did you ever use a child "leash" at DL?

[dbmarie]

Good idea, except that my kids can get out of anything. When they want to, of course, not when it's convenient for me, LOL.

I'm not saying it's easy my youngest dd was a handful you have no idea and my dh was always deployed when he was in the army so I was alone alot. I was lucky with my older dd she was very patient with her little sister. Like I said I have never used a leash but I have seen kids hurt when the parent were not paying attention (knocked down, tripping over the cord, or even being dragged behind) but I'm not saying that is all parents or any parents on this board. I know when I was a young mom (a long time ago) the stroller worked for me. You have to go with what works .

 

[GingerbreadCoffin]

I got one as a gift at my baby shower with my first son. I was appauled and swore I would never use it. I just assumed that the only people who used them were people that were lazy or didn't want to watch their kids.

All that changed when we took him to the zoo for the first time. There was so much going on that he really was miserable in his stroller so we let him walk as long as he was holding someone's hand. Well after 2 hours the poor kids arm was sore so the hand holding ended. No biggie until we happened to be walking by a path and a show let out. Out of nowhere tons of people came barreling out and my son who was standing right next to me was shoved away from us. I found him 2 second later, but by that point he had been knocked down and had a skinned knee.

Needless to say when we took him to WDW for the first time the "leash" came along. We never used the harness part, just the wristband and it was a dream. While standing in line for a ride a woman said something to her husband very loudly about "Why would she put that boy on a leash?" so I just smiled and told everyone that he was rabid and we didn't want him biting anyone. I even got a high five from a few people on that one

 

[WildGrits]

While standing in line for a ride a woman said something to her husband very loudly about "Why would she put that boy on a leash?" so I just smiled and told everyone that he was rabid and we didn't want him biting anyone. I even got a high five from a few people on that one

Consider this another High Five. That was laugh out loud funny.

My arm gets tired blow drying my hair. I can't imagine walking around all of WDW with my arm over my head.

 

[Blueyed Girl]

I have used one in the past. The one I got was from Target but I think Walmart has them too. They look like stuffed animal backpacks and it has a long furry cushion strap that you can clip on to it or take it off and just let them wear it as a back pack. VERY CUTE! We got so many compliments on it. My son only wore it about 2-3 times total. But, I used it as an "aid" to teaching him how to hold my hand in public and not let go and run. I had the strap around my wrist and held his hand instead of the strap.
Here's a link to one at Target: http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...2/602-1914341-9627862?ie=UTF8&asin=B000EBITU8

Here's a picture of one:

 

[soibn]

I have used one in the past. The one I got was from Target but I think Walmart has them too. They look like stuffed animal backpacks and it has a long furry cushion strap that you can clip on to it or take it off and just let them wear it as a back pack. VERY CUTE! We got so many compliments on it. My son only wore it about 2-3 times total. But, I used it as an "aid" to teaching him how to hold my hand in public and not let go and run. I had the strap around my wrist and held his hand instead of the strap.
Here's a link to one at Target: http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...2/602-1914341-9627862?ie=UTF8&asin=B000EBITU8

Here's a picture of one:

Now that is actually the best idea, I have heard on this topic. I gotta say that is great thinking, in that case I would not mind having a strap. Teaching them not to run off and of course holding their hand at the same time. That would be the only way I would do it. Although for some people, I don't think that would be the case, because you only have so many hands.


Oh and the thing about my punishing him and taking him home. By the way he did learn his lesson and he has never acted like that again. Children are not stupid, they know what go home means.

 

[Blueyed Girl]

Yes, it was actually a great transition "tool" from stroller to walking around on his own. He really never even knew he was "attached" to me by the strap because I was holding his hand. If he wanted to drop my hand and look at something on his own, I'd explain that he had to stay next to mommy and not run off. It worked pretty well. I liked having a "back up" just in case he ran off. And it made him feel confident and like a "big boy" because he was allowed to walk around with mommy (instead of being in the stroller the whole time) and because he was wearing a "backpack".

