Backpack leashes for young ones?

[PrincessTigerLily]

We are leaving end of this month, and I am starting to consider one of those backpack leashes I've seen. I never needed this with my first child, she naturally stuck around close, but #2 is Mr. Independent, and does not worry when he hightails it. I always hated the thought of the "leash", and it always makes me think of that SNL sketch with Mike Meyers bouncing off the playground attached by his leash.

Should I leash him??? He jumps out of his stroller at random, and is near possible to contain!

 

[happypooh]

I think we too will be using our leash backpak doggy! (from target) My son runs so fast that I really am concerned that we'll lose him in the crowds. Trouble is he likes to hold his own leash sometimes and doesn't want us to hold it!

 

[Bob P]

Hi,

This topic gets brought up frequently. If you do a search you'll find lots of other threads. Here is one:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1408862&referrerid=&highlight="leash"

 

[Perditamarie]

Don't feel bad about it. You need to do it for his safety and your peace of mind. He could get lost in half a second in a crowd.

Definately practice with the leash to make sure it will work for you and practice the rules with him. You may need to consider a body harness or wrist leash if he is going to randomly dash and let him graduate to the backpack when he gets it. The crowds in airports and WDW (parades, closing time, if you are in line and he dashes away) can be really scary. Don't worry about anyone giving you a "hairy eyeball" -- you are keeping your child safe, and there will definately be other parents in the same boat.

A stroller with a 5 point harness will keep him contained --- this is just one reason to love the Maclarens.

 

[Mommy Poppins]

We saw lots of the animal backpack leashes when we were at WDW 5/4-5/14Seems like lots of parents are using them.

 

[Briar_Rose]

I have also thought about the backpack harnesses with DD who will be 2, especially when my parents take her while we ride a couple of the thrillers. She may be able to outrun them if she takes off. The only I am concerned about with the backpacks it that they may be very hot in the Florida sun in Sept. (when we are going). I would imagine having a stuffed animal on your back may get hot after a while. We have a stroller with a 5 pt harness (a Zooper) but she will not stay in it all day. She really likes to walk or be carried, unfortunately.

 

[emmismom05]

You wouldn't be the only one there using them! We just got back and saw a lot of children wearing them. As far as the backpack ones being hot, I saw a little girl wearing one and she looked miserably hot. I would imagine the stuffed animal backpack ones would be.

 

[skjuls]

I think we too will be using our leash backpak doggy! (from target) My son runs so fast that I really am concerned that we'll lose him in the crowds. Trouble is he likes to hold his own leash sometimes and doesn't want us to hold it!

My son has a monkey backpak leash. It is the cutest thing. It also has the Elmo one because I have no idea what we did with his Monkey.

He has a mOnkey on his back.

I did get mad a kid at the National Zoo who called my son a Dog, however. I just looked at the kid and said He's NOT a Dog!!

 

[SnowWhite12]

I originally bought the back pack kind, but I decided it would be too hot for DD2 in June. I took it back. Now we will try the harness type. It may look worse, but she is a definite runner, and her safety is most important.

 

[ndgqccmiller]

We went this past Oct w/ our 2 year old. We like to call her a bolter. She bolts everywhere. If she can get away she will run. Our two older children never did this. So when she was 1 1/2 we got her one of the doogy backpacks. She loved it. We used it at Disney we only used it when we parked our stroller and were in line. Trust me there were a lot of parents that asked if they could buy those in the park. It worked relly well for us and kept Clara-Cate safe!

 

[Hannathy]

Having been there in August I can't imagine having a stuffed animal strapped to my back, talk about hot!

I also hate them and hate seeing kids in them but don't want to get into an argument and that is why so many that don't like them just don't post anymore, that's why these threads always seem to lean one way. ( And I have taken 3 different little children to Disney starting at age 2)

 

[Lil'DisneyMom]

We went in September, and my son, 2 at the time hated the stroller and holding our hand. He wanted to walk by himself. Well, I bought him the monkey one from Walmart, and it worked out great for us. He thought he was walking all by himself, and did wonderful. I too said I would never wear one of those on my child, but I am SO glad that I did. We saw tons of kids with them on when we were there too!!!

 

[MouseDaddy]

The leash works very well for standing in line or sitting down to rest. It works when you can walk at their pace when the crowds are thin.

At the end of this month, you may not have many opportunities to walk in thin crowds.

I have found that when moving, I really need to either strap them down in the stroller or carry them, despite their demands. When there are crowds of crazies at the parks, the leash creates opportunities for being clotheslined or trampled.

 

[Lil'DisneyMom]

When we went there was NO crowds at all. So we didn't have those problems like the above poster mentioned. But, I can see how that would be if there was lots of people!!

 

[mmeads4]

My DS,3 has had his Monkey Backpack since he was 18 months. He loves it. Now that he's 3 he usually will hold his own tail in non crowded places but hands me his tail in crowded places. We ALWAYS get compliments on it! The pocket (zipped) is big enough to hold a box drink or a bagged snack.

 

[xyzabc33]

Does anyone have a link for these things they sound cute.? My DD4 has graduated from the regular Elmo harness. In other words she knows how to undo it. She is better as she gets older about not taking off but still gets in her moods. I think she may tolerate this on her a little better. She loves plushies. Is there an age/weight amount on this one? She is about average size wise.
The only time we really use ours anymore is when we go to amusement parks or will be at events or places with crowds of ppl or places that may pose a safety hazard if she darts off the wrong way. EXP** a street or body of water or entertainment group that does not think to look down to see little bodies. Little ones that age usually live for the moment (mommy there was a pretty flower across that 4 lane hwy that I wanted) and dont know to watch out for themselves.
As for them being hot to wear. As long as you dont keep them on morning till nite and use only when you need to, shouldnt be a prob. I dont think they would be any hotter then the stuffed animal that goes everywhere with us. LOL HMMM... maybe this will help transistion her.

 

[xyzabc33]

Never mind my original question. I got smart and looked at Targets website. LOL I have a new question tho............

Can they be put on so that the latches are in the back ?(so the kid cant undo them..lol) I was thinking it might work 2 ways in that she could get to her stuff in the pack by herself. Or would the animal head be in the way?

I only saw the puppy and the bear but it looks like the head is pretty big. Do they make any of them that are "GIRLIE" ? LOL My DD loves horses and the brown animals look so boring and boyish.

 

[taylorsmommy05]

I would LOVE to get one of these but am worried about dd being hot!
What to do!! she HATES to sit in strollers these days...and wants to be independant!

 

[xyzabc33]

Well after some searching. I did find a site that carries a few other critters. They have a unicorn listed (almost looks identical to her wooby one) but the drop down menu doesnt list it. ??????? I will call them later and get more info.

 

[The Sweetness]

It breaks my heart to say so, but I am in the exact same boat as the OP. I always said I would never use that. But I need it. DD2 is faster than me, easilly, and has no fear of seperation I have no choice, Im getting the backpack lead/ leash

I cant bear the thought of her being lost, even for a second, no matter how **safe** WDW is