magic vision band-aidsCuts and scrapes are inevitable parts of childhood, but for kids, the sight of blood or nicks on their smooth skin can be traumatic. That's why moms like me horde bandages in every shape, color, and character, because they're often the only way to stop the hysteria over little skinned knee.

My medicine cabinet is currently filled with no less than 10 different varieties, from Dora to Phineas and Ferb. None of those, however, can even compare to the new augmented reality ones from Band-Aid. Yes, I said augmented reality Band-Aids.

At first, I was ready to roll my eyes at yet another way we have to ruin a simple, childhood staple with more screen time. Then I started looking at them further and decided they're pretty brilliant.

Here's how they work. You download a free app on your iPhone or iPad and buy the special Muppets-themed Magic Vision Band-Aids. Then when you point the camera of your device at the Band-Aid, the Muppets come to life and jump around and sing right on the boo boo. Here's a video where you can see them in action.

Talk about a brilliant distraction. Even if you're not so keen on screen time for the toddler set, you have to admit that this is a case where it's justified if it calms kids down and makes them forget about their pain (real or perceived). I also think about the bigger implications for the product, like for kids who have more serious injuries and ailments than skinned knees and how useful they could be during some medical procedures.

The less pain kids have to suffer -- no matter how small -- the better as far as I'm concerned. I'm going to make room in medicine cabinet now for a box of these new Band-Aids now. I'm just not sure I'm going to be able to wait until the next boo boo before I bust them out.

What do you think of these new augmented reality Band-Aids -- brilliant or too much?

 

Image via YouTube