Have you ever used a toddler harness/leash?

[Judesmommy]

Well Ladies I have a very busy 7 month old who is already standing and climbing and desparately wants to walk. I am expecting a very busy toddler, running and playing and if he's anything like my brother he is not going to want to hold my hand every where I go. 2 of my friends have toddlers and often go out together to the park, zoo etc. When they are in busy areas like the zoo they use these cute teddy bear backpacks with "leashes" attatched to them so their girls can walk independantly but don't get lost. At the same time they do get the dirty looks from people for putting a "leash" on their child. I already hate feeling judged so often by other mamas that I really don't want to get dirty looks for using a similar item, but I also want to be able to keep my son safe without having to fight with him everywhere we go (if that's how things turn out once he's walking). I'm just curious how mama's out there with busy toddlers deal with these kind of issues.

[ecwalke]

I haven't used one, but I would. when I was pregnant my son would take off running away as fast as possible all the time. I had to keep him strapped in the stroller at all times.

[BoysMama]

I have one of the cute backpack ones and I can't say that I have used it a lot but when we have been in circumstances that could be dangerous for the little one to get away (for example: around water, or lots of people) we have used ours and been glad for the extra security it provided!:thumbsup:

[endmendoza]

I have always said that I would never use a leash on my children (and haven't).. However, I have a friend whose daughter is SUPER SUPER busy and I think that in her case it would be the safe thing to do... Funny how we change our minds as we have more children and our children grow up.. LOL ;)

[britt&john]

I use them a lot at the airport, and I actually tuck the "leash" in the little pocket in the back. I tell ehr to stay with momma and if she does, she is "free" if not then I can grab the leash handle very quickly and stop her from running. (she doesn't like me holding the leash). If she pitches a fit, then I put her in the stroller/carrier for a few minutes. (sort of a timeout though I don't call it that in that situation.)

[fanatic4cloth]

they have really cute ones now. that dont even look like a leash. We have the eddie bauer one which looks like a monkey and its a back pack. And so the tail is the handle. its too cute.

[debdebdebby13]

You do what you need to do to keep your child safe. No one knows your child like you do, or what they are most likely to do in a situation like that. If the choice is have people give me dirty looks or lose my child in a busy place like the zoo, I'll take the dirty looks.

That said, we have one, and we got it for our trip to Disney World last March. It has a Minnie Mouse backpack thing. DD who was 2yrs, 9mos at the time mostly stayed in the stroller, but when she wanted to walk we would use the Minnie backpack. Again, I'd rather have people give me dirty looks than lose my DD, who has a tendency to run off, in a place like Disney World.

We don't use it in a place like the mall or grocery store. I don't think we'd use it anywhere except big, outdoor places like the zoo or the fair.

Anyway, some people like to judge and who really care what they think, what matters is that you are keeping your child safe.

[kat1205]

I wish more people were. You can imagine how scared the lost toddlers we saw at Disney were last week. If it makes it so you can keep track of your child and keep your child safe, I don't care who looks at you oddly. For what is it worth I give ya more mental props for having your child on a leash, than for seeing your child lost!

[BumChums]

i actally keep ours in my baby bag all the time, its in its package and unopened but i bought it when i was pregnant thinking that she was *just* old enough to walk independantly (i didnt buy a double for this reason) but still may need something to keep her safe while were somewhere super busy/crowded, it was mostly bought for the airport as we fly every 6months esp while im pushing a stroller :) it was only for safety reasons and thankfully iv never needed it shes very good at holding on the stroller frame when she dosnt want to hold my hand :D

[TyAndCheyMommy]

We haven't used ours much yet- but we do have one... my son usually is in the double stroller when we are in a place he would be likely to take off- but I have used one when he just has to much energy to keep calm and I forget the stroller- or my DD is in her wheelchair.
We have the puppy backpack and one of the old fisher price ones- my DS loves wearing the puppy one all the time- even around the house...
BUT my warning- be very careful letting them wear them unsupervised- because if the back gets caught in something- they can get caught up in the harness and hang themselves...

[Lanasmom]

I don't have one yet, because my 14 month old REFUSES to walk, but when she does I know I will need one. She hates her stroller for the most part as it is. When she is walking I know that she won't want to stay in it, but I also can't have her running away. I think the backpack one's are really cute and help the toddlers learn indepencence without getting lost.

I know some of you mama's use the baby wearing technique, and I think that is AWESOME...except my kid HATED it. Sometimes items such as the one being discussed here are the best for a given situation to keep a kid safe!

[picklesmama]

Who on earth would judge someone for trying to keep their child safe? Small-minded people who have never had an active toddler is all I can think! I am pretty sure ours has saved my son's life on occasion, he always wanted to run in the street, not all 2 year olds are the kind who will stay right beside their parents legs.

[JaylasMommy]

We use one. And, we have one daughter.
We don't use it all the time, just at places that are busy, like WalMart on a saturday, for example.

Some people give me funny looks, and I just give them funny looks back. I would rather know that I am keeping my child safe, than unsafe.

I would buy one. You may not use it very often, but it comes in handy when you are grocery shopping, or your child refuses to sit in the cart or stroller anymore... :blush:

[PipersMomma]

i dont have one but i have seriously contemplated it. My 2yo is VERY independent and spirited to say the least. Most of the time shes in her stroller tho or her wagon if we go somewhere like the zoo, so i havnt had to get one... but if we ever decide to fly somewhere i think i would get one just for the airport. I have an 8mo old too that i wear mostly but my 2yo is SO fast so i dont know if I would be quick enough to run after while wearing the other child, esp in a place like the airport

[laylaeomommy]

I wish more people were. You can imagine how scared the lost toddlers we saw at Disney were last week. If it makes it so you can keep track of your child and keep your child safe, I don't care who looks at you oddly. For what is it worth I give ya more mental props for having your child on a leash, than for seeing your child lost!

I agree. My DD runs away from me and doesn't listen. She is 21 months old and runs right into the middle of the street. I have a baby leash like that and do use it occasionally. As she gets older I think that I will be using it more often since she refuses to listen to me and could get hit by a car in rebellion of me. There is nothing wrong with doing what is best for YOUR child and so what if people look at you funny. Your child is safe and that is all that matters.

[MrsStripe]

I haven't, only because we haven't bought one yet. I'm sure if we were going to an amusement park or something like that we would get one.

[frog_fairie]

i have 3 little ones and one that likes to run away from me so yes i use one on her

[cassieJJ]

I haven't but I really want to! My ds will only hold hands with his sister when he's walking.

[revolekim]

I've used mine a couple times with my 14-month-old DS 'cause he's gotten to where he wants to walk everywhere and doesn't want to hold my hand. I think leashes are great. He's still kinda young and wobbly so I have to be really careful, but I think it's gonna be very handy when he's a little older.

[myfrugalfunlife]

they have really cute ones now. that dont even look like a leash. We have the eddie bauer one which looks like a monkey and its a back pack. And so the tail is the handle. its too cute.

We had that one, my dd actually would ask to wear it :giggle2: It was great for when we went to our local butterfly exhibit (super busy, open water, no strollers allowed). But that was the only time we used it, because they did not allow strollers, otherwise I'm a stroller mama :goodvibes: But I think they can be a great alternative to a stroller for busy places!

[calideedle]

No, only because I never had the need. My kids have always held my hand or stayed right next to me all the time.

If I had a need though I would.

[kat1205]

Another thought I had on this topic, we will be getting one. But won't just start using it only in busy areas. I want her to understand what it means, understand her choices (ride in stroller, hold hand, or let mom/dad hold leash) I don't want to leave that to when it is in a busy location.

[drocker]

Yes, I admit I was one of those girls who frowned on the idea before I had kids of my own. :blush: But, last weekend a friend and I took our kids to the zoo and didn't think it would be a big deal with 3 kids, 2 adults. Well, it was a crowded zoo day and when you child works his way into the crowd trying to see the polar bears until you can no longer see him it can be a frightening experience. Inevitably 1 of the 3 kids was out of arms reach at any given moment. Neither my friend nor I got to enjoy the time very much because we were "herding cats" in a sea of people. I was wishing I had a leash that day! I will never judge a mom again for using one!

[lizgrace07]

I say it's a good way to keep a child who wants to walk on their own safe in a busy place. We use it at the airport, for example. It's either that, or make my 2 year old stay in the stroller, or loose him becuase he will run off. I think a leash is a nice compromise. I don't care what people think. I don't want to loose my son, and he doesn't want to stay in the stroller.

[mommy2twins]

I have twins and whom LOVE to run away in opposite directions of each other. It is helpful in situations where they want to walk instead of the double stroller. I have only used them a few times because they usually drop to the ground in protest. I could have used them though in Chick-a -fillet (sp) where one daughter was running around the restaurant when we were trying to leave and my other daughter was close by. My hands were full and could only hold one hand and she was supposed to be holding hands with her sister. A guy told me he was enjoying watching our circus act. (that made me feel just awful about not having control over the situation) but then I remembered I have two 2 year olds and were going to have days like that at times.

[lovemyryley]

we've used them before at a VERY VERY busy airshow. It was the back pack kind. I wanted him to be able to walk, and he doesn't hold hands well. it worked well for that purpose but not for very long. He ended up in the stroller. I'm not against them at all. I think that they're great for certain children and certain circumstances.

[YesIhave4]

I have one of the ordinary wrist to wrist kind, and have had it since my 8 year old was 2ish. I only used it in very crowded areas and as a last resort when my child really wanted to walk instead of ride in the stroller. I still remember being assaulted verbally by a woman in 2007 when my DD was only 2 and my youngest DS was an infant. She came right up to me when I was struggling to hold the baby and keep DD with me while my oldest two ran around and said "You should be ashamed of yourself for putting a type of dog leash on your child. Can't you control your children better than this?" and she started to walk away. Blinking back tears I said, "Who are you to judge me like that? You don't know me! I have to keep four children safe and quiet so we don't offend ignorant people like you."
Ooohh that still burns me up a bit! :giggle:

[2Pinks]

I had two - one for each girl. The monkey and the puppy - now that they don't need them is when I see the unicorn! We used them from when my oldest was about 2 until my youngest was nearly 3. The backpacks went on as soon as we entered the gates either of Disneyland (we used to live in Anaheim and went to DL a lot) or the zoo or the county faire; without the tails. My girls were given 3 options - stay in the stroller, walk holding onto either my hand, my pocket or the stroller, or have the tail attached. My oldest liked holding onto the stroller but my youngest needed the leash. She wouldn't run off, but she tends to wander and not pay attention to where she is going - still does if I don't call her back right away.

I sold both backpacks when we felt the girls didn't need them anymore - but a few months ago, I wished we still had one! I almost lost my youngest twice at the SF zoo. Once at the lions exhibit - she pushed her way to the front to see before I could grab her and I couldn't see her for several seconds until the crowd disappated a bit. And once at the playground. I thought DH had his eye on her while I was pushing our oldest on the swings. He didn't and it took us almost 5 minutes to find her on the other side of the playground - I about died. Not that having her on a leash would have helped in that situation (DH should have been watching her) but in the first instance it would have helped.

I think they are a wonderful teaching tool for little ones who want a bit of independence but aren't old enough to make wise choices for their own safety yet.

[jac1976]

I tried one once and it was awful. DS was 18 months old and we were at Disney World. I didn't like the idea but DS had a habit of walking off. We put the harness on him (a cute monkey backpack, where the tail was the leash) and all he did was run and pull against it. I couldn't exactly pull back on it and cause DS to fall, and I didn't feel comfortable just standing there while he was pulling against it with all his force. So we took it off and just went with the stroller or backpack. The harness has sat in a box in my storage closet ever since. But that was just my experience, if your child won't pull, it might work better for you.

[Chriscia]

The safety of your child is most important! We have them, only used them once. I have 2 VERY busy toddlers and I think they are a great idea. My kids would rather be out and exploring (while "leashed") than stuck in the stroller.

[missydawn]

I used it one time on my oldest when we were flying by ourselves. It was not my favortie thing. I never used it again.

[mycdsqueaker]

I have one that we used for an the airport when DH took her on a trip by himself. We got the cute backpack looking type. Here is my thinking...would you rather get some looks/comments about using it OR have the guilt of knowing that your LO going missing may have been prevented by using it. Also think of the nasty looks/comments you would endure being the "horrible" mom who can't keep track of her kid.
I say do what works for you and the safety of your child. Who cares what others think....they don't have to live with it.

[Judesmommy]

I know some of you mama's use the baby wearing technique, and I think that is AWESOME...except my kid HATED it. Sometimes items such as the one being discussed here are the best for a given situation to keep a kid safe!

My ds hates being confinded so he will not stay in any carrier and has his good and bad days with the stroller at 7 months :(

I appreciate everyones responses on this issue!

[Ami in Deutschland]

We use one that looks like a monkey occasionally for my just turned 2 year old. Would you rather people give you dirty looks for your child running into them or knocking things over like she could if you can't react quickly enough? If you think the "leash" thing is too bad, try dressing your child in overalls, which you can hang onto with one hand.

