When we go out with Max, we have our eyes on him every single second, and I am not exaggerating. But when we're in crowded places—amusement parks, the mall, events—I worry that that he'll get separated from us. We've used various IDs over the years, but I'm loving the new 411 Wristbands from Mabel's Labels, disposable but durable ID bracelets you can customize. I'm friendly with founder Julie Cole, a dynamic mom of six (including one son with autism), and she sent some for Max.
"Kids with autism are known wanderers, and it's a huge concern for parents," says Cole. "We were brainstorming around a possible solution that Mabel's Labels could provide, and the idea was born! We use them for family outings for all my kids—it gives them and me a sense of security. I also use them when the kids go to a friend's house for a playdate or to a birthday party. Then, if something happens and the family has to get in touch with me, my information is right there on my child."
You can choose from five designs (the above is Artsy Kid), with three lines of text. I wrote: "If lost, please call..."And then: "Mom's cell phone" and "Dad's cell phone," with our numbers. Max is not usually into wearing any sort of bracelet, but I put it on super-quick (you just peel off the adhesive and connect the ends) and he didn't mind. You can always attach them to a belt loop or ankle.
Thirty wristbands are $21 for a pack of 30, plus shipping; the company is offering a 30 percent discount to Love That Max readers, from now until midnight on Wednesday July 16, so the cost is $14.70. Just enter the code lovethatmax at checkout.
Love love love these!! Will DEFINITELY be ordering!!
ReplyDeletecool idea :)
ReplyDeleteI love these!!! Great idea, need to order some.
ReplyDeleteI tried ordering these and the coupon code does not work. It says " Coupon is not valid for any items in cart." I ordered the exact ones you got for Max. :(
ReplyDeleteI am writing to customer service. I will let you know what they say! :)
DeleteStand by, I just emailed them. I'm so sorry; I was told last night the code was working!
DeleteIt should be working now!
DeleteThis would be good if I got lost when going out independently without a cell phone.
ReplyDeleteRoad ID is also a good option if you need/want something for full-time wear. They have enough room for 2 numbers, name and important medical information (at least a little).
ReplyDeleteI don't see why these wouldn't work for any young child -- not just a child with a disability. I have deaf friends who have a hearing almost-5 year old. They are going on vacation to England, and wanted to get some kind of ID for him in case he becomes separated from them. I pointed them to your blog. :-)
ReplyDeleteThese are great for ANY kid, not just kids with special needs! I used to work at the local children's museums and the amount of times kids got separated from their parents was staggering. This is such a great help.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant idea! It seems like the bracelets might help some kids with disabilities transition to where they can communicate their needs and explain their disabilities themselves.
ReplyDeleteI am a middle school special education teacher. With 11 students and 3 adults on fieldtrips to teach life skills (e.g. grocery shopping, banking, using a gym, etc) , I am always nervous about one of my students wandering away, especially the nonverbal kiddos!! This is the PERFECT solution. Thank you for the coupon code. I will definitely be buying these!!
ReplyDelete