Medical ID tags for peanut allergy kids?

[MSSANDRA]

Our 2 yr old DGS has a peanut allergy and I am thinking I should get him a medical alert tag just in case, at least before his b-day trip. He is good about asking everyone if they have checked the label but I have this nightmare of him being lost and a CM giving him a uncrustable or something while they find us and him taking it. OK.. I am overboard but what do you all do?? Neckace or braclet?? Any good online sites???

 

[beavismom]

I don't think a CM would give a peanut containing food to an unknown child in this day and age, but if my child had a life threatening allergy I would have a medical alert tag for them all the time anyway.

 

[Leajess99]

Our 2 yr old DGS has a peanut allergy and I am thinking I should get him a medical alert tag just in case, at least before his b-day trip. He is good about asking everyone if they have checked the label but I have this nightmare of him being lost and a CM giving him a uncrustable or something while they find us and him taking it. OK.. I am overboard but what do you all do?? Neckace or braclet?? Any good online sites???

Generally most places cannot give a child food. I know even with the samples that are given they have to give it to the parent and let them give it to the child. That may only be a local policy but because of the liability issues of giving a child a food they may be allergic, most will not do it. Selling something to a child is different than just giving it to them.

Also, I would recommend a bracelet as a necklace can be dangerous.

 

[laughinplace199]

My DD9 has been wearing a medic alert bracelet since she was 3. I agree with the PP that a necklace may be dangerous for a little one. Plus, I like the visibility of the bracelet.

 

[GoofyFairie]

OP, as a mother of 2 peanut allergy kids I understand your fear. It is justified. I would go with a bracelet made with a sports band that is available in kids sizes. If you do a search you should find what you are looking for. I'm not sure if medic alert sells these or not, but they are out there. It is best to be prepared than have regrets. Have a great trip!

 

[happymommy]

That is a great idea. When my son was 2 (he has ADHD very noticeable) I got him one. At the time he was allergic to peanuts, sesame, milk, eggs, as well as zithromax.

For a two year old, it's a good idea. They can't speak for themselves so it's smart!

Here's hugs for him and all allergic kids!

My son was so lucky - he outgrew peanut and sesame on his own (rare but happens), and was now almost completely cured of his milk allergy thanks to the immunotherapy study at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. There is so much hope for these kids! We only strictly avoid egg now.

 

[simonsmom]

I just read in a magazine (redbook I think?) that a mom came up with temporary tatoos that you can order to say different things. Like peanut allergy or your cell phone number for emergency. They are waterproof and said to last 2 weeks. If you want me to I will try to find more info before the recycle bin goes out

 

[simonsmom]

I found the article. The website is eyedentitylabel.com

 

[WantToGoNow]

All 3 of my children wear medical ID bracelets.

My ds7 has been wearing one since he was 3 - he is allergic to latex, milk and egg and has asthma. His is the basic stainless steel with a clasp that he cannot undo by himself. Why? I bought him one of the nice sportsband type when he went to Kindergarten. The first week of school he sold it to a boy on the bus for $7. The mom called me and we got it back - and he returned the money. He knows that it is never to come off - he broke a finger last week and the xray technician started to remove it and he stopped him. I told him it was ok, that it had to come off for the xray.

My dd5 just started wearing one in the fall after being diagnosed with a rare bleeding disorder. She has a pretty one with different colored beads. Her clasp is easier to do but so far she hasn't tried to remove it herself. We bought her one that we could replace just the band and keep the same plate since her condition isn't likely to change.

My older dd wears one for a heart condition and several allergies to medication. She has one that looks just like a pearl-like bracelet with the medalions hanging from it.

Go out and search on the internet for "child medical ID bracelets" and you will get a wide variety to choose from.

 

[liznboys]

My 7 yr old (who has allergies and asthma) has been wearing a Medic Alert bracelet since he was 2. I just buy the regular stainless steel one with the red symbol, I think it's the most recognizable, and it's easy to keep clean. He rarely takes it off, it stays on 24-7. And actually HE can't take it off since it has the special clasp (a good thing) so I take if off for him when it needs to come off.

 

[FidlMom]

My DD15 has been wearing a MedicAlert bracelet since she was 4 years old for an unusual medical condition. It has given me a lot of peace of mind over the years for 2 reasons:

1) Her condition is listed on the bracelet, so emergency personnel have a head start on her condition

2) The bracelet lists a toll-free number to call which ties her to a database where all her detailed medical info is, plus a list of her doctors and parent contacts

The info on the bracelet is actually etched in, so it doesn't come off. She is the catcher for her softball team, and the bracelet really gets beat up, but the information is still readable.

 

[disney_family_1247]

Do a search online for peanut allergy temporary tattoos! Someone posted a link on here last year to them. When you order them, they ask for your cell number to print on the tattoo. You can put it on a conspicous place on your child. My son has a peanut allergy and I think these are a great idea.

 

[wsdisneybound]

My son will be 6.5 when we go and he has a velcro medical alert bracelet with his name, peanut allergy and that epi-pens should be used. They also make stickers that you can buy to put on their clothes stating that the child is allergic to peanuts/milk/eggs etc. I was thinking of buying these to take with us also. That way it is very prominent for people other than medical personnel.

 

[SueM in MN]

My DD15 has been wearing a MedicAlert bracelet since she was 4 years old for an unusual medical condition. It has given me a lot of peace of mind over the years for 2 reasons:

1) Her condition is listed on the bracelet, so emergency personnel have a head start on her condition

2) The bracelet lists a toll-free number to call which ties her to a database where all her detailed medical info is, plus a list of her doctors and parent contacts

The info on the bracelet is actually etched in, so it doesn't come off. She is the catcher for her softball team, and the bracelet really gets beat up, but the information is still readable.

I would agree with the recommendation for a bracelet from www.medicalert.org
Getting a bracelet from somewhere else just gives very basic information, which may not be enough. Having a medicalert bracelet or necklace gives a whole system of information.

 

[hogwartsdropout]

As a CM I know that we have all been trained not to give lost children anything at all, except water if they ask for it.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Thanks everyone!!

I had not thought about a lot of these things!

I will go with a stardard med alert rather than the cute one I was looking at.
I really did not think WDW CMs would give him peanuts but somewhere might. We have had at least two deli ladies try to hand him a cookie when he was with me!!!

We also have an less reactive egg allergy and a few medication allergies so we certainly have a need.

I have been reading about the John Hopkins study and it sounds interesting to say the least. We will talk to our dr soon.