WARNING***mentions death
My biggest reason for the leash is a horrible story I heard on the radio while I was pregnant with DS2. A toddler in Bavaria ran into traffic and his mother let go of the stroller to grab him. The stroller rolled downhill and went through a hole in the railing along the road, into the flooded Danube. She jumped into the water to save the baby, but the current was too strong. Both she and the younger child drown.

[kyrae99]

I have used one on a pier in monterrey and would use one in any busy place like disney land. My mom used one on me when we went to grand canyon

[Megan22]

I use one for Haylee. The twins go in the stroller/cart, and then Hay has the puppy backpack leash. It's much easier when I'm out by my self. I would rather have my child safe than to think of what could happen.

[Julesboch]

I love my leash! I have a very very friendly DD and she would run off with anyone. So having the leash just gives me peace of mind when she is off greeting every person that comes near her!

[tamarag]

A harnessed toddler is better than a lost toddler! :thumbsup:

[Gabesmommy]

I have a cute little backpack one, and I love it! It's a life saver sometimes.

[amybabya]

We have the monkey backpack one and my older DD loved it - she thought she was wearing here baby monkey. I held her hand with the end of the tail or "leash" so if she ran, I would have a hold of her. I got it after she ran from me a few times. She thought running and hiding from mommy/daddy was funny.

I need to get it out for DD2. Now that new baby is here, she is getting super crazy to watch because she is so busy. She hates the Beco now and the stroller as well. It will allow her to walk like a big girl safely.

My mom and dad borrowed it to take my niece through the airport. Reagan in DC is so insane and she was a runner as well. My dad said it was literally a lifesaver for two people who aren't used to a toddler making a mad dash constantly. It took a lot of stress out of the situation.

I have had a few people be totally *****y to me about it and I don't care. My children's welfare is much more important to me than the opinion of some idiot who has nothing better to do than judge me.

[sarahnovas]

Yes, we have a monkey one, and have used it a lot. Not as much, bc ds doesn't like to wear it. If we are going to walk around the city, sometimes I will just put the harness on and hold on to the shoulder strap of the harness when walking with him.
I was at the airport without the stroller or the harness last week, and our flight was delayed so we were there a lot longer than I expected. DS ran away from me like 10 times, and he's really fast; once he ran across the gate and started running down the ramp to get on the airplane. I wish that I had brought the harness.
I don't care what people think anymore. They must not have had an active toddler if they have an issue with it. I prefer a harness to stroller bc I think kids should walk and be active if they can.

[ShamroxGirl]

We don't use them but I have to say that when you've got a toddler who wants to be independent and run around and you don't want to risk nursemaids elbow or popping out their joints when they throw a tantrum it's a great idea to have one of these leashes.

[MamaOf3Cuties]

I have several so yds can choose the one he wants to wear. It makes it fun for him and safe for all of us. I've had a few people be asses about it, but I tell them that when I want their opinion on my parenting style I will ask them and until then to stfu :goodvibes: :D

[daisy0306]

I tried one with DS. He would go one way, I would go the other. He was constantly getting tangled up, it was a huge PITA.

[lemurmommies]

I have one, and used it a few times when DS was younger and we were in situations where babywearing all day long wasn't the best idea. We used it at the airport more than once, and at some tourist attractions.

[venia]

We have one and have only used it maybe twice(zoo and carnival). For day-to-day outings DD is wonderful and stays by our side hand-in-hand. We use the harness when crowds are too dense or if she is super excited or overstimulated. In those moments she seems to forget to mind and gets carried away by the excitement.

I would warn anyone who tries to say something about the harness would be treated to an earful :thumbsup:

I could also see us using it more when number 2 comes along. I only have so many hands.

[mom2LBJ]

Yes! We got one back when DS1 was a toddler ..and at times I think about putting it on him at 5yo :giggle2: I keep it in my bag for DS2 now.

I don't see why anyone wouldn't use one? ..at least none of the no's have posted unless I missed it.

[randareena]

I love the harness and so does my son. This picture is of Brock last summer at a crowded Thomas the Tank event. The harness provides me with a sense of security and gives him the sense of freedom that he needs. He is now three and my husband and I do not find necessary to use it as often (he doesn't typically get 3-4 feet away from us). The way I look at it is that I am preventing the most heinous of crimes being committed to my child. We have a much better time at zoos, amusement parks, malls, etc because I am not freaking out about losing him. I know where he is. As for the dirty looks that people give, give them one back. I am a pro at it. When my little brother was using a harness (I avoid calling it a leash because of the whole dog association) a lady at the county fair said something loudly about it after she had walked past me. I simply informed her that the harness was the most important child safety tool that was unfortunately used the least. My opinion when people tell me that leashes are for dogs, not children is that I love my kid more than my dog so why wouldn't I harness my child to keep him safe. That is the main purpose of a leash...to keep your dog from running away/disappearing. FYI, my mom harnessed me when I was younger and I turned out perfectly fine. Don't worry about any long term side effects it will have on your child. If anything, it might make him/her a harness user when he/she is an adult.

[thaisa47]

I have the monkey one from Target (Eddie Bauer) and we both like it. He usually throws out a complaint as I put it on him, and then he does fine. It came in handy this past Christmas when I took him to NYC to see the Radio City show and Rockefeller Center. I was pregnant, unable to chase him, and was afraid of him letting go of my hand and bolting in the middle of Times Square. I also use it while I am wearing my DD in a carrier and at places like the mall.

[Elsaraw]

I have one but haven't used it yet. We go to a lot of national parks and stuff and it will come in handy.

[momtoamiracle]

I just started using one with my almost three year old. Previously I'd have him in a stroller, or the grocery cart. But now he's really too big for those things, and much too active. He can get out of both of those things so when I'm out and about and in a very busy place I put it on. He loves it. He has so much freedom to skip and dance like he likes to do yet he's very safe. He loves to RUN and I'd be chasing him all over the place if we didn't have him in a safety harness.

Every single person that sees it comments on what a good idea it is. I think anyone that makes snide remarks has never had a child run away from them and nearly get hit by a car. Mine did and that is when we started using it regularly. It just had velcro holding it together but my mom put snaps and it is secure and doesn't pop off.


Do what you need to do to keep your precious one safe as possible.



someone mentioned nursemaids elbow. We had that happen when DS was climbing off the bed and dh grabbed his arm to keep him from falling and his elbow popped out! We had to take him to the ER. Needless to say we are VERY careful of how we handle his arms and shoulders! DS is very independent and likes no hand on him these days, so I'm sure it is saving him another injury to be tethered to us instead of him twisting his arm around to get free.

Oh he's such a BOY!:giggle:

[Primm_n_Proper_Baby]

Yep, one of the monkey backpack ones. Used only rarely, but when we go into super crowded or busy places, you betcha! You do what you need to do to keep your children safe. :goodvibes:

[Miles]

I will never use one. But if you feel like you need to I dont see any reason not to.

[crochetingmama]

We must use one on my nephew he is consently taking off.

[nktigger99]

I will not use one but that is my personal opinion...if someone else wants to use one more power to them.

[Leeldoo]

I always keep ours in the bag, but only use it when DS isn't listening about staying with me (I'm preggo and can't always run after him).

We do use it consistently in busy places like the zoo, the airport, etc. (we don't use a stroller anymore-- he walks with us)

[Emmett's Mommy]

I have one that I probably will use, I got it in a free bag of things I got from craigslist. He is a pretty "independant" child, and already pulls his hand out of mine.

I want to hear from the people that voted NO, and their reason(s)? All the pp so far have been for it, but there are plenty of NO's unexplained. TIA!

[reesesmom]

I have, my LO walked at 10 mos and I had no concept of holding a hand, etc. I used it a few times . . . like at the Zoo, Aquarium, etc. But - now, I don't need it. She stays w/ us well and such. Plus, when I last tried it, she would only lay down!!!! Like a cat does :)

Just want to add that I used it from like 11 to 16 mos . . . a baby running away from you at a busy Zoo is so scary! Espicially when you are alone (not w/ spouse, etc).

LO is 18 mos. now.

[youmb00]

I'd never use it on DD but I'm not going to commit to that until I have another child and see how difficult it is to keep track of two kids. DD is super clingy and scared of strangers so no problem losing her yet.

I just hate it when people over use it. I understand at place like Disney World, etc but I've seen someone use it at an airport playground! while the kid is trying to crawl through a tunnel, the parent is still holding onto the strap not paying much attention.

I just don't like it when parents use it to be lazy but I'm sure a lot of you have really active toddlers who'd get lost easily in a crowd without the leash thingy.

[prd2CD]

i have used one, but wouldn't say they are totally great. (shrug)
we have a backpack one with a monkey on it that we call "buddy". it's okay as long as your kid is little and likes to be guided. lol most kids at that age DON'T, thus the reason for it in the first place. if they run and you don't run with them, they can fall and it just doesn't seem right at all...

[oscarandbabys]

no, but i dont have a specific reason:giggle:

BEFORE kids i thought it was awful to see kids with those. But AFTER kids omg im all for them:giggle:

i dont blame a parent to use them. But i do think we as parents should at least try first to have our kids mind us. But after a while you do get tired and just need a leash or harness whatever you call them:mrgreen:

[lilerthquakes]

I haven't read through all the posts, so I'm not sure what all has been said so far... but no, no way would I ever use one. I think it's ridiculous and borderline abusive... flame away. I once saw a man walking a very small toddler across the bridge, right next to the edge on a leash... while CARRYING his dog... I think I've seen it all. Disgusting.

[budafam]

I don't have one and would never get one. I just can't get over the way they look. If anything, I like the idea of something like Jon & Kate used... a rope with handles on it so that they could all hold onto it. It's not like they're attached to the leash but at least you knew the kids were "trained" well enough to hold onto that. I understand that kids can be ruthless and take off but if you have more than you can handle, that's your tough luck.

[Rhianna'sMommy]

We didn't get one for dd#1 - she pretty much never left our sight. Around 18 months we taught her the concept of red light/green light and she'd stop if we said red light if she got too far ahead of us. DD#1 thrives on order and rules though so that was enough for her.

We bought a puppy packpack harness for dd#2 about a month ago though. She is a runner and is gone and out of the aisle in the time it takes me to grab something off the aisle. She can wiggle herself out of the straps on carts and climb out of the cart so forcing her in the cart does not good - she's just going to hurt herself. For her safety we had to get a harness for her. We only use it when we're having one of those days where she runs no matter what you do or say. We also take it any place that is crowded (but don't put it on until necessary). I'd rather know she's safe than wish we'd done something after something happened to her.

[Sweet_Fantasy_Fox]

we also have the monkey from target and used it when ds1 was younger at the county fair and zoo, we got alot of compliments on it everywhere we used it, it was very helpful and doesn't look like a an animal leash.
we never needed it for dd and now use it for ds2 when we got to the zoo. sometimes dd wants to wear it which is fine but she isn't a runner so doesn't need it..lol
btw a leash is to keep a dog safe so why put your safety concerns higher for a pet than for your child? :dunno:
anyway I think their great to allow a child to explorer, I also BW but my kids love to walk freely as they get older and curious about their surroundings so I am all for these cute harnesses.:)

[joy7s]

I have it and had it for our dd when she was 18 months old.. it was a mess i felt like I was dragging her the whole way.. I feel like a mt or ergo is better for us rather than chasing a kid or a leash. Perhaps it would be better on an older kid but we gave up ;)

[Elsaraw]

btw a leash is to keep a dog safe so why put your safety concerns higher for a pet than for your child? :dunno:


awesome point

[Xeniphia]

I know there have been tons of positive responses already but I want to share mine. I too was one of those people who always thought leashes on kids was tacky/not something I would do ... well I learned.

When my son was just over a year old and walking my now ex and I were apartment searching. Someone had given us one of those leashes and I figured 'why not' so I put it on him, not expecting to really use it much just to have it there for security. We went and viewed the apartment with no problems and I kept a close eye on him like always (my ex never watched his son at all). When we were leaving I turned back to shake the apartment manager's hand and took my eyes off my son for 2 seconds. It was right then that he decided to RUN down the concrete steps of the building for the asphalt parking lot and tripped. I swear everything went into slow motion as my little one was nose-diving towards concrete/asphalt. I don't even know how I did it but somehow I grabbed lower on the leash closer to the harness and I managed to stop him suspended by the chest with his nose less than an inch from the asphalt. Ever since that moment I am a FIRM believer in leashes, no they're not for every situation or every occasion, but I'm not a bad mom and I'm telling you that leash literally saved my son's nose. So yes, I'd use a leash, especially in unfamiliar locations and/or busy places.

[jwpsgurl]

I use them a lot at the airport, and I actually tuck the "leash" in the little pocket in the back. I tell ehr to stay with momma and if she does, she is "free" if not then I can grab the leash handle very quickly and stop her from running. (she doesn't like me holding the leash). If she pitches a fit, then I put her in the stroller/carrier for a few minutes. (sort of a timeout though I don't call it that in that situation.)

