Taveling with children - not your own - question

[Pocahontas]

My husband and I will be taking our niece (10 y/o) and nephew (7 y/o) to WDW. I would love any suggestions of paperwork or anything else we should bring with us since they're not our children. Should their parents fill out and sign something? Also, we will be flying and wonder what we may need for them? I know children traveling with parents don't need ID's, but I'm not certain if we should have something in case we're questioned.

I'd appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

[magicofdisney]

One time we watched our friends' children. They gave us a generic medical release form. It was something they typed up, giving us permission to seek medical help if needed. They then had it notarized before giving it to us.

[magicalmom]

I expect you should have a letter of permission, including the parents' contact info, if anybody inquires. You might want to have it include flying and visiting amusement parks, specifically. If they have ID, have them bring it.

More importantly, make sure you have have letter of permission to seek medical treatment for your niece and nephew should it become necessary. It needs to include the names and contact info for their pediatrician, dentist, and specialists. It should also include the numbers and contact info for whatever health insurance covers the children, and any medical history that an ER doc would need to have immediately, before a phone call is placed to the childrens' parents. Ideally, you won't actually use this, but in a dire emergency it can save time.

Sounds like a fun trip - enjoy!

[bouncer]

That is so nice of you to take your niece & nephew! :high5: We took neighbor girls (DS babysitters who had never been to WDW and probably would have never been) with us on one trip and we had the parents sign a "permission slip" and medical treatment agreement including phone numbers, allergies etc. Did not take the time to have it notarized but I don't see how going that extra step could hurt. Have a great time!!!!:thumbsup:

[NewDVCowner]

I'm sure you'll need something for the airlines from the parents saying that it's okay for you to take them. I recently notorized a form for the airline from a parent saying that it was okay for the other parent to fly with the child without them. Not sure if that was an international trip or not, but I'd call the airline to be sure.

[Pocahontas]

Thank you for all the great advice. I'm making a list right now of all the info I'll need from my brother and sister-in-law. I agree that it's better to be safe and have all the information that could possably be needed.

I didn't even think about calling the airline to see what they require!

Thanks again! I'll keep checking here to see if anyone thinks of anything else.

[IloveDisney71]

When we brought friends of our children with us, we brought copies of their parents insurance cards with us. I know in case of an emergency they probably would have been treated without proof of insurance but we thought it was a good idea to have a copy of the card on hand just in case.

[huslovesthemouse]

Every year we take someone for our daughter either a friend, niece, nephew. If they are under 18, you don't need anything for the airline, security will just ask them their name and age. All you need is a brief note from their mom or dad granting permission to get them treated if they get sick or hurt along with a copy of their medical insurance card. The note does not have to be notarized.

[Tinkerfreak]

Make sure to have a list of all medications and allergies with you also.

[PAYROLL PRINCESS]

I think on the note to approve medical attention for the kids you do need it notorized. Most banks have someone on staff that can do this for you. Better safe than sorry!

[magicalmom]

Real estate offices also have notaries.