Child harness question

[JJ&JSMOM]

I've done a search and read some threads on child harnesses. I'm thinking of buying one for my almost DD2 (Shes 22 months old) especially after today. Shes usually good about holding onto my hand in parking lots but today she let go and bolted out in the middle of the parking lot. Luckily no cars were around. I scooped her up and put her in the van while saying no and trying to explain about cars/boo boos/etc. Not sure if she heard me over her screaming .

Anyway, we're going to disney in May 07 and thought we better get a harness just in case...actually I'm really doubting our trip all together but its paid for and DS7 and DD4 are so excited. I like the chest harness better then the wrist (seems more secure...let me know if I'm wrong). My question is I've seen the ones that are like animal backpacks w/harness attached...anybody have one for their child? Any comments? I'm concerned it will be hot for DD2 to wear that in May in Florida.

Also I like the one in One Step Ahead as it seems like it would be much cooler but DD2 would probably like the animal ones. Thanks for any help!!!!

 

[RangerPooh]

We have 2 harneses for DD2. We have an animal one that is like a backpack (Target) and a plain one with a picture of Elmo on the front (Walmart). I prefer the animal one better as I find it more secure, but it is bulkier and not as easy to rest in while in the stroller. DD is a "bolter" too so having the harness on her has helped in places like the airport. We have used both at WDW/DL and DD does feel a sense of independence while wearing them as she isn't holding our hands. Plus she likes playing with her "tail". They aren't too pricey so I would sugest buying one and trying it out to see how it works.

 

[t-beri]

I have no advice about harnesses as I need one too- BUT get one!!!! I was at the Wilderness Lodge with another mother of a 15 month old with our children running back and forth over the little bridge in the lobby. the difference was she got to stand almost still while I had to hold her hand and walk back and forth with her. We talked about the pros and con's of the harness (we both swore we would never do such a cruel thing to our kids-and I'd already raised an 8 year old without one) but they get to that age when they won't sit still or hold your hand and we figured a kid on a leash is better than a lost (or kidnapped, our kids are so cute we know no one could resist) one.
Good Luck!
...t.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Thanks for the replies! When I get a chance to go to Target or WalMart I will buy both and see which one she likes the best if any . I'm kind of nervous using it on her because I always thought it was kind of mean but now that I have a runner I know its for safety. We just recently told the kids we were going and its funny I've already have had 2 or 3 relatives say "Don't forget to get a harness for Jenna."

Thanks again!

 

[!HereWeCome!]

Just bought my DD a harness. She's only 15 months, but she TAKES OFF any chance she gets. Thought I may need it for the Disney trip. I got the puppy one at Target, only $10. She loves wearing it around the house. LOL

 

[seashoreCM]

Other people get upset at the harness stretched across the walkway with your kid at the other end. This leads to entanglements.

Hold his hand instead of having him hold yours.

Disney hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

Yes, something that ties around the kid's body and makes his clothing cling will make him hot and uncomfortable.

 

[Marshay]

Mom of a 20 month old DD. We bought our puppy Eddie Bauer harness at Target about a month ago and now our DD will cry if she cannot wear it when we go out shopping. We also use it for neighborhood walks but I find it best at the mall or costco. It still allows her the freedom to walk (and the exercise to help tire her out) but gives me a greater sense of security.

So far, no one has said anything or given us dirty looks except one kid about 8 years old.

 

[Marshay]

Oh, and if it helps, here is what we did with DD:

- bought harness at Target and put it on counter for a day or two and just told DD that this was a 'special' doggie to be used for walks
- tried it out in the house as we marched around the kitchen, DR and LR. Kept emphasizing that this is special and she has her own doggie to take for a walk
- once confident she liked it, we would only bring out doggie for shopping or walks (trying to keep it unique) and immediately put it back in the doggie's home so doggie can 'sleep' until he is ready to walk with us again.

Anyway, you get the picture. You can't just put the harness on and expect your child will know what to do and enjoy it.

Good luck!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Thanks again! I will keep in mind all the tips given. Like I wrote earlier I'll go check out these different harnesses. I don't think DD will object to the puppy harness but I'm not sure thats the one I want to take to Disney...so hot! Too bad they can't make them to be cute and cool.

I am going to continue to work on holding hands and see if we make any progress. But I will definitely be taking a harness to Disney just in case. We also have 2 other kids I can't "leave in the dust" while I'm chasing my DD2. So this isn't just a safety issue for DD2. DH will be there but lets just say he is easily distracted .

Hope everyone has a great trip!
Joanne

 

[mla2177]

I used the Elmo harness from Walmart last year in WDW for my 2 yr old son, and I actually got a lot of positive feedback. I also took lg address labels and put my name and cell# and resort name and put it on the back of my son's shirt (he'd tear it off if it was anywhere else)every morning. I had a lot of people telling me they had wished they thought of that. You just can't be too sure!!!! To me, it's not worth the risk!