This is what I did when we were i Vegas and I will add that DD wanted to have it on at all times! She loves it :)

[greek4]

We have one and DS loves it. I use it when we walk around the lake at the park. He also likes to wear it around the house and have me lead him around. Once the baby comes I think we will use it more often.

http://dahlkebaby.blogspot.com/2009/06/8-days-until-due-date.html

[No Boys Allowed]

We have four girls -- ages 1, 3, 4 and 8 (today!) -- and I've never put any of them on a leash. :giggle2: And they are ACTIVE! LOL

Generally, the baby is in a wrap or MT with mama, the oldest is walking free (she knows better by now :goodvibes:), and depending on the place/situation, the two toddlers are given choices. They can ride in the stroller or shopping cart, walk holding onto the stroller/cart or otherwise within reach, or hold each other's or mom or dad's hands. If they choose to walk and start to wander, they HAVE to hold hands or hitch a ride. And if they refuse to do that ... trip's over!

Generally, the 3-year-old chooses to hold mama's hand and the 4-year-old keeps a hand on the cart or the baby's foot (dangling from the carrier :giggle:). She gets a kick out of it -- and I always know where she is.

[nktigger99]

I already responded that I would never use one. My son is 12 months old. My son started walking at 10.5 months and running a week later...so he is always on the go...add that to be being pretty preggo...due any day now and I still wouldn't use one.
I just can't see treating my child like a dog...heck even my dog walks without a leash but she is also well trained. We started from the time our son learned how to walk that he must hold our hand if we take it...if not then he has to be worn/ride in stroller/or cart.

[Mom2KG]

I certainly don't have more children than I can handle ( :rolleyes: ) and we own a puppy back pack leash thingy. It has only been used a few times in situations where I felt it was necessary. I would not use it on a young child who doesn't understand what it is or on a child that pulls. I only use mine on dd1. She walks just fine next to me but can wander and gets side tracked with socializing. In super crowed places like the zoo, aquarium or airport there are just too many people in close proximity to us. It only takes a second for someone to snatch your child or for your child to step away while you glance at something. I will never judge a parent or label them lazy for keeping their child safe. You restrain your child in a car, you restrain them in a stroller, your restrain them in a carrier. So what the heck is wrong with restraining them while they walk? If you use a back pack harness instead of hold hands you are lazy? Wouldn't that make using a carrier instead of your arms lazy as well? :headscratch: I see them both as tools for keeping your child close and safe while freeing your hands and a bit of your attention to do other tasks like navigate a zoo, grocery shop, etc.

[luvsviola]

Try holding your arm up in the air for 10 minutes above your head and see how your hand feels.

This is why I use a "leash"--the monkey backpack from Target---with my toddler. It is much nicer for her than making me hold her hand above her head all the time. We use it at the zoo and the Children's Museum, and other crowded places. Otherwise, she still likes the stroller. DD also has nursemaid's elbow, but that isn't why I use it.

[Sakari]

no, I haven't used one - only because I don't own one!! I would have used it tonight at the fair! Although I think DD would just get mad once she reached the end of the "leash" and throw a fit, which I'd rather avoid, so I guess we did ok without it. We'll see how things go - she's only 11mo. :S

[LilyGrace]

Reasons not to use a leash

-It treats children like dogs
Don't know about anyone else, but I think that's a good thing. We leash a dog to keep them safe, we leash children to keep them safe. Then again, if we were talking about putting children in rhinestone studded bags I'd have to go against. I think the freedom is just as important as keeping them near us.

-It looks bad
I wonder why no one says this about cribs. "Hey, are you keeping a zoo animal??" Or strollers "OMG, you have to TIE your kid down?"

-It's better for the child to learn to hold hands
I think my experience as a very small child made me sympathetic to those who have to hold their hands up in the air or be strapped down in a stroller. It's hard and tiring. The blood quickly drains out of the fingers, then the hand, then arm, leaving behind a tingling, hurting, then numb mess. While hand holding should remain an option, it is just that-an option to be chosen by the child.

-They won't learn to stay with you if you rely on a leash.
Hmm...I like this one. I'll add it to my list of others:
They won't learn to use the potty if you use diapers.
They won't learn to drink right if you use a sippy cup.
They won't learn to walk if you let them crawl.

All of these are inbetween steps, aids to make the transition easier and give independence suited to the age. There is a step between being so small that being with mom is a given, and having full freedom. That step mostly consists of options fitted to the situation.

-It's your responsibility to watch your kid. If you do that, you don't need a leash.
3yo, Disneyland. I put him in front of Goofy and stepped back to look through my lens. In those few seconds, he was gone. Saving grace was we had told him if he ever got separated he needed to look for a mommy (At DL all the uniforms are different so it's hard for a kid to find a cast member). We found him sitting on a bench, along with a mom and her kids. Scariest moment of my life, and the leash was brought out directly after. Not an every day thing, but with big crowds, YES. There's too much a child can do in a split second or if attention is diverted slightly.



So......reasons against using a leash. I still haven't found one that doesn't have a firm argument. If you find one, let me know.

[Rebeldream]

I haven't used one, but I would in a heartbeat if I felt I needed to.

We just got back from a wrestling show in the city. We left DS with my MIL, but took our 7y/o DD, and DH's two brothers (8 and 12). There were TONS and TONS of little bitty kids there. One little boy (maybe 1.5) was walking with his Daddy, holding his hand. But he was also wearing a very cute little blue backpack with a leash attatched and the dad had the wrist strap on. The little boy seemed very well behaved and walked nicely with his dad the whole time I saw him, but that extra measure of protection to make sure he COULD NOT get lost made me smile.

If it came down to being judged for "leashing" my child or LOSING my child there would be no hesitation. Judge away. ^_^

[mom2LBJ]

Reasons not to use a leash

-It treats children like dogs
Don't know about anyone else, but I think that's a good thing. We leash a dog to keep them safe, we leash children to keep them safe. Then again, if we were talking about putting children in rhinestone studded bags I'd have to go against. I think the freedom is just as important as keeping them near us.

-It looks bad
I wonder why no one says this about cribs. "Hey, are you keeping a zoo animal??" Or strollers "OMG, you have to TIE your kid down?"

-It's better for the child to learn to hold hands
I think my experience as a very small child made me sympathetic to those who have to hold their hands up in the air or be strapped down in a stroller. It's hard and tiring. The blood quickly drains out of the fingers, then the hand, then arm, leaving behind a tingling, hurting, then numb mess. While hand holding should remain an option, it is just that-an option to be chosen by the child.

-They won't learn to stay with you if you rely on a leash.
Hmm...I like this one. I'll add it to my list of others:
They won't learn to use the potty if you use diapers.
They won't learn to drink right if you use a sippy cup.
They won't learn to walk if you let them crawl.

All of these are inbetween steps, aids to make the transition easier and give independence suited to the age. There is a step between being so small that being with mom is a given, and having full freedom. That step mostly consists of options fitted to the situation.

-It's your responsibility to watch your kid. If you do that, you don't need a leash.
3yo, Disneyland. I put him in front of Goofy and stepped back to look through my lens. In those few seconds, he was gone. Saving grace was we had told him if he ever got separated he needed to look for a mommy (At DL all the uniforms are different so it's hard for a kid to find a cast member). We found him sitting on a bench, along with a mom and her kids. Scariest moment of my life, and the leash was brought out directly after. Not an every day thing, but with big crowds, YES. There's too much a child can do in a split second or if attention is diverted slightly.



So......reasons against using a leash. I still haven't found one that doesn't have a firm argument. If you find one, let me know.

:clapclap: I love the crib/zoo animals :giggle2:

leash or stroller, they're still harnessed & tied up :headscratch: and how can anyone compare it to a dog, its not around their necks! We also contain our dog in a soft kennel while in the car, I guess I'm degrading my kids by putting them in car seats too (and oh no those have harnesses too!). Maybe I can clicker train the kids, hey they do like going through tunnels, maybe weave a few agility poles & sit/stay! I wonder if they like dried liver treats :rolleyesout:

[randareena]

Another thought I had on this topic, we will be getting one. But won't just start using it only in busy areas. I want her to understand what it means, understand her choices (ride in stroller, hold hand, or let mom/dad hold leash) I don't want to leave that to when it is in a busy location.
:thumbsup: That's what we did with ds and he loves his monkey harness.

[Terra]

I already responded that I would never use one. My son is 12 months old. My son started walking at 10.5 months and running a week later...so he is always on the go...add that to be being pretty preggo...due any day now and I still wouldn't use one.
I just can't see treating my child like a dog...heck even my dog walks without a leash but she is also well trained. We started from the time our son learned how to walk that he must hold our hand if we take it...if not then he has to be worn/ride in stroller/or cart.

:rolleyes:

Good for you for having it all figured out and perfect.

As for me, with a child that is quite high spirited and no amount of guidance and direction has helped him to NOT dart into traffic, I choose to use one in high traffic areas [both with people and cars].

[Terra]

I haven't used one, but I would in a heartbeat if I felt I needed to.

We just got back from a wrestling show in the city. We left DS with my MIL, but took our 7y/o DD, and DH's two brothers (8 and 12). There were TONS and TONS of little bitty kids there. One little boy (maybe 1.5) was walking with his Daddy, holding his hand. But he was also wearing a very cute little blue backpack with a leash attatched and the dad had the wrist strap on. The little boy seemed very well behaved and walked nicely with his dad the whole time I saw him, but that extra measure of protection to make sure he COULD NOT get lost made me smile.

If it came down to being judged for "leashing" my child or LOSING my child there would be no hesitation. Judge away. ^_^
:clapclap: And this!!

'Judge away' :giggle: Definitely:giggle2: feel free to do this because I'm sure I'll judge [general] you in another post that I don't like!

[Lisa_delo]

We have these, the dog and monkey.

http://www.amazon.com/Gold-Bug-2-Harness-Buddy/dp/B000JWWPT8/ref=pd_sbs_ba_6

My children are very good at walking and tend not to run off. They were bought simply for our trip to Disneyland back in February. My biggest fear was losing them in the crowd or them being snatched. Those places are so big and busy they scare me to death.

We haven't used them since.

They worked fine though and my kids enjoyed wearing them. They would each carry their own water bottle in the pocket.

[luvsviola]

-It's better for the child to learn to hold hands
I think my experience as a very small child made me sympathetic to those who have to hold their hands up in the air or be strapped down in a stroller. It's hard and tiring. The blood quickly drains out of the fingers, then the hand, then arm, leaving behind a tingling, hurting, then numb mess. While hand holding should remain an option, it is just that-an option to be chosen by the child.


This is my biggest reason for using a leash. I think making a kid hold their hands above their head for long periods of time is mean. A leash is much more humane, IMO.

[JonsMommy]

I have a leash, have only used it occasionally and not in a long while. On a recent trip to the zoo I was kicking myself for forgetting it. Big crowds, excited kids trying to wiggle in closer to the animals. A leash would take a lot of the stress out of the situation. Plus, DS always loved it when we used it.

[Liam's Momma]

BEFORE kids i thought it was awful to see kids with those. But AFTER kids omg im all for them:giggle:

i dont blame a parent to use them. But i do think we as parents should at least try first to have our kids mind us. But after a while you do get tired and just need a leash or harness whatever you call them:mrgreen:

This is me. I admit it. I used to judge people for leashing their kids like dogs. Well, now that I have my very own active, independent, free spirited boy I'm all for them. We haven't gotten one yet but it's not far off. I've been working with him on holding hands but he gets offended like we're saying he can't walk and needs help. I can't babywear or carry him for long periods of time since I have a bad back. His safety is #1. I'm planning on taking him on a ferry soon and he'll certainly be wearing one for added protection.

I don't allow my dog to run amok at the end of his leash and I wont allow my son to do that either. Kids learn by exploring, they can't explore if they're confined to a stroller or carrier. A leash allows them to explore while remaining safe.

[nktigger99]

I love how people really wanted opinions on this issue from the other side but when someone who did vote No posted they were rude....I just expressed my honest opinion.

I don't care if someone else uses one but it isn't for our family. just like everything else...sometimes aren't for everyone.

[Chey]

I've used one a few times. Generally it is not needed but when we are at the park during Canada Day celebrations, or West Edmonton Mall or a busy Airport I would use it. My kids are older now so they don't need it, but when the baby starts walking I will get another one and use it when/if I need to. I would rather have people criticize me for using a "leash" on my kiddo, than lose my kiddo.

[Terra]

I love how people really wanted opinions on this issue from the other side but when someone who did vote No posted they were rude....I just expressed my honest opinion.

I don't care if someone else uses one but it isn't for our family. just like everything else...sometimes aren't for everyone.

Uhhhh, it's not your opinion that I find rude personally. It is equating that all of us who do use a harness from time to time are treating our children like dogs [which you alluded to in your post.]

[budafam]

Uhhhh, it's not your opinion that I find rude personally. It is equating that all of us who do use a harness from time to time are treating our children like dogs [which you alluded to in your post.]

