Easy Phone Number Bracelets

These Easy Phone Number Bracelets are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who don't yet know their phone number. 

I am terrified about losing one of the kids, especially when we're in a place with a lot of people.  Will they know how to find help? How will they tell someone who they belong, too?

When my younger sister Katie and I were little, we were visiting my grandparents and they took us to the mall to do some errands.  There was some sort of storyteller or music or something and my grandfather parked us down in front of it while my grandmother shopped.  I think I was about Ethan's age - around 6 maybe.  At some point, his feet began to hurt and he wandered off to stretch his legs.  You see where this is going, don't you?

The show ended and Kate and I looked around but didn't see our grandfather anywhere.  Thinking we would find the car, and therefore our grandparents, we walked out of the mall where (thankfully) a police officer stopped us and asked where our parents were.  We tried to explain that we lived in New Hampshire but that we were visiting our grandparents in Maine.  But we didn't know their grown up names, or the address or phone number. 

My grandmother used to tell me the story over and over. "I was in the dressing room when I heard, 'will the grandparents of two little blonde girls please come to mall security' and I dropped the clothes and ran right out and I knew it had to be you!"  She wasn't so happy with my grandfather that day, as you can imagine.

Nowadays, everyone has cell phones, and so what better way to help your child 'get found' then this easy phone number bracelet?  We've taught Olivia (3) and Ethan both that if one of them gets lost, they should look for a police officer, or a mom with kids, and tell them they are lost and show them the bracelet.  We've also been sure to teach both kids our first names and are working on our address.

Ok, so enough of the nightmare story and scary what-if scenarios - these bracelets really are cute and fun. One of my best friends made these for her kiddos, and I begged her to make a couple for mine, along with a 'dummy' for the blog.  What, you didn't think my number really was 867-5309 now did you??  She's a good sport, and a great friend so she obliged. 

They're also fun for older kids to make, too, and help further develop fine motor skills.  Depending on the age of your child, you can also practice number recognition and counting while you're making these.

* Note, you should always supervise young children (3 and under) when making or wearing these bracelets as the bracelet could break and the beads could be choking hazards.

How to Make Easy Phone Number Bracelets

Note, this post contains affiliate links - purchasing from this link earns me a few pennies, but does not increase the cost of the product to you.

Materials:

• beads - I used clear, but colored would be pretty, too
• number beads
• stretchy elastic bead cord
• scissors

Directions:

1. Measure the wrist of your child and cut the cord a tad longer than needed so you'll have room to tie a knot.
2. Start with a few clear or colored beads, then add the area code, followed by a clear bead. Add the next three numbers, again followed by a clear bead.  Finally, add the last four numbers and a few more clear or colored beads at the end. 
3. Carefully tie a knot and double check to make sure it is secure before giving it to your child.
4. If your kiddo loves it, pick up some of the lettered beads and make them a personalized name bracelet as well!

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