 

[Elaine R]

I have used a harness for both of my kids. We started using a harness when our kids started visiting places that required alot of going in and out of a stroller, like the zoo. It allows them to be as independent as possible and still be safe. No one has ever said anything negative to me about it.

If you get one, be confident that you are doing everything you can to keep your child safe and happy.

 

[cheerbop]

Interesting to read this thread, since we have discoussed getting one ourselves.
Only difference is that our DS just turned 3 and he is a big handful and will nt stay close to us.
When is too old for one of these?
I never thought I would be one of "those" parents either....choosing to get a harness
I hope the youngest DS is not quite as active as our middle one! My oldest, who is 9 now was NEVER like this middle one.

 

[mariolatry]

We have the Target bear backpack harness for our DD 19 months. It works better than holding hands in these situations for two reasons:

1.) When we hold the tail, she feels like she has some freedom (instead of being stuck holding our hand). It gives her 3 or so feet of leeway to zig-zag and move around and she feels like she's "getting away with something".

2.) Her arm doesn't get tired from being held straight up in the air all day.

She loves the harness and wears it around the house. She would use it every time we leave the house, if she could.

 

[kribit]

Do what is best for you and your family. If you think she needs it, then she probably does, as you are the mom and know your child best. Disney is a big place and if having her on a harness gives you piece of mind and a nicer vacation go for it.

 

[tink621]

I am so glad you asked this question. We are going the same time as you and had the exact question. Our some will be 2 1/2 when we go and he is also a runner. I mean he never walks. He's always at a complete run. We are looking at the same two harness's. I also think the animal type might be too hot and uncomfortable getting in and out of the stroller. Did anyone else use an animal type at DW? Was it too hot and uncomfortable? Thanks for the advice.

 

[TinkerDaisy]

I like the harness idea, some people think it is cruel but I think that in busy areas they are a great idea....unless your kids do what my cousins did when my Aunt put harness on them, they got on their hands and knees and started barking!!! Dang kids anyways!!!

 

[ranthony]

and you can bet they'll have these on when we go! The animal ones have a small pouch that can hold a snack or something. I think my little guys like it because they think it's their "backpack" and big brother uses a backpack for school so they want to be just like him.

Other people get upset at the harness stretched across the walkway with your kid at the other end. This leads to entanglements.

Hold his hand instead of having him hold yours.

Holding hands is nowhere near as practical for the reasons a previous posted stated. And also, if I'm holding their hands, who folds the stroller, who digs for the sippy cups, who gets out the snacks, ties the shoes, etc. ? Trust me...the few, if any, people you encounter that pass any sort of judgement just don't get it...and that's their problem. You won't regret getting one and using it!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

and you can bet they'll have these on when we go! The animal ones have a small pouch that can hold a snack or something. I think my little guys like it because they think it's their "backpack" and big brother uses a backpack for school so they want to be just like him.



Holding hands is nowhere near as practical for the reasons a previous posted stated. And also, if I'm holding their hands, who folds the stroller, who digs for the sippy cups, who gets out the snacks, ties the shoes, etc. ? Trust me...the few, if any, people you encounter that pass any sort of judgement just don't get it...and that's their problem. You won't regret getting one and using it!

I agree. Like the animal backpack but its probably too hot for WDW in May so I think I'll try and find the Elmo one at Walmart. I've never worn one but if I had a stuffed animal on my back in 85-90 degree heat, I think I'd be HOT!!
If I was going in the fall/winter/early spring, ok but not early summer. If anyone has used one in summer and it wasn't as hot as I'm imagining please let me know!!!!

 

[PoppyAnna]

We are also going early May.
The other day I pulled a huge cupboard to bits looking for the harness that used to belong to my eldest (now 4) for the trip. My youngest (19months) will not let you hold her hand, she has perfected a technique wherby she drops to her knees when you try!
We have been going for walk in prep for Disney and I have tried the harness (full body type w/out backpack) and so far she has liked it. It gives her much more freedom (or at least the illusion of freedom ).
Over here in the UK they are generally themed and her is bright pink. Our one also comes with seperate short straps that double as additional security for a highchair that has no harness.
I have also used the wrist strap type on my eldest (long time ago) but I have to say the ones we have over here are sooooo easy to get undone.
If you are tall (I'm not but DH is) they also help with the stooping down thing - no more backache and around WDW that's got to be a good thing!

 

[miksilver]

My husband and I are discussing the harness thing right now. I am looking for one right now. My DD (who just turned 2 yesterday) has also perfected the "drop to your knees move" and I know is not going to sit in her stroller all day when so much fun is going on around her. We'll be going on a cruise before WDW so I think I'll try it out then to see how she does!