I'm sorry but leashes ARE for dogs. They didn't have these leashes for kids when I was little and somehow I'm unharmed. Check out wikipedia for the definition of a leash: "A leash or a lead or lead line is a rope or similar material attached to the neck or head of an animal for restraint or control. On the animal, some leashes clip or tie to a collar, harness, or halter, while others go directly around the animal's neck."

I guess if a parent feels as though they can't handle their child or keep track of them good enough, better safe than sorry but personally, I wouldn't use it. I hate how they look and sorry to say, I laugh at the people that I see using them... flame away :roflmbo:

[WhatWasIThinking]

I never have but not to say i never would! I use a stroller (and I see that I am getting judged for even using a stroller. So you just can't win!) more for the space to put things than to keep the baby in it cause he has all of us wrapped around his little finger and is usually carried..lol! I just hate seeing parents yank their kids around with the kid leashes, ya know?

[Terra]

I'm sorry but leashes ARE for dogs. They didn't have these leashes for kids when I was little and somehow I'm unharmed. Check out wikipedia for the definition of a leash: "A leash or a lead or lead line is a rope or similar material attached to the neck or head of an animal for restraint or control. On the animal, some leashes clip or tie to a collar, harness, or halter, while others go directly around the animal's neck."

I guess if a parent feels as though they can't handle their child or keep track of them good enough, better safe than sorry but personally, I wouldn't use it. I hate how they look and sorry to say, I laugh at the people that I see using them... flame away :roflmbo:

Laugh all you want, I could care less. I'm not offended in the least.
I can control my child but I can't always chase them down with a 25 lb toddler strapped to me when he wants to run into traffic say when I'm getting them out of the van at the mall.

But don't worry, I'm sure I'll find a post later of yours and flame away at you on something I don't like that you do in your perfect world.:roflmbo:

[budafam]

I never said it was a perfect world... lol...

[Terra]

I never said it was a perfect world... lol...

You may be onto something here then.
Perhaps none of us that live in glass houses ought to pass judgment?

[nktigger99]

how are we passing anymore judgement then you are??? Take a look at yourself.

I stated my opinion...if you can't handle that then I am sorry get over it.

Also look back at my posts...I said I(which refers to myself only...I don't think that means you....)could never treat my child(again my child...not yours or anyone elses)like a dog.

And I am not saying I am perfect...that was not included in any of my past posts.

So please go back and re-read my posts.

[budafam]

It's an opinion and I believe that's what was asked for on here. Just answering the post question. Someone said there were a lot of no's but no explanations... now you have some and everyone's getting frazzled.

[png_lovebirds]

Yes, I've used one! It's the Monkey one! I would prefer to use a leash/backpack and be judged then have to explain myself when my child got lost. "No, officer I didn't want to put a leash/backpack on my kid b/c it made him look like a dog and I was scared of what people would think of me" Yeah....that's not going to be me!
I care too much for my children's safety then to let them run around wild. They are well behaved children, BUT they are children!

[Kimmyann]

Better a dirty look than a missing or hurt child.

I use them when I am in situations where there will be crowds or places I know he will want to walk. Like the amusement park or zoo.
My little one doesn't hold hands well. I actually lost him briefly several months ago in a children's musuem when he was walking in front of me no more than 2 feet and a family with a stroller cut me off from him. He kept going and disappeared. Luckily he was found within about 5 minutes by alerted staff members. If he had been wearing his backpack leash he wouldn't have gotten separated.

[Terra]

how are we passing anymore judgement then you are??? Take a look at yourself.

I stated my opinion...if you can't handle that then I am sorry get over it.

Also look back at my posts...I said I(which refers to myself only...I don't think that means you....)could never treat my child(again my child...not yours or anyone elses)like a dog.

And I am not saying I am perfect...that was not included in any of my past posts.

So please go back and re-read my posts.


It's an opinion and I believe that's what was asked for on here. Just answering the post question. Someone said there were a lot of no's but no explanations... now you have some and everyone's getting frazzled.

I suppose this is another agree to disagree area for many people.

Typically though [not always] when people make statements like "I could never treat my child like a dog", that does tend to mean that [general] you view it the same for everyone else. So if [general] you see a child in a harness [general] you does think that person is treating their child like a dog.

But maybe I am wrong in this train of thought, as I said it may not always apply.
Let's take just for example only, CIO. I could say in a discussion about it "I think CIO is abusive." And you better believe that people are going to think that I mean that assumption for everyone and I would be flamed.

But I respect other opinions as yours and do appreciate you both sharing them. I just vehemently disagree.

[Mom2KG]

I'm sorry but leashes ARE for dogs. They didn't have these leashes for kids when I was little and somehow I'm unharmed. Check out wikipedia for the definition of a leash: "A leash or a lead or lead line is a rope or similar material attached to the neck or head of an animal for restraint or control. On the animal, some leashes clip or tie to a collar, harness, or halter, while others go directly around the animal's neck."

I guess if a parent feels as though they can't handle their child or keep track of them good enough, better safe than sorry but personally, I wouldn't use it. I hate how they look and sorry to say, I laugh at the people that I see using them... flame away :roflmbo:


It is one thing to give an opposing opinion. It is another to be a complete jerk and insinuate that mamas who use harnesses on their children can't handle them, keep track of them or that we equate our kids with our dogs. Also to say you laugh at them is just snotty also.

You use WIC right? How about I say that if a parent can't handle feeding their kid on their own dime then I suppose WIC is okay. Better hungry than starving I suppose. I hate when I see women buying their cheese and cereal with those checks and laugh when I see people using them. If you have more kids than you can afford, thats your tough luck. Pretty nasty huh?

I don't know why you feed your family the way you do, but I'm sure you have a good reason. You don't know why a mama would harness her child, but I'm sure she has a good reason. Everyone does what works best for their family. You keep your family thriving and healthy the way you do. I keep my family thriving and healthy the way I do. We all have different situations, different children with different personalities and temperaments. It is absolutely wonderful that there is such a diverse group on this board with diverse ways of parenting. It is okay to disagree and have differing opinions. It serves no purpose though to state your differing opinion in such a condescending and rude way.

**disclaimer** The part about WIC is not my personal opinion. Just a satirical look at the OP's judgmental attitude. I am in no way against mama's who get WIC. :)

[tea4two321]

I'm so glad this topic came up! I've been debating getting one for my 20 month old. The second you set her down she runs off! I'm due to have another little one in Sept. and I am just freaked out as to how I'm going to take care of a newborn AND make sure that my toddler doesn't take off. I have looked at the backpack harnesses and was worried what others might thing about my parenting. But after reading this thread I realize that keeping my dd safe is much more important than worrying that others might judge me.

[luvsviola]

It is one thing to give an opposing opinion. It is another to be a complete jerk and insinuate that mamas who use harnesses on their children can't handle them, keep track of them or that we equate our kids with our dogs. Also to say you laugh at them is just snotty also.

You use WIC right? How about I say that if a parent can't handle feeding their kid on their own dime then I suppose WIC is okay. Better hungry than starving I suppose. I hate when I see women buying their cheese and cereal with those checks and laugh when I see people using them. If you have more kids than you can afford, thats your tough luck. Pretty nasty huh?

I don't know why you feed your family the way you do, but I'm sure you have a good reason. You don't know why a mama would harness her child, but I'm sure she has a good reason. Everyone does what works best for their family. You keep your family thriving and healthy the way you do. I keep my family thriving and healthy the way I do. We all have different situations, different children with different personalities and temperaments. It is absolutely wonderful that there is such a diverse group on this board with diverse ways of parenting. It is okay to disagree and have differing opinions. It serves no purpose though to state your differing opinion in such a condescending and rude way.

**disclaimer** The part about WIC is not my personal opinion. Just a satirical look at the OP's judgmental attitude. I am in no way against mama's who get WIC. :)

:roflmbo: :roflmbo: :roflmbo:

[Bearycakes]

My DD never really had a need for using a leash, she always wanted to be held :), but I think my DS will be one of the kids that will be super hard to keep up with (okay so he already is). Right now he loves to be carried in a sling or MT, when we are out, but I know it won't be long before he thinks he supposed to walk everywhere, and I WILL NOT loose my child. I will sew them to my body before I let that happen.

I know that people keep talking about how we put dogs on leashes/harnesses, and so we shouldn't do that to kids, but just think about the reason we do it to our dogs, because we love them and want to protect them. A dog doesn't know better than to run off into the middle of the street, or run off in a sea people and not be able to find their way back. I know as much as I love my dog, I love my babies a million times more so if I am so worried about protecting a dog, shouldn't I worry more about protecting my own baby.

In the one second it takes for my daughter to step off the side and go down a different isle than me at Wal-mart, while I am trying to pick out a box of cereal could be the one-second opprotunity some sicko needs to grab her up and run out...I take a leash/harness/backpack anyday than having the unthinkable happen.

[LilyGrace]

I'm sorry but leashes ARE for dogs. They didn't have these leashes for kids when I was little and somehow I'm unharmed.


You must be REALLY old! Child harnesses and leads have been dated back as far as the Renaissance to my knowledge. Probably further if you're willing to dig for the information.


How was it knowing Caesar? Did Nero really fiddle? Do you drink blood or live in Tupperware?

My goodness! How great it must be to have lived such a long life!

[Rebeldream]

I'm so glad this topic came up! I've been debating getting one for my 20 month old. The second you set her down she runs off! I'm due to have another little one in Sept. and I am just freaked out as to how I'm going to take care of a newborn AND make sure that my toddler doesn't take off. I have looked at the backpack harnesses and was worried what others might thing about my parenting. But after reading this thread I realize that keeping my dd safe is much more important than worrying that others might judge me.

Good for you, Mama!

[Terra]

**disclaimer** The part about WIC is not my personal opinion. Just a satirical look at the OP's judgmental attitude. I am in no way against mama's who get WIC. :)
:giggle2: :giggle2: I loved your analogy!
I'm so glad this topic came up! I've been debating getting one for my 20 month old. The second you set her down she runs off! I'm due to have another little one in Sept. and I am just freaked out as to how I'm going to take care of a newborn AND make sure that my toddler doesn't take off. I have looked at the backpack harnesses and was worried what others might thing about my parenting. But after reading this thread I realize that keeping my dd safe is much more important than worrying that others might judge me.
:hugs: Don't worry about what other people think! If it keeps your toddler safe in the meantime until they get a bit older to and can rationalize WHY things are dangerous, then never hesitate! You are doing great!:hugs:

My DD never really had a need for using a leash, she always wanted to be held :), but I think my DS will be one of the kids that will be super hard to keep up with (okay so he already is). Right now he loves to be carried in a sling or MT, when we are out, but I know it won't be long before he thinks he supposed to walk everywhere, and I WILL NOT loose my child. I will sew them to my body before I let that happen.

..I take a leash/harness/backpack anyday than having the unthinkable happen.
:clapclap: Exactly!!

You must be REALLY old! Child harnesses and leads have been dated back as far as the Renaissance to my knowledge. Probably further if you're willing to dig for the information.


How was it knowing Caesar? Did Nero really fiddle? Do you drink blood or live in Tupperware?

My goodness! How great it must be to have lived such a long life!

:roflmbo: :roflmbo: :roflmbo: :roflmbo: :roflmbo: Awesome.

[budafam]

It's my opinion, that's all. I don't think the way I said it was rude. I'm sure there are others out there who feel the exact same way I do. Heck, there's videos on youtube of kids on leashes and people laughing at the idea so I'm not the only one. I think it looks goofy and I feel sorry for the kid having a parent who feels they need to restrain their child in such a way. I think a stroller is a much better way of keeping track of your child if him/her is that much out of control. But then again, it's MY opinion so I'm entitled to it :)

[tlaquepaque]

It's my opinion, that's all. I don't think the way I said it was rude. I'm sure there are others out there who feel the exact same way I do. Heck, there's videos on youtube of kids on leashes and people laughing at the idea so I'm not the only one. I think it looks goofy and I feel sorry for the kid having a parent who feels they need to restrain their child in such a way. I think a stroller is a much better way of keeping track of your child if him/her is that much out of control. But then again, it's MY opinion so I'm entitled to it :)

I agree that it looks goofy and when I was younger I used to laugh at them too. But now I understand that it is just a safety issue. I travel by myself with my kids and it's not practical to keep a two year old strapped in a stroller during a 2 hour layover. So, I have the leash so she can walk around. My girl is a runner and I can't risk having to chase her in the airport while leaving my 5 year old with the bags. There are too many people and too many things to keep up with in an airport and unthinkable things can happen. I will continue to strap her to me to ensure her safety.

