Monogramming child's name on bags and safety

[formerlyllizzyb]

I want to buy Graham a toddler backpack for the church nursery, gym childcare, next year's Mother's Day Out classes, etc. I've found some at PB Kids that I like, but I'm stuck on what to use for the monogram.

I've heard all the concerns about putting a child's first name on items like that. Example: Anyone could walk up to him and say, "Hey Graham, your mom told me to come get you". So, I scratched a first name monogram off my list.

I thought about doing our last name, because then a lost bag would be more identifiable. But I'm still worried about the safety of broadcasting my kid's last name to just anyone. Doing the last name would be nice in terms of hand me down issues--if we have another boy down the road I could use the same bag.

Seems like doing just the 3 letter initial monogram is the safest option.

Am I overthinking this? I think in typing all this out I just convinced myself to do his three initials. I like the idea of last name for the two reasons I mentioned, but I can't get past the safety issues for that, either.

[Deleted]

Whenever I get one I am either doing first name or first initial. I'm not worried about the safety at this age because they are so closely monitored by teachers. If she ever walks home from school alone in the future I wouldn't do first name.

[formerlyllizzyb]

Sept 10, 2013 13:15:30 GMT -5 @lindy said:

Whenever I get one I am either doing first name or first initial. I'm not worried about the safety at this age because they are so closely monitored by teachers. If she ever walks home from school alone in the future I wouldn't do first name.

You're right--this age there's not really opportunity for him to be alone with his backpack on his back.

[rubber pants]

I would never put first names on the OUTSIDE of bags. There are too many creepers out there that I picture doing exactly what you pointed out.

3 letter initials or have just sharpie on the inside.

[Deleted]

I always monogram with all three initials, including M's boat and tote.

I never even thought about safety, I just have always preferred 3 letter monograms.

[formerlyllizzyb]

Sept 10, 2013 13:19:14 GMT -5 rubber pants said:

I would never put first names on the OUTSIDE of bags. There are too many creepers out there that I picture doing exactly what you pointed out.

3 letter initials or have just sharpie on the inside.

Good point. I can always do initials and put our his whole name on the inside in the case of loss.

[creamsiclechica]

A's preschool bag has her first name on it, mostly because they make and issue the little bags (we paid a fee) to everyone so that all the kids have the same style bag. And I do agree with the fact that at this age and even next year, they're still so young that they're always being monitored by a trusted adult at the kind of places you mentioned. If you are looking long term, I love the 3 initial monogram too.

[livinreality]

I agree as long as you are doing parent pick up/ drop off you or the teacher are with him when he has the bag so go for the monogram of your choice. If you are going to use it at the mall or out and about that might be a little more risky/saftey issue.

[raynes]

For H's birthday his dad got him an (ugly) Blue Jays cap with our last name and the number "30" (his age) embroidered on the back. For Owen's birthday his uncle (so BIL) got him a little Blue Jays cap with his name and a "1" on the back. I worry about the fact that anyone seeing them together can easily work out O's full name. I understand that at the age his hat will fit this isn't so much an issue because he's always supervised, but I still don't like it.

I like the idea of initials!

[devonpow]

H has a PBK backpack with his monogram, but because I like how it looks, not for safety. I personally think the fear over personalized bags, etc is a little much. Spend 2 minutes on a playground and you learn each kid's name - they are constantly screaming each others names.