Child Leashes

[Miss Jasmine]

Not a fan of them but to each his/her own, it's a personal choice.

I agree.
One request to people who do use them, please still watch your child so I don't get tangled up in the cord nearly killing the child you are trying to protect and myself. Thanks.

 

[Kitty 34]

yeah, but do you pee on fire hydrants or bite the mailman?

I'm not going to get into my other habits!!!!

 

[luvmydogs]

I never had to use one for my hand-holding/squishing, cleave-unto-mom ds9, but I would *never* condemn a parent for doing what s/he thought best to keep a child safe. Little ones can get away from even the most conscientious parent in a blink of an eye.

 

[ford family]

Never speak in absolutes!

Only a fool is positive.

Are you sure?

I'm positive.


(and reins/leads can be a good idea)

ford family

 

[EthansMom]

To the OP,

Before I had kids I would have agreed with you. Once I had kids, I realized the wisdom of using a harness on my child in particularly crowded environments -- most notably WDW and fairs. I have used a harness on DS (now 4) a handful of times in his life and, at those times, been happy I had the harness. Now that DD is walking, we'll be taking the harness with us to WDW in December.

Using a harness is not an excuse to let one's child roam free and wild -- I still hold my child's hand as much as possible. But it is nice to know that I won't lose my daughter if I glance in a window for a second (and it only takes a second). After all, I would be much more distraught if I lost my child than if I lost a dog.

BTW, every time I have used the harness, I have gotten queries from people asking where I purchased it.

 

[beattyfamily]

I'm the mother of 2 DDs so I hope I'm qualified to have an opinion??

I would never use one, especially at WDW, since it's so crowded and they can cause a hazard. I use either a stroller or hand holding. Doesn't mean I think I'm a better mother (or worse) though. I just choose to find other ways to keep an eye on my kids.

To each their own though.

 

[pospisil]

I used to say the same thing, until I had my own kid! Who knew he could be so quick! I've never used a leash, but am seriously considering taking one along on our trip in Sept, just in case. DS will be turning 4 that week, which is a little old for a leash, dontcha think? BUT, just the other day he went around a corner in Walmart when I was looking at shoes, and that heart-stopping second when you look down and he's not there.......................

I don't know that he'll need to ever wear it, just the threat of having to wear it may keep him close by. He's not bad to run off, but is independent and likes to look at his own things, and you'd be surprised how easy it is to lose sight of someone who is only 3 feet tall!

I put my dogs on a leash out in public AT ALL TIMES, to keep them safe. Should I do any less for my child?

 

[Aimeedyan]

I think I would rather my curious preschooler the opportunity to walk and explore their world instead of sit and be pushed through it in a stroller at all times. IF the place was appropriate for a leash type thing. I think there are times when WDW is just way too crowded to use one, but there are many times when the walkways are wide and clear and it would be a great opportunity for a toddler to toddle some.

Every parent parents differently - at least they care enough to leash their child to them!

 

[beattyfamily]

- at least they care enough to leash their child to them!

I care about my girls just as much as a parent who uses a leash.

 

[Beastlover]

I agree with the OP, I said the same thing before I had children. Its a matter of preference. But you may find yourself in a situation where it sounds real appealing.

I won't however, bash any parent for using them. I agree too with keeping an eye on the crowds. If they are getting in the way of the flow of traffic, then carry your child or use a stroller. I remember many hot days at WDW carrying our children because we were afraid of losing them, not because they were a "wander" risk, but just for fear of the crowd.

But to answer your question, no, I do not like them. But then again, I don't like bathing suit tops at WDW either. Its always something.

 

[cardaway]

I put my dogs on a leash out in public AT ALL TIMES, to keep them safe. Should I do any less for my child?

Funny, I've always thought of the dog leash being for our safety (not talking about them being chained up at home). But I guess if the child is a biter...

Frankly I wish theme parks would outlaw them. Way too crowded to have leash lines across the paths, aisles, and queues. It's also quite dangerous for the leashed child in that situation. I've seen what happens when adults hit an extended leash by accident and it isn't pretty.

 

[hemispheredancer]

I wish they made child muzzles!! No explanation necessary!

 

[Mermaid02]

I had one for my now 8 year old... he was FAST and I have osteonecrosis in my hips so I am slow.... Never took him to a theme park at that stage though.

BTW- I leash my dog for HER safety too, not the public's. I'm not afraid she'll attack anyone, but I am afraid she'll chase a squirrel into the road.

 

[C.Ann]

There are some things that can only be learned by "hands-on" experience.. Being a parent is one of them.. When you're a little older - and have a toddler of your own - you might want to come back and strike up this conversation again.. Until then, the only basis for your opinion is observation - and what you "see" isn't always reality..

 

[diznygirl]

We used one on DS - and it was mostly when Disney wasn't too crowded. I agree that when it's really crowded the leash would actually pose a hazard. But when there is walking room, it saves mom from having to bend way over to hold a child's hand.

I also felt more comfortable on the rides holding on to DS and his leash.

 

[SeaShelley]

I've only met a few perfect parents and oddly enough they did not have any children. I had an adorable little fanny pack looking "leash" for my son for those times when he didn't want to be in his stroller. We never had the opportunity to use it in the MK or elsewhere where the crowds were too heavy. Story Land in NH being the most crowded place we used it. Like them or hate them....it's an idividual choice.

As for the "so popular "running leashed child, oblivious parent" syndrome"...well, that street can go both ways. It's my experience that these leashes aren't so long as to put much space between parent and said "running leashed child" that someone walking by without children might notice the leash and not try to walk through it. Unless, of course, it was someone walking around the MK with the "I'm the only one here that matters syndrome."

Just my opinion....for what it's worth.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I don't mind the leashes as long as there is a responsible parent at the other end of it.

Case in point:
In Animal Kingdom last Feb. I saw a little girl who looked about 3 on a leash being led by another girl who looked to be about 6-7 (guessing). The little girl fell and the other child was oblivious and started dragging the the little girl. The parents never looked back.

 

[sue1013]

I didn't have to use a leash for my 2 when they were small. When we were in WDW in March DH's sister and her 4 yr old were there for a few days. That boy did not listen for anything and would take off in a second. We were going to watch him one day so SIL could go shopping by herself. The night before we went to the store at the hotel and bought a leash. SIL and her son were not happy about it but I told her either we use the leash or we don't watch him.

 

[pospisil]

Funny, I've always thought of the dog leash being for our safety (not talking about them being chained up at home). But I guess if the child is a biter...

Nope, unless you've got a dog that bites, the leash is for the dog's safety. they could run out in the street, get attacked by another dog, any number of things could happen.

 

[mom23boys]

I bought one for my 3 year old for our upcoming trip. I do not know if I will use it but he does not always stay right beside me or in his stroller.

When I showed him the harness and tried it on he thought it was great because his big brother was a safety. So now he is a Safety. Hey whatever works.