[Bearycakes]

It's my opinion, that's all. I don't think the way I said it was rude. I'm sure there are others out there who feel the exact same way I do. Heck, there's videos on youtube of kids on leashes and people laughing at the idea so I'm not the only one. I think it looks goofy and I feel sorry for the kid having a parent who feels they need to restrain their child in such a way. I think a stroller is a much better way of keeping track of your child if him/her is that much out of control. But then again, it's MY opinion so I'm entitled to it :)

Everybody is entitled to their opinion :thumbsup: , and here is mine...again...
I think it is a lot worse to restrict a child that is wanting to explore and look around in a stroller than letting them get down and look around a bit. And all snarkiness aside, no momma here said they use a leash/harness because their child is "that much out of control", but that their kids are kids, and any kid-even the most well-behaved can get lost in a crowd, get sidetracked, wander off for a second, and if you don't believe that then I pray you do keep your baby in a stroller, because I would hate for you to find out the hard way.

And as for people laughing and thinking it is goofy, well I am glad I don't care what others think about the way I raise my children, otherwise I would never leave the house, cause I know a lot of people who think I am odd because I cloth diaper, babywear, don't spank, don't CIO, selectively vax, ....on and on, but I am raising my baby my way, not theirs. But if public ridicule is something that motivates you, just image what people will say and think if you loose your child. Hope that never happens to anybody, but just saying.

[budafam]

I do agree with raising your baby your way. I do the exact same thing and don't care what anyone else thinks so I'm glad you can see over my opinion. I'm not saying that I'm right and everyone should think this way or anything but I'm simply stating how I feel about it. There are a lot of other things I don't agree with and if a thread is started up about them, I would put my 2 cents in just because that's why these discussions are started. I'm not out to change anyone's minds or anything.

[KaiyaSue]

I voted yes in some situations. Safety wins out over any other arguement in my book. We have a "monkey backpack" and the tail is the leash part.

My child is very "spirited" and would have NO problem running off in an airport or another very busy place. He has no fear and has his own agenda.
In fact, I did the same thing to my poor mother. Just yesterday she was telling the story about being at the hospital, very pregnant and trying to fill out forms and my 2 year old self took off and no one could find me. She went out to the car and found me being carried back to the hospital by a man that found me jumping in mud puddles in the parking lot.

I don't use the "leash" very much and we do practice listening, holding hands and other strategies. We go for daily walks and he runs free and does whatever. But there are circumstances where I will use it. Airport, busy fairs, anywhere loosing him in a crowd is a possibility. I'm sure some kids don't need it, but I think that it can be great for those that do.

ETA: Just read some of the other posts. Yes we use the stroller too, but sometimes the kid just wants to walk. As I said, it's used sparingly and I've never gotten any funny looks or judgemental comments. Now wearing a 1yo in a sling, that I have gotten some comments on. LOL

[Terra]

I voted yes in some situations. Safety wins out over any other arguement in my book. We have a "monkey backpack" and the tail is the leash part.

My child is very "spirited" and would have NO problem running off in an airport or another very busy place. He has no fear and has his own agenda.
In fact, I did the same thing to my poor mother. Just yesterday she was telling the story about being at the hospital, very pregnant and trying to fill out forms and my 2 year old self took off and no one could find me. She went out to the car and found me being carried back to the hospital by a man that found me jumping in mud puddles in the parking lot.

I don't use the "leash" very much and we do practice listening, holding hands and other strategies. We go for daily walks and he runs free and does whatever. But there are circumstances where I will use it. Airport, busy fairs, anywhere loosing him in a crowd is a possibility. I'm sure some kids don't need it, but I think that it can be great for those that do.

ETA: Just read some of the other posts. Yes we use the stroller too, but sometimes the kid just wants to walk. As I said, it's used sparingly and I've never gotten any funny looks or judgemental comments. Now wearing a 1yo in a sling, that I have gotten some comments on. LOL

This is us too. It is not an all the time thing, just in more dangerous situations where I am by myself and have the 1 y.o. and te 2.5 y.o.

Oh yeah, I've gotten comments about the sling too. "He's old enough to walk now." Yeah, and your point???? :giggle2:

[KaiyaSue]

ok, and sorta off topic, but has anyone seen the strollers for dogs? The first time I saw someone pushing one on the boardwalk I did a double take. :roflmbo: I was like nice stroller.... but WHAT? there is a dog in there!!! :giggle: I have since seen them a few other times.
Now that was funny.

[Terra]

ok, and sorta off topic, but has anyone seen the strollers for dogs? The first time I saw someone pushing one on the boardwalk I did a double take. :roflmbo: I was like nice stroller.... but WHAT? there is a dog in there!!! :giggle: I have since seen them a few other times.
Now that was funny.

I see them all over here in Florida [mainly the snow birds seem to use them].
My good friend [when she saw one for the first time] went over to see the cute baby and realized it was a dog!:giggle2:

If "leashes" are only for dogs, perhaps "strollers" are only for babies!:giggle: j/k folks!

[MotherMoonPads]

I used one on my now 12 year old daughter, and am currently contemplating one for my 22 month old son :)

[~Tracy~]

I had one that was a little monkey backpack that I used when we were in busy places. I had 2 in 2 years and so IMO being "judged" by people who don't know my business isn't NEARLY as important as keeping my children safe.

Judge not lest ye be judged.

[tjdunn]

We have one of the backpack ones. I haven't used it much as of yet, but probably will this summer when we do things, so he doesn't have to be stuck in the stroller all the time. I haven't gotten any funny looks or anything (And wouldn't care if I did), most people commented that it was cute!

[leighi123]

Nope havent used one - I have one for my dog tho!

I hold his hand, or if he is being a stinker, he goes in the carrier, or on the rare occasion in a stroller. I give him plenty of oppertunity to run around in safe places like the beach/park/yard/post office (they love him there and its small and contained with nothing he can destroy!) so he doesnt need to run from me in not so safe places like near cars. He knows what 'use walking feet please' means, and he knows he has to hold my hand in parking lots/crossing roads.

He does have a 'eesh' (leash) for his bunny or shark (depending on which toy he wants to drag around that day), and sometimes if he wont hold my hand, he will hold the toy, and I'll hold the other end. And once when he was being a pain in the airport after a loooong layover, I put a ring sling around his waist and took him for a 'walk' but that was just us goofing around pretending he was a puppy - I wouldnt do that normally!

Leashes are for dogs, kids have hand you can hold, and if they wont let you, you can contain them in other ways.

[Computermama]

I have not - yet. But then I only have one. I could totally see it for parents who have two close together, those twin strollers are very bulky. DD's pretty good about staying with me, and if she's not interested in that, we have the stroller or cart to put her in. However if I had another child in the stroller, I could *totally* see putting one of those backpacks on DD, because she can take off.

[Emmett's Mommy]

Wow, I haven't looked at the thread since I posed the question on who was against them! Who knew I would stir such a pot!!!

Anyways, I didn't even read all of the responses, but some. I am sorry you mamas have gotten into such a heated discussion. I personally don't care one way or the other what people do in their family. Like I said, I have one I got for free, and one day may use it. I haven't yet, but have no problems with it if I do. Nor do I care what anyone else thinks of me for using it or not. Just as I care not what people think of anything I do or do not do. =)

Thanks for the initial responses, I didn't want to see the arguements, but I guess I should know how it goes.

[mgwrhawke]

I use mine in busy areas (airports, fairs, festivals) He can somehow escape from the stroller no matter how i fasten him in. I have an 8 month old that is normally in a carrier so I can't carry the 2 year old. I keep the stroller with us, but because the older one gets out he uses the 'leash' more often. It makes me feel sure that he can't run off and it makes my hectic stressful life a little easier.
I am sure I get looks, but I think those are the people the 1. don't have kids or 2. have never tried them.

[budafam]

lol, I've seen those doggy strollers too. They have doggy carseats as well. Silly if you ask me but then again there are some people that have only dogs and treat them as though they are their children. I guess if they want to go ahead and spend their money on those kinds of things like that to "pamper" their pets, then so be it. I would giggle if I saw one though.

[Terra]

Nope havent used one - I have one for my dog tho!

I hold his hand, or if he is being a stinker, he goes in the carrier, or on the rare occasion in a stroller. I give him plenty of oppertunity to run around in safe places like the beach/park/yard/post office (they love him there and its small and contained with nothing he can destroy!) so he doesnt need to run from me in not so safe places like near cars. He knows what 'use walking feet please' means, and he knows he has to hold my hand in parking lots/crossing roads.

He does have a 'eesh' (leash) for his bunny or shark (depending on which toy he wants to drag around that day), and sometimes if he wont hold my hand, he will hold the toy, and I'll hold the other end. And once when he was being a pain in the airport after a loooong layover, I put a ring sling around his waist and took him for a 'walk' but that was just us goofing around pretending he was a puppy - I wouldnt do that normally!

Leashes are for dogs, kids have hand you can hold, and if they wont let you, you can contain them in other ways.
Some people think strollers are "abusive". [not me! :giggle: ]

It's good that your child understands what you say, but with my son he has some developmental delays and basically he is about 6-12 months behind in certain cognitive areas. So even though I do consistently give him independence and guide him to make good choices, he is taking him quite a while to understand. Only now at 2.5 is he just even starting to grasp "You must stay right by mommy."

[KristieW]

I'm sorry but leashes ARE for dogs. They didn't have these leashes for kids when I was little and somehow I'm unharmed. Check out wikipedia for the definition of a leash: "A leash or a lead or lead line is a rope or similar material attached to the neck or head of an animal for restraint or control. On the animal, some leashes clip or tie to a collar, harness, or halter, while others go directly around the animal's neck."

I guess if a parent feels as though they can't handle their child or keep track of them good enough, better safe than sorry but personally, I wouldn't use it. I hate how they look and sorry to say, I laugh at the people that I see using them... flame away :roflmbo:

They didn't have them when I was a kid either... which is why my mother dressed us in overalls when we were going out. She had a dog collar she could loop around the back of the overalls (where the two straps meet) and a leash she could attach to that if it was necessary. It was the only way she could keep up with active twins and a toddler. And given that my brother *still* managed to have to be returned by the police twice, I'd say that even that restraint didn't deter the three of us. And my mom was no soft disciplinarian--we were just BUSY children! :mrgreen:

So yes, if DD needs one, we won't hesitate. I could never judge anyone for wanting to keep their kid safe but still allowing them to explore.

[OneFishTwoFish]

People are going to judge others no matter what. Does DC still use a bottle? a pacifier? Do you use a leash? I haven't used one but I don't see the harm in them either.

[BootyGold]

I've never been in the situation where I *needed* to use one. But for you, heck yeah I would use one! What I hate too see is a momma that has just one kid to keep up with and is using one. :2cents:

[VeryChicBaby]

I do not use one & never have with my kids. That being said I would not judge you for wanting to keep your child safe. What works for one parent/family does not always work for another.. :)

[momtocole&parker]

I have a monkey backpack type thingy for my 18 month old. I didnt think I'd ever use one but if I didnt have it, I think he would have escaped me a few times. I dont use it daily or even weekly but it comes in handy in crowds and potentially dangerous places with lots of stuff going on. He is not crazy about it but if he demands to be on his feet he needs to deal with it.

[Murphett]

I would use one if I really had too and knew that I was going to be in a place where I could not keep my eyes on my child and there were lots of people or places to run off to. I remember when my sister was really little (I am ten years older than her) we used one on her when we were at the mall because she used to run and hide under the clothing racks in the department store and we would be frantic trying to find her. She thought it was a funny game. Right now I just put dd in a carrier whenever we are in that kind of situation or at a fair or the airport. She is only 16mo though so I don't know how much longer that will last. I did see the other day a wrist type of "leash" that attaches to your wrist and your child's wrist. I think I may end up investing in one of those when I get prego with baby#2.

[joshuas_mum]

here they're not called leashes. they're called rains (sp)
i have some for my DS and you can bet your *** i've used them, and will use them again in november when we fly from australia and stop in 4 airports. i dont hold the other end, i've fitted a clip on to it so i can just clip it to my belt loop, then i have both hands free.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/joshuas_pictures/reins2.jpg

[jujusmommy]

I was the mom who said I would never use a leash. However, I have a VERY busy active 18 month old who does not stay in a cart or stroller. I usually keep the backpack around for when she wants to walk and I can't chase her. I am almost 4 months pregnant and I know in a few more weeks I am going to be less mobile. To me it is safer to use it when needed, even at the grocery store, than to be chasing a toddler while pregnant. The leash doesn't seem to bother her, and she has more freedom than when in a stroller or cart.

[MamaNotes]

oh goodness, I hate leashes, I think they are so silly! What about a stroller or carrier?

[MamaNotes]

I guess if a stroller or carrier weren't an option, a leash might be safer than say, losing your child!!

[Terra]

oh goodness, I hate leashes, I think they are so silly! What about a stroller or carrier?

I guess if a stroller or carrier weren't an option, a leash might be safer than say, losing your child!!

I do use a stroller from time to time, but my son is 2.5 and almost at the weight limit for the stroller anyway. Plus being a busy 2.5 y.o. he doesn't want to sit all time. So the harness allows him the freedom to walk [in busier places] and I don't have to worry so much about him darting away from me and chasing him down with a 25 lb toddler strapped to my back.

