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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To buy a GPS tracker for my toddler

21 replies

Dinoswearunderpants · 02/05/2023 14:41

Just curious if anyone else has considered buying one for their children.

My toddler is 2 and I'm thinking of buying one for when we're on holiday together. We travel regularly just the two of us and I thought it could be an extra piece of mind.

Unless their is suitable child care available at the hotel, he is always with me but I still can't shake the worry of someone taking him.

I'm not an anxious person normally but I thought this seemed like a pretty logical idea. Thoughts?

OP posts:
Wenfy · 02/05/2023 14:45

Depends where you’re going. Most GPS trackers are useless as they don’t allow proper tracking.

If it’s just you and him - surely it will be less likely for him to get kidnapped as 100% of your focus will be on him & you won’t be getting pissed / need to use childcare.

VapeVamp12 · 02/05/2023 14:49

This hadn't actually crossed my mind before but I don't think its a bad idea.

I've got an AppleTag in my handbag but might get a second one for my son!

Lcb123 · 02/05/2023 14:50

Well, if you can track them, so can others. I'd never do this, it's so invasive. Surely it can be removed or lost easily anyway.

Ostryga · 02/05/2023 14:50

Yeah I have a wrist strap (Etsy) with an AirTag in it for Dd when we go out. I still worry but it does help!

Kitcaterpillar · 02/05/2023 14:51

I would question anyone on this thread saying this is a good idea and 'I'm not normally anxious'.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 02/05/2023 14:52

I think it's a great idea. It's not really to prevent kidnapping, just those moments where they duck out of view in a crowded place and you don't know which way they went.

Original poster
Dinoswearunderpants · 02/05/2023 14:52

Wenfy · 02/05/2023 14:45

Depends where you’re going. Most GPS trackers are useless as they don’t allow proper tracking.

If it’s just you and him - surely it will be less likely for him to get kidnapped as 100% of your focus will be on him & you won’t be getting pissed / need to use childcare.

I won't be drinking excessively so that's not an issue. Child care is possibly available at the hotel but I'm unsure if I'll use it.

We're going to Turkey. We've travelled loads before on our own but I feel the older he's getting, the more risk there is.

I always keep a very close eye on him but I thought if I had another layer of protection, it might help me feel a little better.

OP posts:
Original poster
Dinoswearunderpants · 02/05/2023 14:53

Ostryga · 02/05/2023 14:50

Yeah I have a wrist strap (Etsy) with an AirTag in it for Dd when we go out. I still worry but it does help!

Thanks for sharing. I did wonder where I would put it. As a bracelet is a good idea.

OP posts:
Original poster
Dinoswearunderpants · 02/05/2023 14:54

Kitcaterpillar · 02/05/2023 14:51

I would question anyone on this thread saying this is a good idea and 'I'm not normally anxious'.

I don't understand your point?

OP posts:
MondayYogurt · 02/05/2023 14:55

Just use an Apple airtag on a keyring. Clips onto a belt loop.

DivorcingEU · 02/05/2023 14:56

I always keep a very close eye on him but I thought if I had another layer of protection, it might help me feel a little better.

You seem quite nervous so I don't want to attack you. I'm wondering what the other later of protection would protect him from? What exactly will not happen because of him being AirTagged?

I'm not against the idea per se, but can't see what it will actually do. I also wonder about things like him taking it off, whatever attaches it to him breaking and it coming off etc.

MrsTerryPratchett · 02/05/2023 15:01

I write my phone number on DD's arm in crowded places. Like Disney. Well, I did when she was little. Having found and returned a toddler myself twice, once in a theme park and once near a pool(!), I don't think extra steps are a bad idea.

Skybluepinky · 02/05/2023 15:11

Just do wot most others do, one parent is sober and responsible for childcare, take it in turns.

whodawhodaeho · 02/05/2023 15:13

mmm, your 2 year old would never really be out of your sight unless with someone you trust, so I wouldn't bother. I'd worry that it would give me a false sense of security

Comedycook · 02/05/2023 15:19

MrsTerryPratchett · 02/05/2023 15:01

I write my phone number on DD's arm in crowded places. Like Disney. Well, I did when she was little. Having found and returned a toddler myself twice, once in a theme park and once near a pool(!), I don't think extra steps are a bad idea.

My dd was non verbal for a long time...we got her a special bracelet made with our phone numbers on it.

I don't think a tracker is a bad idea...I mean never ever take your eye off a toddler when you're out even with a tracker but if you feel better do it.

MrsTerryPratchett · 02/05/2023 15:21

Skybluepinky · 02/05/2023 15:11

Just do wot most others do, one parent is sober and responsible for childcare, take it in turns.

Who is she taking it in turns with? She's going with just the toddler.

Original poster
Dinoswearunderpants · 02/05/2023 15:23

DivorcingEU · 02/05/2023 14:56

I always keep a very close eye on him but I thought if I had another layer of protection, it might help me feel a little better.

You seem quite nervous so I don't want to attack you. I'm wondering what the other later of protection would protect him from? What exactly will not happen because of him being AirTagged?

I'm not against the idea per se, but can't see what it will actually do. I also wonder about things like him taking it off, whatever attaches it to him breaking and it coming off etc.

I assure you I'm not 'quite nervous'. I simply have a very active toddler so thought this could be a good option to have as additional security.

OP posts:
Original poster
Dinoswearunderpants · 02/05/2023 15:24

MrsTerryPratchett · 02/05/2023 15:01

I write my phone number on DD's arm in crowded places. Like Disney. Well, I did when she was little. Having found and returned a toddler myself twice, once in a theme park and once near a pool(!), I don't think extra steps are a bad idea.

That's a great idea thanks.

OP posts:
Oopswediditagain2023 · 02/05/2023 15:30

I've seen some people sew them into shoes as a bracelet can obviously be taken off and discarded.
However I find it odd that you'd take these extra steps but seemingly are considering leaving him in the care of someone you've never met at a hotel?!
I also worry with things like AirTags on kids that it can give a false sense of security as PPs have said

JMSA · 02/05/2023 16:21

That's a whole new level of anxious. No parent I have ever known has done this.

SophDav · 16/10/2023 20:48

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