How Does Shoe ID For Kids Add Safety?

Imagine you and your kids are at the park on a warm, beautiful, sunny summer afternoon. Kids are running, playing and being kids. You call your child and there’s no answer. You call again, louder and still no answer. You search everywhere to no avail. Panic begins to set in as you imagine your precious child standing all alone, crying and surrounded by uncaring strangers passing by. Hopefully, someone takes pity on the poor little kid and asks them if they are lost. A nod; yes. The stranger asks if they know their phone number or address. A head shake; no. A parent's nightmare.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children estimates that 2000 children are reported missing every day in the United States. Virtually all children aren’t carrying any form of personal identification with them. And many children can’t remember their own phone number or address in a stressful situation, like being lost or separated from their family. What can a parent do to keep their children safe and be prepared in the event their kid becomes lost, separated or missing?

The Center recommends the following:

• Photographs: Have a current photograph of the child that is in color and is full-face, showing the way the child really looks. Keep the photograph readily available; in a wallet, a purse, keychain fob, etc. A number of organizations offer free photo ids, including Life Touch School Portraits.

• Fingerprints: Numerous schools, retailers and organizations offer fingerprinting events where parents can have their child’s fingerprints taken. Ensure that they are recorded on paper stock that can be uploaded into the FBI’s National Crime Information Center. Check with the local law-enforcement agency to see if they sponsor Child ID events.

• Medical Records: Parents should confirm with the child’s doctor or medical professional that the medical records are easily accessible if needed in identifying a recovered child. These records should include: X-rays, scars, blemishes, birthmarks, or broken bones.

The Who’s Shoes Kids ID Kit is a valuable and easy to use addition to the above precautions, especially for non-verbal children like toddlers or special needs children. The ID band is made of high-quality Velcro material and a water-resistant label material. They are durable and made to withstand normal use. Each ID Kit contains two Who's Shoes ID™ bands, of the same color - pink or blue- one Who's Shoes ID™ card with an area to add a current photo, safety tips, and complete instructions on how to use both the ID band and card.

I have been using these for my 5 year old non-verbal autistic son for 8 months and they haven't worn out, frayed or fallen off. Because they are on his shoes, they don't annoy or distract him like ID bracelets or necklaces and they are easily noticeable.

The disappearance of a child, even for a moment, is one of the most terrifying things that can happen to any parent. It can be even worse if the missing child can’t communicate or is too scared or stressed to give an adult helpful information that would reunite them with their parents. A few simple things like taking updated photos of your child, finger printing them, keeping a copy of their medical records, and providing them with some form of ID to keep with them just might make a difference between them coming home sooner than later.