[mom2LBJ]

here they're not called leashes. they're called rains (sp)
i have some for my DS and you can bet your *** i've used them, and will use them again in november when we fly from australia and stop in 4 airports. i dont hold the other end, i've fitted a clip on to it so i can just clip it to my belt loop, then i have both hands free.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/joshuas_pictures/reins2.jpg
what a cutie :goodvibes:
There was a lady from Australia in our puppy obedience class that used to refer to the leash as the rein :giggle: When I hear reins, I think more bridle, longe line, horse tack type. Either way, leash or reins, its not like were just walking into a pet shop and buying any collar and leash combo off the shelf with a photo of a dog (or horse, cat, whatever) on the packaging. These are made for and intended for use with human children, not animals :thumbsup:

[~Tracy~]

oh goodness, I hate leashes, I think they are so silly! What about a stroller or carrier?

Because children actually like to walk - and obviously they can't walk in a stroller or carrier.

[JonsMommy]

My son, obviously traumatized by his leash, at the zoo at almost 20 months old:

http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/images/1/4122026e5359ec3d6d2dbb81572aff61.jpg (http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/images/1/4122026e5359ec3d6d2dbb81572aff61.jpg)

This was 2 days before I had my daughter so I was not very speedy. I went to the zoo with DS, my mom, and my dad who has dementia and was at a stage where he needed close attention. So the options were: 1) Don't go to the zoo at all. 2) Go and strap him into a stroller where he couldn't burn off energy or get up close to the animals. 3) Put his doggy backback which he loved on him, and go have fun at the zoo.

How is #3 a bad option again?

And as for anyone who "laughs at" me for doing that -- wow, I'm so sad to not have the approval of people like that. What a loss. :lostit:

[Terra]

My son, obviously traumatized by his leash, at the zoo at almost 20 months old:

http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/images/1/4122026e5359ec3d6d2dbb81572aff61.jpg (http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/images/1/4122026e5359ec3d6d2dbb81572aff61.jpg)

This was 2 days before I had my daughter so I was not very speedy. I went to the zoo with DS, my mom, and my dad who has dementia and was at a stage where he needed close attention. So the options were: 1) Don't go to the zoo at all. 2) Go and strap him into a stroller where he couldn't burn off energy or get up close to the animals. 3) Put his doggy backback which he loved on him, and go have fun at the zoo.

How is #3 a bad option again?

And as for anyone who "laughs at" me for doing that -- wow, I'm so sad to not have the approval of people like that. What a loss. :lostit:

:giggle2: :giggle2: :giggle2:
Yeah, he looks just devastated mama!!
He is adorable! My son has that same one. We call it the puppy pouch [because of the pocket on puppy]. We go to our local sanctuary gardens, put peanuts in the pouch and feed the squirrels. My son loves it!

And the bolded part: :werd: And even more sad that the people who laugh apparently have no further enrichment in their lives than to laugh at other people. What a fine example for their own children.

[budafam]

I found some other opinions from mom's like this one:
"I do not like seeing them on others..therefore I have never used one. I believe that they are used in exchange for simple old fashioned discipline. People do not want to do their responsibility anymore with their children. They do not want to discipline them, and have control over them anymore. Child leashes are only a "cover-up" for ill-behaved undisciplined children. NOW, however, if a single mother had all 8 of her same aged children in the mall with her that may be a different story...but, however again, if she couldn't discipline all of them, then maybe she needs some help. But not from a leash."
I completely agree with this! and this one too:
"I also have never used one. I think it is cruel/humiliating. Even toddlers have feelings! That is treating them like an animal -- whether you call them a leash or a harness -- they are used for animals! Not children. I have a 3 year old and a 2 year old, and I have never/will never use one. My children have also never gone in strollers. And they don't sit in a shopping cart to go grocery shopping. I have always taught them that they must hold on to my hand in parking lots or busy stores. That they must stay by me, and what they are and are not allowed to touch.

I see parents using these things and they are the ones that are just holding it and are busy looking at something, not even paying attention to the child. I am always watching my child and holding their hand. I would never be so involved in something else that my child wasn't coming first. And I talk to them about everything that I am looking at and buying. And for this, my children have excellent vocabulary and speaking skills.

So I would never use them, and do think poorly of the people who use them in these ways. I guess I would have a few exceptions, that do not apply to me however. If I lived in a big city, like NYC or Boston, I would probably occasionally use one if I took the kids somewhere super busy by myself. But even then, if my husband was with us and could watch one child while I watch the other, I wouldn't use a leash. Only if I had them by myself. But where we live, I can safely watch both at one time by myself. They learned a while ago that if they don't hold my hands or start touching breakable things, they will go back out to the car and we will leave and they won't get to finish their trip.

EDIT: If I am somewhere walking with my child, they do not let go of my hand and could not let go and bolt into a parking lot or road. If somehow they did escape my hand, I would have them back in my arms in a matter of less than a second. I pay attention to my children and don't let them out of my reach, so they will not go in to traffic or get abducted. And I did note the exception of if I was in a really busy place that I would consider one.

EDIT: I also never said that I think ALL parents that use them are bad. I just said the ones that I see using them instead of watching their children are. Some people do use them as a replacement for parenting, but not all of them. People need to read the words before they start criticizing what is said.

EDIT: My children do know the difference and have known the difference. They even ask my when they see one, "mommy, why is that baby on a leash?" Children love other children and take notice of them. They would realize that none of the other kids are on one, so why are they? Toddlers do have feelings and emotions and can be humiliated. My children have always noticed when one child is different from another. They always hated to see babies with pacifiers, and if I would have allowed, they would have taken them out of every babies mouth. We don't believe in them unless they are medically necessary, such as in babies with reflux. That is the only time I view pacifiers as okay. We would never use one just to keep the baby quiet to get through dinner or something. So my children hated to see babies with them as they never had them. They knew that it was different and didn't like it. You need to realize that toddlers are smarter than most people give them credit for -- and they have even more emotions than adults! Treat them as you would like to be treated!"
So I'm not the only one :)

[frenchie]

I've yet to read all of the replies, but I will chime in with my opinion. I didn't need one with DS, but DD bolts. I don't put the harness on her unless I need to. We once had a man follow us through Target, and followed right behind DD within a foot of her. Long story short...when we realized what was going on, DH nearly floored the guy. I had her in the harness because we didn't have the stroller...and she bolts between the clothing racks if given the chance. I hate to think of what that man could've done had she not been attached to me...in hind sight, we realized he was following us all through the store.

The fact is, one of my jobs as a parent is to keep my children safe and secure. If that means putting them on a "leash", then so be it. My children, my decision. I do what works for us. I've recieved some extremely negative comments in the past...and all I do is :giggle:

On a side note...DD LOVES her harness. When I pull it out, she turns around, backs into and secures the clips on her own.

[frenchie]

My son, obviously traumatized by his leash, at the zoo at almost 20 months old:

http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/images/1/4122026e5359ec3d6d2dbb81572aff61.jpg (http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/images/1/4122026e5359ec3d6d2dbb81572aff61.jpg)

This was 2 days before I had my daughter so I was not very speedy. I went to the zoo with DS, my mom, and my dad who has dementia and was at a stage where he needed close attention. So the options were: 1) Don't go to the zoo at all. 2) Go and strap him into a stroller where he couldn't burn off energy or get up close to the animals. 3) Put his doggy backback which he loved on him, and go have fun at the zoo.

How is #3 a bad option again?

And as for anyone who "laughs at" me for doing that -- wow, I'm so sad to not have the approval of people like that. What a loss. :lostit:

Awww...DD has the same harness. DS picked it out for her, because DD loves dogs :goodvibes:

[Terra]

I've yet to read all of the replies, but I will chime in with my opinion. I didn't need one with DS, but DD bolts. I don't put the harness on her unless I need to. We once had a man follow us through Target, and followed right behind DD within a foot of her. Long story short...when we realized what was going on, DH nearly floored the guy. I had her in the harness because we didn't have the stroller...and she bolts between the clothing racks if givin' the chance. I hate to think of what that man could've done had she not been attached to me...in hind sight, we realized he was following us all through the store.

The fact is, one of my jobs as a parent is to keep my children safe and secure. If that means putting them on a "leash", then so be it. My children, my decision. I do what works for us. I've recieved some extremely negative comments in the past...and all I do is :giggle:

On a side note...DD LOVES her harness. When I pull it out, she turns around, backs into and secures the clips on her own.

Oh man that made my hair stand on end reading about that guy! So scary! And certainly things like that do happen. I had a good friend who's little girl was grabbed right from her arms at the mall. Thankfully the guy let her go and the mall went into lock down and they caught him.

And ITA with you!

[frenchie]

I haven't read through all the posts, so I'm not sure what all has been said so far... but no, no way would I ever use one. I think it's ridiculous and borderline abusive... flame away. I once saw a man walking a very small toddler across the bridge, right next to the edge on a leash... while CARRYING his dog... I think I've seen it all. Disgusting.

Abusive? Can you elaborate? I'll tell you what's ridiculous. Calling a parent who uses a harness to keep their child safe, abusive. Making sweeping generalizations like that, is ridiculous.

[frenchie]

I just can't see treating my child like a dog...heck even my dog walks without a leash but she is also well trained. We started from the time our son learned how to walk that he must hold our hand if we take it...if not then he has to be worn/ride in stroller/or cart.

I love how people really wanted opinions on this issue from the other side but when someone who did vote No posted they were rude....I just expressed my honest opinion.

I don't care if someone else uses one but it isn't for our family. just like everything else...sometimes aren't for everyone.

OK...that's fine...then don't treat your child like a dog. However, I'm sure you know very well what you were insinuating when you made that statement. Yes, opinions were asked for. That doesn't mean you can't use some tact.

Try holding your arm up in the air for 10 minutes above your head and see how your hand feels.

Yep...DD lasts about 3 minutes. Then, she starts falling down and pulling her hand away. She prefers the harness.


It is one thing to give an opposing opinion. It is another to be a complete jerk and insinuate that mamas who use harnesses on their children can't handle them, keep track of them or that we equate our kids with our dogs. Also to say you laugh at them is just snotty also.

You use WIC right? How about I say that if a parent can't handle feeding their kid on their own dime then I suppose WIC is okay. Better hungry than starving I suppose. I hate when I see women buying their cheese and cereal with those checks and laugh when I see people using them. If you have more kids than you can afford, thats your tough luck. Pretty nasty huh?

I don't know why you feed your family the way you do, but I'm sure you have a good reason. You don't know why a mama would harness her child, but I'm sure she has a good reason. Everyone does what works best for their family. You keep your family thriving and healthy the way you do. I keep my family thriving and healthy the way I do. We all have different situations, different children with different personalities and temperaments. It is absolutely wonderful that there is such a diverse group on this board with diverse ways of parenting. It is okay to disagree and have differing opinions. It serves no purpose though to state your differing opinion in such a condescending and rude way.

**disclaimer** The part about WIC is not my personal opinion. Just a satirical look at the OP's judgmental attitude. I am in no way against mama's who get WIC. :)
Nicely stated momma!

You must be REALLY old! Child harnesses and leads have been dated back as far as the Renaissance to my knowledge. Probably further if you're willing to dig for the information.


How was it knowing Caesar? Did Nero really fiddle? Do you drink blood or live in Tupperware?

My goodness! How great it must be to have lived such a long life!
:roflmbo:

I see them all over here in Florida [mainly the snow birds seem to use them].
My good friend [when she saw one for the first time] went over to see the cute baby and realized it was a dog!:giggle2:

If "leashes" are only for dogs, perhaps "strollers" are only for babies!:giggle: j/k folks!
Thank you!



Leashes are for dogs, kids have hand you can hold, and if they wont let you, you can contain them in other ways.

That's fine if you have the strength to hold a flailing toddler that doesn't want to be held...or would rather strap your child in a stroller, while she kicks and screams because she'd rather have the freedom to explore, while on the harness. Why are other methods of containing a child acceptable, but the harness isn't?

lol, I've seen those doggy strollers too. They have doggy carseats as well. Silly if you ask me but then again there are some people that have only dogs and treat them as though they are their children.

There is nothing silly about keeping your pets safe in the car. I always restrained my animals in the car while transporting them. God forbid we were to got in an accident. I'd be devastated if one of my animals went flying through the windshield, because they weren't properly restrained.

Oh man that made my hair stand on end reading about that guy! So scary! And certainly things like that do happen. I had a good friend who's little girl was grabbed right from her arms at the mall. Thankfully the guy let her go and the mall went into lock down and they caught him.

And ITA with you!
It really was scary. When DH confronted him, it was because the man noticed DH was watching him...he walked the other direction. When going the other direction, DH kept an eye on him, and watched him walk right behind a momma and her 2 girls. The momma was scolding her older DD, while her younger DD was in her stroller. He was right up behind her looking down on them. DH snapped and they guy nearly sh*t his pants. DH is short, but stalky and tough...I suppose it helps his cause that he's covered in tattoos, has a shaved head, and 0 patience for idiots. He was so loud that everybody stopped and turned to look at the guy. He was GONE fast. In hind sight, he wished he would've grabbed the guy and dragged him to security.

