A busy Australian mum-of-four has designed a wristband with a QR coded plate embedded in the stitching to ensure lost children are found quickly and safely.
Mia Dickson, from Townsville, Queensland, launched Safe Bandz earlier this year on May 21, 2021 after a successful stint with her previous business Social Dot.
Mia, 35, told Daily Mail Australia the product idea sparked after she attended an event with a police officer friend who wrote permanent marker on her child’s arm in case they were to run off unexpectedly.
‘I thought there had to be a better way! As a mum myself to four runners, I was always looking for a way to protect my children that loved to explore their environment,’ she said.
‘But I didn’t want my details on display, and I knew that I needed something to list my child’s medical needs.’
Mia Dickson, from Townsville, Queensland, launched Safe Bandz earlier this year on May 21, 2021 after a successful stint with her previous business Social Dot
Mia (left) said she and her husband travel often with their children and have ‘always encouraged adventure’, but are often worried their children might run off. Two weeks after launching the brand made $10,000 and almost sold out of stock
Mia said she and her husband travel often with their children and have ‘always encouraged adventure’, but were always worried their children might run off or their new puppy might escape the backyard.
Safe Bandz are a perfect wearable solution for storing two sets of parent or guardian names, contact number and medical or emergency information.
It’s also ideal for elderly loved ones who enjoy their free time and pets who escape backyards.
If a lost child or pet is found, the QR code can be scanned using a phone, follow the link provided and enter the unique individual code written on the band.
The names and contact details of the parents or guardian popup and can be called directly along with any medical information.
The wristbands are made from a nylon webbing material with Velcro clasp and reflective stitching holding an engraved QR code metal plate.
‘We started the designing process in December of 2020 and knew what we wanted the Bandz to be able to do,’ Mia said, adding: ‘It took a few goes to get the exact build that we were wanting.’
Safe Bandz are a perfect wearable solution for storing two sets of parent or guardian names, contact number and medical or emergency information
After the first two weeks of launching the business, Safe Bandz made $10,000 and nearly ran out of stock.
‘The response from customers has been overwhelming,’ Mia said.
‘People are so grateful to have their toddlers, special needs children or family members, as well as some cheeky furry family members covered.’
This success is likely because of a lack of competitors, and Mia claims the product is the first of its type in Australia.
‘There are medical alert bracelets used in Australia and globally however we have found a fun and funky way to combine a medical alert and ID contact bracelet,’ she said.
Due to the huge positive response, Mia and her husband were able to incorporate a GPS location upgrade into the technology.
‘When a ‘finder’ scans the code and allows location services on their phone, the parent can log into their profile and see where the band has been scanned,’ Mia said.
In Australia, an estimated amount of 20,000 children go missing each year, but by using Safe Bandz wristbands this number could be reduced
In Australia, an estimated amount of 20,000 children go missing each year, but by using Safe Bandz this number could be reduced.
‘The bands give parents peace of mind when heading out on family outings or holidays,’ Mia said.
The bands have also been purchased from customers around the world for elderly family members and pets.
The pet collar option allows fur parents to list their address or vet details in the QR code rather than microchipping their four-legged friends.
The pet collar option allows fur parents to list their address or vet details in the QR code rather than microchipping their four-legged friends
Last August Mia launched Social Dot after having to close her yoga business due to the COVID-19 pandemic
The wristbands are available in two highly visible colours, pink and blue, and are priced at $34.95 each.
On the Safe Bandz website several happy customers have left positive reviews and highly recommend the product to other parents.
‘I’m impressed! It’s so easy, and I can put her medical diagnosis and hospital details on there. So, so happy with our purchase,’ one person from New South Wales wrote.
‘I’m so happy I have ordered this for my grandmother, she has dementia but still loves the freedom of her daily coffee shop. This means they can now call myself or my mother directly if ever they need too,’ another shopper from Germany said.
A third wrote: ‘When I saw this, my first thought is I need this for my dogs! Then I found your Pet Collar attachment, I was so excited, I ordered three straight away! My Dogs are old and do like to wonder our quiet street, heaven forbid they go any further.’