Kid's IDs

[KIS]

I've been watching these boards, but now I have to make this decision for an April trip. It is eveyone's first trip to WDW. So, I welcome advice from the vets as well as discussion.

I have read, by in large, that some form of ID on a child is worthwhile and helps the child get located should they become lost.

I would like to know which sort of ID works best, in your opinion. I read in one discussion that some IDs are so obscure that even the CMs can't find them while others have a concern of some stranger reading it and using it against the child somehow.

I've read about tags on necklaces, bracelets, anklebracelets, and worn in or on the shoe. I've read about special IDs being purchased online, too. Some swear by tape inside clothing.

Please help me figure out what will work best for me. What's the pros and cons of some of these? What are the sources of special IDs for children?

KIS

 

[goofy4tink]

I would buy a lanyard at the gift shop. Get one of those little plastic pouches that can clip onto the bottom of it. Some of the lanyards actually have one on them already. Then you could put a sticker on the back of it with the child's info on it. I have seen someplace that a parent put their cell phone number on it and made sure the cell was on at all times. With the lanyards they can also buy the different pins to collect.

 

[alloyd1170]

Check out http://www.childsid.com. They have some great id items. I bought my 2 yr old son an id bracelet that has a train and his name engraved on one side, and info on the other. He loves showing it off to people. They are good prices and very durable. My son wears it 24/7, even swimming. He hated wearing anything on his wrist, but the bracelet doesn't bother him. The clasp is very secure too (I have a hard time getting it off). The company will add links to it for free as the child grows, and you only have to pay 1/2 price to update any info changes. They messed up the order at first (didnt put the train on it), but the next day I got another one with the train, and was told to keep them both!

Personally, I would stay away from anything around the neck in case it gets caught. Wouldn't want to strangle your child! Taping stuff to clothes might get smeared or fall off it gets wet. CMs should be able to find it easily (especially if you teach your child to show it to them if they get lost) and it's not something that can easily be read unless you're really looking at it. Let me know if you have any questions.

alison

 

[ReneeQ]

It depends on the age of the child. When my nephew was 3, 4 and 5 I used the pet tag tied into his shoelaces. You can order them online or get them made instantly at PetSmart or Walmart.
I didn't put his name on it. It just said "If lost please call Aunt Jane Doe, Cell 555-555-1234, staying at Boardwalk Villas" It was tied, face down, into his shoelaces. If he was lost, he could show it to a CM, but no one could really read it otherwise, and it didn't have his name on it.

If you do list the hotel you're staying at, be sure the adult's name on the ID is the same as the name the hotel reservation is in. That way if for some reason your cell phone doesn't work, they could at least call the hotel and find your reservation and room number.

Now that he is 6, I made him an ID card on the computer. On the front I put his picture (taken with a digital camera and inserted into Microsoft Word) and put his name, age, birthdate, height and weight. On the back I put my name, cell phone, hotel info, parent's info and their home address and phone. (He was traveling with just me, his parents were at home).

I went to Office Depot and for $5 got a pack of six laminated luggage tags. I printed it, cut it, put it in the laminated thing and put the plastic loop through it. Then each day I looped it into his belt loop and put it inside his pocket. So he couldn't lose it, but it didn't show. He could pull it out if he was lost and show it to a CM. I did think about ordering him an ID card online, but it was about $10, and since I take him every year, I wanted to be able to update his height and weight and make a new one each time, so it was cheaper to do it myself.

I actually made two of these IDs and kept one in my bag, in case I needed to show it to a CM. One tip I read (I don't remember where) was to be sure you use a picture where they are not happy and smiling. If they are lost and upset they will not be happy and smiling.

I have never taken a child younger than 3, so this is just what I've done for ages 3 and up. Hope this helps!

 

[Sandi]

I use a little pocket that can be velcroed to shoes. They are designed for runners. I write the relevant information on an index card (parents' names, cell phone number, resort at which we're staying -- I would also include any allergies if my child had them) and slip the folded card into the shoe pocket. It works well for a child of any age.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

I agree, it's a great idea to have some sort of ID for your child! Here's one we carry right here in the DISshop!!

You can see it in the DISshop !

 

[edcrbnsoul]

Thanks for these ideas, I was just trying to figure out how I could put some id onto my 5 yr old without it showing to the world.

 

[pammypooh]

I had both my DD wear a fanny pack and had a card inside it with our information in it. They knew that if they got separated from us to give their card to one of Mickeys helpers with the special name tag. (They were 5 and 6 when we started this.) I am sure with younger kids another option would need to be used. Good luck!

Pam