[KristieW]

I found some other opinions from mom's like this one:
"I do not like seeing them on others..therefore I have never used one. I believe that they are used in exchange for simple old fashioned discipline. People do not want to do their responsibility anymore with their children. They do not want to discipline them, and have control over them anymore. Child leashes are only a "cover-up" for ill-behaved undisciplined children. NOW, however, if a single mother had all 8 of her same aged children in the mall with her that may be a different story...but, however again, if she couldn't discipline all of them, then maybe she needs some help. But not from a leash."
I completely agree with this! and this one too:
"I also have never used one. I think it is cruel/humiliating. Even toddlers have feelings! That is treating them like an animal -- whether you call them a leash or a harness -- they are used for animals! Not children. I have a 3 year old and a 2 year old, and I have never/will never use one. My children have also never gone in strollers. And they don't sit in a shopping cart to go grocery shopping. I have always taught them that they must hold on to my hand in parking lots or busy stores. That they must stay by me, and what they are and are not allowed to touch.

I see parents using these things and they are the ones that are just holding it and are busy looking at something, not even paying attention to the child. I am always watching my child and holding their hand. I would never be so involved in something else that my child wasn't coming first. And I talk to them about everything that I am looking at and buying. And for this, my children have excellent vocabulary and speaking skills.

So I would never use them, and do think poorly of the people who use them in these ways. I guess I would have a few exceptions, that do not apply to me however. If I lived in a big city, like NYC or Boston, I would probably occasionally use one if I took the kids somewhere super busy by myself. But even then, if my husband was with us and could watch one child while I watch the other, I wouldn't use a leash. Only if I had them by myself. But where we live, I can safely watch both at one time by myself. They learned a while ago that if they don't hold my hands or start touching breakable things, they will go back out to the car and we will leave and they won't get to finish their trip.

EDIT: If I am somewhere walking with my child, they do not let go of my hand and could not let go and bolt into a parking lot or road. If somehow they did escape my hand, I would have them back in my arms in a matter of less than a second. I pay attention to my children and don't let them out of my reach, so they will not go in to traffic or get abducted. And I did note the exception of if I was in a really busy place that I would consider one.

EDIT: I also never said that I think ALL parents that use them are bad. I just said the ones that I see using them instead of watching their children are. Some people do use them as a replacement for parenting, but not all of them. People need to read the words before they start criticizing what is said.

EDIT: My children do know the difference and have known the difference. They even ask my when they see one, "mommy, why is that baby on a leash?" Children love other children and take notice of them. They would realize that none of the other kids are on one, so why are they? Toddlers do have feelings and emotions and can be humiliated. My children have always noticed when one child is different from another. They always hated to see babies with pacifiers, and if I would have allowed, they would have taken them out of every babies mouth. We don't believe in them unless they are medically necessary, such as in babies with reflux. That is the only time I view pacifiers as okay. We would never use one just to keep the baby quiet to get through dinner or something. So my children hated to see babies with them as they never had them. They knew that it was different and didn't like it. You need to realize that toddlers are smarter than most people give them credit for -- and they have even more emotions than adults! Treat them as you would like to be treated!"
So I'm not the only one :)

You know, when you post stuff like this, it really feels like you're just here to pot-stir.

[budafam]

Well, there were enough stabs at my opinion so I'm just stating others to show that it's not only me (or not just the few that posted here). Sorry if you think it's a "pot-stir".

[~Ryleigh's_Momma~]

I used to think these things were pretty silly...back when I only had one child and she was small enough to babywear or put into a stroller, and I was agile enough and not distracted with other children. Then when I was 9 months pregnant and my daughter was 2, we were going to go meet my husband for ice cream after work. I ALWAYS make my daughter hold my hand, because she is a "bolter" (we tried very hard to take care of this behavior with discipline, but no matter what she kept it up....we even tried spanking which I am normally against but I really wanted the bolting to stop....it didn't. My daughter is very distractable, and when she sees something she really wants she forgets all logic reason and discipline and runs for it in all her excitement)
Anyway, I HAD to let go of her hand for 2 seconds to open the garage door, which I didn't really think twice about because she was just calmly standing there. We lived in an apartment complex and the garages were in a long row alongside the street, she heard her dad's pickup coming and started running for it. (it wasn't her dad's pickup, it was a different diesel driving by) I tried running after her, but at 9 months pregnant I was no match for a 2 yr old.
She quickly got out of my sight and I was frantically running all over the apartment complex looking for her.
I was terrified because we lived in a "bad" part of town, people drive very fast through the complex, and there is also a major highway very nearby.
We had to call the police and everything, and she was lost for over 1/2 an hour. It was the worst half hour of my entire life.
She ended up crossing the highway and miraculously not being hit, and ended up in the parking lot of a nearby BAR where someone called the police.

The whole thing put me into labor, and I had my son the next morning. We ended up getting a harness after that, because how easy is it to carry a carseat in one arm, and a diaper bag, AND try to hold onto a toddler's hand? Not to mention if I had to let go to tend to the baby.
If she did bolt from me, how could I just leave my infant sitting in his carseat alone to chase after my toddler?

It's too bad so many of you would look at me with disgust if you saw me in real life, but I guess I don't really care because to me, my child is more important than my pride.

[bluemerle]

I don't mind the idea of a child harness. I have never used one, but I am constantly baby wearing my DD, so I usually have both hands free to help DS or hold is hand.

[KaleidoscopeEyes]

I tried one (the wrist kind) with DS1 but I didn't like it.

[frenchie]

It's too bad so many of you would look at me with disgust if you saw me in real life, but I guess I don't really care because to me, my child is more important than my pride.
Well...that's what you get for having more kids than you can control, and/or for not disciplining your child:rolleyes:
Momma, your story gave me butterflies in my tummy. My son bolted in a department store (Nordstrom during the half yearly sale...it was insane) and I lost him for about 20 minutes. I thought he got on an elevator, and got lost in the crowd. He had never bolted on me like that. It was my first time out with DD after my c-section, so I couldn't chase after him. I was trying to get by, but this lady in the aisle I was going down, wouldn't move out of my way. So I had to find a way around her, maneuvering the stroller through the sea of people...grrrr. He ended up in the shoe department on the other side of the store...thank goodnes on the same floor. I had to have security put out an alert, which they did over the store intercom system. He heard the description of himself, and went up to a sales associate and told her that he was looking for his mommy. They brought him right to me. He was 4 at the time...and the thought of him crossing a highway at that age makes me sick to my stomach. Thank goodness we were in a contained area. I can see how that panic would throw you into labor.
I'm glad that you had a happy ending to your story. You are doing the right thing for you and your little ones...don't be discouraged by the dissenting opinion.

[budafam]

I will admit, that story is scary. I guess I just have to thank my lucky stars that my son doesn't bolt like so many of you talk about. I usually have his hand but there are times when I do have to let go and just tell him to stay put and he listens. I wouldn't look at you with disgust either.

[JonsMommy]

He is adorable! My son has that same one. We call it the puppy pouch [because of the pocket on puppy]. We go to our local sanctuary gardens, put peanuts in the pouch and feed the squirrels. My son loves it!

Thanks. And cute about your son!

There is nothing silly about keeping your pets safe in the car. I always restrained my animals in the car while transporting them. God forbid we were to got in an accident.

I had a car harness for my little poodle I used to have. I didn't always, but one day I was driving through my neighborhood when she tried to jump through the window after a squirrel. Luckily the window was closed so she just hit it and slid down -- then she turned and tried to jump across me out my window. I went out after that and bought a harness that connected to the seat belt.

She was actually a very calm and intelligent little dog, but she could not be held responsible for her actions in the presence of squirrels. :)

[swismiself]

Aidan got one for Christmas per my request. I never thought I'd use one, but my LO is SOOOO busy that I wanted to make sure I had something for busy places like airports and zoos just in case. It's not so terrible when I just have him, but I watch my nephew once a week and between the two of them I think I'd go mad if I didn't have something. They are 3.5 months apart...joyful trouble I call them! :)

[bryandcam+2]

We have one that looks like a monkey backpack w/a long tail. We got it when Ds2 was born. Ds1 was a horror out in public and it made it easy to keep him within arms length. It was passed on to Ds2 when DD came along and will prolly be passed onto DD when this baby comes.

[Manna00]

We have an Elmo one DS1 has never used. WE'll be flying in about 3 weeks nonstop from Dulles (DC) to Oakland... it will just be me, DS1 (just barely 3) and DS2 who will be 6 months old and in a mei-tai. You bet we'll be using the harness. We've done "practice" with DS1 where he holds me hand the whole time he's wearing "Elmo"... but I want the harness on JUST IN CASE at that busy airport. Things get hectic, DS2 wil need diaper changes and I want DS1 RIGHT next to me. Luckily he doesn't realize it's like a "leash".. he just knows he HAS to hold my hand while he's wearing Elmo...so it's more of a safety net.

[frenchie]

Thanks. And cute about your son!



I had a car harness for my little poodle I used to have. I didn't always, but one day I was driving through my neighborhood when she tried to jump through the window after a squirrel. Luckily the window was closed so she just hit it and slid down -- then she turned and tried to jump across me out my window. I went out after that and bought a harness that connected to the seat belt.

She was actually a very calm and intelligent little dog, but she could not be held responsible for her actions in the presence of squirrels. :)

LOL...reminds me of the movie Up. :giggle2:

We have an Elmo one DS1 has never used. WE'll be flying in about 3 weeks nonstop from Dulles (DC) to Oakland... it will just be me, DS1 (just barely 3) and DS2 who will be 6 months old and in a mei-tai. You bet we'll be using the harness. We've done "practice" with DS1 where he holds me hand the whole time he's wearing "Elmo"... but I want the harness on JUST IN CASE at that busy airport. Things get hectic, DS2 wil need diaper changes and I want DS1 RIGHT next to me. Luckily he doesn't realize it's like a "leash".. he just knows he HAS to hold my hand while he's wearing Elmo...so it's more of a safety net.

Dulles is HUGE...and crazy hectic. Make sure your kids have easily removable shoes...and be prepared to break everything down quickly so you can put it through the x-ray machine...stroller and all.

[elioraimmanuel]

I've used one w/every child. DD#1 was loved to walk, when she finally mastered it, around 15 months. I bought one that attached to her wrist so she could have indepenence, but was never able to bolt away, as she loved to do. She thrived w/that thing!

Then, while in England after C2, I bought one that was a full harness w/a short strap that hooked, "U" style under at the back of the armpits. DD could toddle along, using her whole body to balance and not fall, smack, on her face. I've used that one w/C3 and will w/C4. When taking walks w/new walkers, we haven't had one road rash or bump on the noggin.

Now, after their able to walk really well, I train them to be obedient and not run off.

[frenchie]

I train them to be obedient and not run off.
How?

[cutebluebaby]

I used a cheap-o Elmo one from Walmart with DS cause he hated being in his stroller and he wasn't old enough to understand that he needed to hold hands when we were in public (he was like 15 months at the time). By 2 he learned... haven't had to use it since!

[mamatotwocuties]

No. I do not use one on my children. So far, there hasn't been a need for one.

[swismiself]

LOL...reminds me of the movie Up. :giggle2:



SQUIRREL!!!!

(I just saw that movie...loved it!)



Aidan has the little lion backpack. It has a pounch for him to carry his snacks. We haven't used it yet because he's not full out walking yet, but it will make a nice backpack for him when we travel in September. I will use the tail/leash part of it if I have to in order to keep him safe. It is simply not possible to keep a constant eye on your toddler, and when you have a busy boy (or girl!) they often stick in the moment and forget themselves and wonder off. The leash allows them the illusion of being independent, which is important for their self esteem, while helping me be sure I have him safe, which is important for my sanity!

And just one note: we have a family who comes into the dental clinic to have their teeth cleaned, and they just had their seventh child. They now have 4 boys and 3 girls, all under the age of 8. Infant aside, five of the six older kids are pretty calm and well behaved. Their 2 year old, however, comes from a different mold. He's a sweet boy but OH MAN is he busy. He's #4 in birth order. You have to believe, having such a large family, that they they've mostly parented each child in the same. Every child truly does have a different personality.

[AbbieJack]

Imo i think there silly ! I don't like seeing kid on them. YES I have a VERY VERY active little girl she is a runner. I have never had the need for one. She either rides in the stroller , holds on to the stroller or my hand and that it. If she refuses to do any of those things we don't move until she does. Last summer i keep all 3 of my brother's children 7,4,1 1/2 and mine 2 along with being huge and pregnant. I took them all over town all by myself and not one of them got hurt or lost because i WATCHED them. The youngest two were in the stroller and the older two on either side of it holding on. If they threw a fit about riding in the stroller they just got put in anyways and told if they were good they would get to play. If the continued to throw a fit they had to sit out why the other kids played. Most of the time i am a single mom my dh is gone 6 days a week for work so if i go some were i have my kids more than likely. My dd is very active i will tell you that and its hard to keep up with her and my ds but it is possible to do with out a leash

If you use a leash thats your style and i'm not bashing it if that what keeps your kid safe than more power to you but I would never use one .

