno if anyones said it but...Ive seen numerous times. Use masking tape on the hem of his shirt and write your name and number on it. Just in case She/He gets lost you can be reached and no ink on skin.

 

[rachael95]

A few suggestions. My DS is almost 29 months, having the same issues, so here's what I've tried.

Backback leash - NO. It's too hot. He didn't like how sweaty he got wearing it and he felt tied into it. And honestly, the monkey he picked out got snickers from adults about him "having a monkey on his back."

Wrist leash - seems ok, but he's not really thrilled about it. I'm going to use this one at Disney. Benefits: 1. Not as hot and 2. I can leave it on when I put him in the stroller, vs. the backpack you have to take time to put it on and take off.

Safety IDs - don't use Sharpie. They're actually not considered safe for skin.

What to use:
1. Buy a dog ID tag from Walmart or other store. You can engrave your Phone, Names, his name, etc. on it. They're about $6 and you can thread them onto his shoe.
2. Safety Tats (safetytat.com) work just like the fun little temporary tattoos but have your information on them. They last for several days. I'd make sure it's in a spot that won't show in pictures though.
3. If you're handy (I'm not), creating tags to sew onto clothing.

We've also been drilling into our DS his full name and our full names. He can now tell us Mama and Dada's first and last names as well as his (since we all have the same last name, that helps). It makes us feel better that he might be able to provide that information if all else fails.

 

[jess1662]

We always just printed a bunch of labels (name tag size) with mine and DH's cell numbers and stuck them in the middle of their back where they can't reach them. Worked perfectly I'd bring extra in the backpack just in case they got wet.

 

[jennab]

Thanks everyone! I ordered a wrist tether to see how that works. It will be end of Sept so I imagine a backpack would be hot! We do have a backpack (just looks like a regular one) as a back up.

For the next few months I am going to work on staying by us though. Hopefully it goes well but I like the security of having something singe DS tends to bolt or just wander after something he sees!

 

[Meldev]

I have a 2.5 year old now and am similarly preparing. We just returned from our beach vacation and did what we could to enforce him holding our hand when he walked himself. I have a harness (no backpack on it) if all else fails.
My youngest DD was the same way - she was 2.5 at disney - stressed me out, she did well in lines waiting for rides - and it helped that her sisters were in a double stroller too - occasionally she would get very mad in the stroller, but when we were heading a good distance it was necessary and I felt bad for those hearing her protests, but she eventually enjoyed the ride!

Good luck - excellent idea to think ahead you're not alone with such concerns.

And I echo what others have said about people giving you looks (if you use a tether or harness) - ignore them, they either don't remember that age for their kids, don't have kids, or never had a RUNNER!! My first two clung to our sides!

 

[kohlby]

Get some sort of harness. The ones that are more like vests/backpacks are recommended over the wrist ones due to safety last I knew. It's been a while since I read up on it though, so look into the safety of using a wrist one before deciding on that one in case it has changed.

Ours was over the torso, but not a backpack one. It was straps. It was not too hot that way. The cord could be attached to that. He was a sprinter but hated the harness. We had him wear it at first, since he wouldn't sit in the stroller. He hated it so much that I told him that I'd unclip him, but keep the harness part on. But if he dropped my hand and/or sprinted, then it was back on. He listened! The next day, I let him go without even the harness on him - but I showed him that I had it with me and let him know that it would go on him if he didn't stay with us. It worked wonderfully! I showed him I had it every day. He also started using the stroller some on the 3rd day. He was a rather spirited kid who normally didn't care much about consequences. But he didn't like wearing the harness so it made it easy! Ours was not uncomfortable or hot - but he did have sensory issues so that may have played a part. (It did play a part in him being a runner!)

 

[puffkin]

I have a runner. We use a backpack harness. The wrist ones I don't like because they can really twist their arm if they get too far away from you and fall or get tangled up in a crowded place.

As for the sharpies....if you have ever been to a swim meet, your kid will be COVERED in sharpie. Doesn't seem to hurt them at all.

 

[slzer0]

So glad to read this. 2.5Yo DS is also a runner.

Thankfully he likes the stroller and likes to be worn, so we will be bringing the carrier folded up in the bottom of the stroller.

I know he won't wear the leash backpack or wrist harness. I used to judge leashed kids while walking with my peaceful DD. My son has changed my view on the world lol.

LOVE the tattoos but I'm afraid if I put it where it won't show in pics, it won't be found. At least the bracelet looks like a bracelet. Probably going to order those.

Thanks for the tips. We have been practicing staying together but it's hard. Hopefully play areas will do the trick to get his crazies out.

 

[bethy]

We have a runner who can get out of ANY contraption. Harness, stroller, anything. She can get bracelets off, shoes off.

No matter what IMO the single most important things is labeling them on their body just in case the other stuff doesn't work.

I label her my with sharpie every single time we travel and take a pic of the day of her with my phone. I've gotten plenty of glares about the sharpie but I don't care.

And I am working hard at teaching her safety stuff - she is three and very bright.

And then I use lots of positive reinforcement.

And then finally I take every opportunity to give her as much freedom as I can when I can. We go swimming every single day and spend hours at play areas or other "safer" more contained venues. Then she doesn't feel as confined at other times.

I have lost her once time at Disney so far. And actually, it's a pretty decent place to lose a child, if you have to lose a child. I still lost a couple years off my life during those 10 minutes though!

She is a free spirit - doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or feels about it. She is a force of nature - physically and personality-wise. My first two kids were/are "normal." Anyone who hasn't given birth to one of these kids has no idea what they are talking about. Do whatever works for you and your child.

 

[slzer0]

I completely understand you.
Funny how kids can be so different.

I'm thinking maybe put the tattoo under his shirt, like if you went to check his tag you'd see it.
Won't be visible in photos and he won't spend all day trying to pick it off.