 

[JodyTG]

I have used one in the past. The one I got was from Target but I think Walmart has them too. They look like stuffed animal backpacks and it has a long furry cushion strap that you can clip on to it or take it off and just let them wear it as a back pack. VERY CUTE! We got so many compliments on it. My son only wore it about 2-3 times total. But, I used it as an "aid" to teaching him how to hold my hand in public and not let go and run. I had the strap around my wrist and held his hand instead of the strap.
Here's a link to one at Target: http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...2/602-1914341-9627862?ie=UTF8&asin=B000EBITU8

Here's a picture of one:

This is the exact same one that we have taken to WDW our last two trips. Our son is a very, VERY active two-year-old and doesn't like sitting in his stroller for too long at a time. He wants to be out and about just like his sister (15-years-old). We leave just enough slack in the strap so that he has freedom of movement but isn't able to run off. It was wonderful. He was happy about what a "big boy" he was and we weren't worried about losing him in the crowd. Once he gets tired, we put him back in the stroller. If we just hold hands he's pretty patient and will wait until his and our sweaty hands make it easy for his "great escape."

We got more positive remarks than I can remember. Quite a few people asked us where we got the "monkey" on my son's back (funny) because they want to buy one for their child. I highly recommend the harness for parents' peace of mind as well as for children's need/desire for freedom...and exercise. And for the people who don't/refuse to use a harness, that's your decision and what works best for your family. Parent's of little jedi, superheroes, racecars, and such shouldn't be looked down upon because we're more concerned about our child's safety than upsetting some busybody.

 

[abookworm]

Yep, that monkey one was just the one I was looking at. I thought he'd think it was fun and it does look cute

 

[disneymom06]

Needless to say when we took him to WDW for the first time the "leash" came along. We never used the harness part, just the wristband and it was a dream. While standing in line for a ride a woman said something to her husband very loudly about "Why would she put that boy on a leash?" so I just smiled and told everyone that he was rabid and we didn't want him biting anyone. I even got a high five from a few people on that one

And another High Five, I still can't stop laughing.

I am always amazed at the comments people make when this topic comes up. Obviously, I am for and have used harnesses. Accidents happen and NO ONE knows what a child will do in any situation. Well behaved or not, I have used a harness on my children because you just never know what will happen. A parents eyes cannot be everywhere. Better safe than sorry in this day and age. Have you ever thought about this: I'd rather see my child wearing a harness, than their face on a milk carton.

 

[NotUrsula]

I've always been puzzled that WDW has not chosen to sell safety reins in the park shops. Plain ones or even Disney character backpacks?

Can't you just imagine all the little Simba & Figment backpacks they could sell? They could make a MINT on these.

 

[PistonsFan]

I have that backpack too, but it is a pain to take on and off if they are going to be in and out of the stroller a lot. It seems to bulky on their back to leave on in the stroller or sitting on a ride. And the backpack part really doesn't hold much of anything to make it useful. I think I'm going to leave it at home and just buy a cheap wrist link and hold hands, but have that as a back up. It might be better for older kids (my son is not quite two) that aren't in the stroller so much.

 

[JodyTG]

I have that backpack too, but it is a pain to take on and off if they are going to be in and out of the stroller a lot. It seems to bulky on their back to leave on in the stroller or sitting on a ride. And the backpack part really doesn't hold much of anything to make it useful. I think I'm going to leave it at home and just buy a cheap wrist link and hold hands, but have that as a back up. It might be better for older kids (my son is not quite two) that aren't in the stroller so much.

We just left it on Hayden when we put him in the stroller (just took off the handle part). He was usually tired and ready for a nap by the time he wanted (yes, actually wanted) back in his stroller so it worked great for a pillow. He liked wearing it even on rides especially since it looked like a backpack which his daddy was wearing all the time anyway.

 

[va32h]

Parent's of little jedi, superheroes, racecars, and such shouldn't be looked down upon because we're more concerned about our child's safety than upsetting some busybody.

Surely you didn't mean to imply that people who don't use leashes are unconcerned with their children's safety, or are more concerned with appearing a certain way in public?