[LilyGrace]

Huh. And here I thought the previous 16 pages had some great info. I don't think they fall into the 'silly' category for me - that is reserved for dragging up threads from 10 pages back just to tell everyone that if you just WATCH a kid you have no reason to use a silly leash.

But hey, to each their own.

[Lovely]

I leash my dogs because I love them and I want them safely by my side without the fear of them getting hurt or stolen.

Therefore, I "leash" my child for the same purpose.

[prd2CD]

i had to use ours just the other day. i have a new puppy, a 2 year old and 4 year old. my puppy and 2 year old like to run run run. the puppy was going one way and my 2 yo wanted to run down the street. after a week of chasing everyone, i chose to put my dd on a child harness and our walk was much more calm and peaceful...

[maddys_mama]

We've never leashed our daughter, but we've never really had to. She's 21 months old, but she listens pretty well. And if she doesn't, we either hold her or she's in a cart. But if we were in a super busy place like an amusement park, I might invest in one.

[randareena]

Wow...I just got done reading about every couple of pages after page 5....wow.

As a proud harness/leash user I would just like to say (or rather reiterate what I have already said):

1. Child harnesses/leashes have been around for eons. They were used in the 17th/18th century and were referred to as leading strings (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leading_strings).


2. I am 28 yo and my mother used a mass marketed harness for me when I was younger and I turned out perfectly fine. I do not bark like a dog or eat my food out of a bowl on the floor. I eat at the table and use utensils. I also do not bark at traffic on my road. I just have this strange urge to harness my child and keep him safe from weirdos.


3. Laugh at me all you want if you see me and my child walking and we are using the harness. At least I know that my child will not be taken by somebody. IMHO, I am doing a minor thing to prevent the worst crime ever.

4. To the people who think that people who use harnesses can't control their child/ren....I have one child and I can control him perfectly fine. I just can't control the sick monsters in this world that prey on innocent children.

5. Not only do we use the harness, but we also take a stroller along so that when his feet get tired he can sit. The harness works that way in reverse...when his bum gets tired and sore from sitting, he can get up and walk.

6. To those thinking about harnessing your child :thumbsup: To those who absolutely will not harness your child :thumbsup: . To each their own. It's all about respect mamas, let's not forget that.

****We are going to a major zoo this weekend and my son asked to pack his harness and I will use regardless of the popular opinion at my DH's family reunion.****

Oh, another safety major my DH and I take with our precious DS is that we write our cell phone #'s on his arms in permanent marker when we go someplace busy and label each number Mom or Dad. We got plenty of positive comments about this when we went to Cedar Point. He did have pretty weird tan lines though :giggle:

ETA: Here's a site about the history of harnesses (http://histclo.com/Style/other/teath.html)-just hit cancel or okay, I forget which one, because for some reason it wants a username to see the images(oh and I looked up harness on Wiki and it did list 'children's harness'). Here is a site that lists arguments in favor of harnessing your child (http://www.smallplanetkids.com/) for those that are thinking about it. And just to be completely equal to both view points, here is an essay that is against harnessing your child (http://www.silverdragon.com/punkie/cybertusk/leash.html).

I will now step down :soapbox:

[Terra]

Wow...I just got done reading about every couple of pages after page 5....wow.

As a proud harness/leash user I would just like to say (or rather reiterate what I have already said):

1. Child harnesses/leashes have been around for eons. They were used in the 17th/18th century and were referred to as leading strings (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leading_strings).


2. I am 28 yo and my mother used a mass marketed harness for me when I was younger and I turned out perfectly fine. I do not bark like a dog or eat my food out of a bowl on the floor. I eat at the table and use utensils. I also do not bark at traffic on my road. I just have this strange urge to harness my child and keep him safe from weirdos.


3. Laugh at me all you want if you see me and my child walking and we are using the harness. At least I know that my child will not be taken by somebody. IMHO, I am doing a minor thing to prevent the worst crime ever.

4. To the people who think that people who use harnesses can't control there child/ren....I have one child and I can control him perfectly fine. I just can't control the sick monsters in this world that prey on innocent children.

5. Not only do we use the harness, but we also take a stroller along so that when his feet get tired he can sit. The harness works that way in reverse...when his bum gets tired and sore from sitting, he can get up and walk.

6. To those thinking about harnessing your child :thumbsup: To those who absolutely will not harness your child :thumbsup: . To each their own. It's all about respect mamas, let's not forget that.

****We are going to a major zoo this weekend and my son asked to pack his harness and I will use regardless of the popular opinion at my DH's family reunion.****

Oh, another safety major my DH and I take with our precious DS is that we write our cell phone #'s on his arms in permanent marker when we go someplace busy and label each number Mom or Dad. We got plenty of positive comments about this when we went to Cedar Point. He did have pretty weird tan lines though :giggle:

ETA: Here's a site about the history of harnesses (http://histclo.com/Style/other/teath.html)-just hit cancel or okay, I forget which one, because for some reason it wants a username to see the images(oh and I looked up harness on Wiki and it did list 'children's harness'). Here is a site that lists arguments in favor of harnessing your child (http://www.smallplanetkids.com/) for those that are thinking about it. And just to be completely equal to both view points, here is an essay that is against harnessing your child (http://www.silverdragon.com/punkie/cybertusk/leash.html).

I will now step down :soapbox:
Will you marry me????? :giggle2:

Excellent post!:thumbsup:

[randareena]

Will you marry me????? :giggle2:

Excellent post!:thumbsup:


:) Thanks! I just get so tired of moms dogging (kind of wrong choice of wording considering the post) on each other. As for marrying you...that depends....are you rich?????? :giggle2: LOL! If your DH doesn't see your side about the harness, he will come around. My DH swore up and down he would never use it, but, alas, he is a believer.

[mjtsmami]

We have one of the Eddie Bauer harness from Target, it looks like a puppy and my younger 2 love it. I don't put it on them often, but in situations like the zoo, or the carnival I do. It's smaller than the double stroller, and looks like a little animal backpack. And as a single mom with 3 little ones, it makes my life a little easier in those instances.

Personally I could care less what people think of me because I "leash" my kids. My kids are well fed, well cared for and generally happy. Sometimes I feel like being a mommy is a competition...what difference does it make what we use, diapers, bottles, breastmilk, leash, stroller, etc. As long as the child is happy, healthy, and safe, what do all those material things matter?

[Terra]

:) Thanks! I just get so tired of moms dogging (kind of wrong choice of wording considering the post) on each other. As for marrying you...that depends....are you rich?????? :giggle2: LOL! If your DH doesn't see your side about the harness, he will come around. My DH swore up and down he would never use it, but, alas, he is a believer.

Shucks, that's a negative on the rich part!:roflmbo:

Thankfully this is one thing my DH agrees with me on! :giggle:

I agree, it's really a "walk a mile in my shoes" and then [general] you can judge!

[Judesmommy]

Personally I could care less what people think of me because I "leash" my kids. My kids are well fed, well cared for and generally happy. Sometimes I feel like being a mommy is a competition...what difference does it make what we use, diapers, bottles, breastmilk, leash, stroller, etc. As long as the child is happy, healthy, and safe, what do all those material things matter?



very good point, we sometimes get too wrapped up in material things. I also agree with the fact that being a mom sometimes feels like a competition, and I don't know why lol.

[kdpatty]

i used them for traveling through the airports on my 4 yo, i just wore my 10 month old. but yeh you get some weird looks, but if you ask people honestly, most people will say they have used them!

[carsonsmommy1108]

We haven't used one yet personally because our baby isn't walking yet, but if he is the runner I think he will be (he's DANG fast at crawling and cruising the furniture!) we will be getting one and using it if needed.

Some people say that it is treating your child like a dog, but really, why do people use leashes for dogs? To keep them safe, that's why. Isn't you child's safety just as important/more important than that of a dog? Why would you take this safety measure with a pet that runs off, but not a child that runs off? I just don't understand...

[mmmom]

I used it to "train" my dd to hold my hand. She was walking before 10months and loved to walk around stores but ofcourse had no sense of danger. I put the backpack on her and wrapped the tail around my wrist and still help her hand, that way if she ran I had the extra security of the tail in my hand. If she ran 3 times I put he in the cart for a minute or 2 and we tried again.

[Kriket]

my son's too young for the leashes but my husband thinks they are great. I would personally rather wear my kid, but once he get to the running age he probably won't want to be tied to mom. He'll have running to do!

[Birbitt]

I had one I used with my older boys that went around their wrist and then I held the end, I didn't use it much but it was mostly for keeping a handle on the busy toddler while at the mall, zoo, aquarium, fireworks show and other crowded places. It came in handy and kept my boys safe when the wanted a little freedom.

[tever]

I got the little puppy leash for a trip in the airport for my DD but after her pulling hard and falling down, I put it away. Then when we went to the Mall of America I put it on her again and fell in love. She refused to ride on the stroller - can't blame her, we had been in the car all day long, and she wanted to run run run. She likes to be so independent and disappears around corners so on went the backpack and we were all able to have a great time. She was able to run around and I didn't worry about her disappearing.

[alyssa&rylan's-mommy]

I use it if we're in very crowded places, like tourist attractions, busy malls, things like that.. I'd rather get wierd looks than lose my baby :(

[newtocloth07]

you better believe we have a toddler harness! ds went through that " I want to do it myself" phase when he first started walking, he wouldn't hold a hand, he wouldn't sit in the stroller, he just wanted to walk.....and run!! We'd go to the mall and he'd try to take off - pushing a stroller while you're toddler is running ahead of you is a tough task to take on, especially while pregnant! We doni't use it often anymore as ds is almost 3 and walks properly holding a hand [for the most part] while we're out, but sometimes he requests to wear his 'puppy' and he'll walk himself lol . We take it with us wherever we go, so we have the option, I like it when we're at a festival or somewhere else where there are a lot of people and a chance of him slipping away. Its just that added peace of mind /security.

[while at the mall when he was younger, people would stop me (generally older) and tell me I was the smartest woman alive for having my child in such a cute little harness- people of the younger generation would give nasty looks and make snide comments such as " maybe you should learn how to handle your child instead of putting them on a leash" so I'd respond by saying " I'd rather have YOU give me dirty looks, than for my son to get hurt or lost" and they wouldn't haev anything else to say ]

[aihley]

I remember being really disappointed as a kid that mom didn't get me one of those. I wanted to be a puppy! Of course, she probably didn't want the added spectacle of me running - or worse, crawling - around and barking in the middle of the mall (I was such a cool kid). I thought they were SO neat, though - and that was just those regular wrist ones.

I've noticed that most people who make comments are part of the childless crowd. (*most*)

I'll use one if I need it & I'm pretty sure DS will love it.

[Terra]

I remember being really disappointed as a kid that mom didn't get me one of those. I wanted to be a puppy! Of course, she probably didn't want the added spectacle of me running - or worse, crawling - around and barking in the middle of the mall (I was such a cool kid). I thought they were SO neat, though - and that was just those regular wrist ones.

I've noticed that most people who make comments are part of the childless crowd. (*most*)

I'll use one if I need it & I'm pretty sure DS will love it.
:giggle2: That is too cute!!

Yeah, it seems most people do absolutely spectacular parenting when they don't have any of their own! ;)

[juniper29]

I love them, DH loves them and the kids love them :-) I got the animal backpack ones too :-)

The only looks I ever get are "wow, what a great idea!"....lol I mean geez, they're torso harnesses, it's not like the harness is attached to a neck chain....:giggle: And that is totally a joke! :goodvibes:

[juniper29]

I'm sorry but leashes ARE for dogs. They didn't have these leashes for kids when I was little and somehow I'm unharmed. Check out wikipedia for the definition of a leash: "A leash or a lead or lead line is a rope or similar material attached to the neck or head of an animal for restraint or control. On the animal, some leashes clip or tie to a collar, harness, or halter, while others go directly around the animal's neck."

I guess if a parent feels as though they can't handle their child or keep track of them good enough, better safe than sorry but personally, I wouldn't use it. I hate how they look and sorry to say, I laugh at the people that I see using them... flame away :roflmbo:

I can handle my twin 4 year olds just fine, thanks. And I don't care what wikepedia defines a leash as, that definition doesn't make me change my mind. My number one job? To keep my kids safe. What difference is it if you strap a kid into a stroller (with a five point harness nonetheless) or if you let them walk around, get some exercise and still stay safe while wearing a harness? You're still restraining them in some fashion so that they don't run away. It just looks more 'humane' in a stroller and thus more 'acceptable'....

Let the flames begin! I appreciate everyone has their own opinion, but don't insult others in the meantime :goodvibes:

[boy-oh-boy]

I tried with DS2 but he was even more uncooperative with it - he would not accept having it on him. He HATES restraints! I finally gave up and gave it to SIL.