I am not judging anyone who uses a leash, why should I be judged for not using one?

My children are every bit as lively, imaginative, and energetic as anyone else's. I've just found methods that work for us that do not include a leash.

I certainly doesn't mean I don't care about their safety!!

 

[Stimpy]

Surely you didn't mean to imply that people who don't use leashes are unconcerned with their children's safety, or are more concerned with appearing a certain way in public?

I am not judging anyone who uses a leash, why should I be judged for not using one?

My children are every bit as lively, imaginative, and energetic as anyone else's. I've just found methods that work for us that do not include a leash.

I certainly doesn't mean I don't care about their safety!!

Glad to see I wasn't the only one offended by that comment! Personally, I would not use a leash for my own children but I do not judge anyone that does. Each parent needs to do what's right for their family. Do not judge me as being unconcerned because I choose not to use a restraint!

I am absolutely concerned for my children's safety! (Which includes a very active Jedi and extremely active, fast, strongheaded Princess in the midst of the terrible 2's)

Dh is a police officer and I worked in law enforcement myself for several years before becoming a SAHM. Believe me, I know what dangers are out there. One of the reasons I left my job was due to the safety of my children.

We take our kids quite often to very crowded places and they know that they have 2 choices....hold our hand/stay in stroller and have fun or we leave....no if ands or buts. Again, that's how our family does it, if using the leash works better for your family, that's great! I absolutely agree there are cases where it is necessary but not for us. So please don't assume I don't care about my child's safety!

 

[Miss Jessr!ca]

do what you gotta do. people can say what they want but in the end...they DO really help.
my mom used to use one on my little brother when he was younger.
we would go the the mall, and he would run off so much, when the people at the service desk seen her walking twords them htey would just say "oh hi Dawn, we'll send out a page for him."

but she also owned a day care, and when we would go on feild trips, everyone would get a sertain colored shirt (usually blue) AND a matching ballon tied to their wrist.

 

[JodyTG]

I swear, some people are just way too touchy. No one, not even I, was judging the two of you. I'll just get off this thread so that I don't make someone cry.

 

[southernbella]

We got the same leash as the one pictured. I got several "looks" & noticed ALOT of people talking about it. Not to many direct comments, though. I will definatly remember the rabid reply! Too funny!

I do remember several parents asking me if I got it in the parks. They were dissapointed when I said no!

My 2 year old angel can wedge herself into the tiniest of spaces, so I knew when we decided to take her, the leash was the 1st thing I was buying for our trip. That, and our Brita Fill & go water bottles, were the best things I brought. Sbella

 

[northriver]

This is a great thread, thanks everyone for your imput and all the information!

When DS was little I was really against these leashes, but my child never ran off either. A friend of our had a boy who would take off - fast. The leash was, perhaps literally, a lifesaver for this family, it was the only way you could handle him in a crowded place.

I am considering getting one of these for our upcoming trip. I don't personally mind chasing after my youngest child, but she will be spending alot of time with my mother at WDW, mom has arthritis in her back, it hurts her back to stoop to hold DD's hand, and if DD gets away mom can't move very fast if she needs to chase her.

And sure there are people that look down on leashes for children - I used to be one of them! While I still don't think they should be used every day, they are great when you realy need them, and WDW is one of those places where they are useful for some families.

 

[all4fun]

I've always been puzzled that WDW has not chosen to sell safety reins in the park shops. Plain ones or even Disney character backpacks?

Can't you just imagine all the little Simba & Figment backpacks they could sell? They could make a MINT on these.

Actually, they did have a very simple wrist style one in the Baby Care center at MK. I noticed it the last time we were there. They were in the little section where they sell pacifiers (not to start a whole other debate, lol) and other small "necessities" that are sold to parents who may have forgotten something.

 

[bzzymom]

I think that it is the parents choice. I feel that people shouldn't judge someone based on the use of it. Every child is different, all parents are different. My friend's spouse is legally blind, and he harness works great for them. It allows him to take his son places with some independence.