harness for 2 year old

[renae3]

Hello everyone. I remember reading a while back about harnesses for kids. I hate to use one, but my 2 year old is very active and I know he is going to want to walk. I thought this might be a good idea. Has anyone ever used one and if so, any recommendations on where to get one? Thanks so much!

 

[kim_o]

I use one occasionally. I lean towards strollers, but if oDS is insisting on walking somewhere that's crowded or that he could just take off - the trade off is that he has to wear elmo (elmo harness). This is not a negative thing for him because he loves it...in fact after we're back in the car he makes me leave elmo on. A lot of people will criticize them, but I do like them for safety reasons. You'll get less judging stares if you get a backpack looking one.

 

[Harlie]

Ahh the harness debate is in our household. I think they are a handy way to give your overly independent child "some" freedom to roam while you still have some control over it. My DH is dead set against them. Basically I want one for our DS3 and he didn't....after trying to let him stroll in a local mall while not in the shopping cart he has since started to talk about "looking" into buying one for our DL trip!

HAHAHAHA sucker I got him hehe!

 

[Not so Dumbo]

I have nothing against them. I tried to use one on my DS when he was little and again on my DD and had the same result. They didn't like being on a leash and would throw themselves down and scream if we tried to reel them back in.

 

[Drewsmommybear]

We are a harness family. Believe me, before I had a very independent and curious boy, I thought they were horrible...and then I changed my mind.

Last year we brought his monkey to Disney World with us. The first day we were just going to Chef Mickey's and riding the monorail so we didn't bring it. As we were waiting for the bus, he saw something across the road that he wanted and darted after it as a whole line of people gasped in horror and both my husband and myself ran to get him. It was a miracle that there were no buses coming or I would have lost my boy. So after that we used it everywhere we went. He could walk ahead of us and some of the characters even took hold of the monkey's tail and pretended to take him away which made him crack up.

Maybe your child isn't like mine. In that case you don't need one. There are just so many things to see at WDW and I'd rather be safe than sorry. Bring one along and then if you want to try it you can. There are really cute ones at Target (like our monkey) that you could fill with stickers and toys. And have a thick skin when you do it because people make comments. Just know that you're doing what's right for your child.

 

[kim_o]

If you do the harness, it may help to let DC pick it out. I know some kids don't like wearing them...but if they have something on it that they like, it might be more encouraging. Some kids love them (like mine)...so it may not even be an issue.

 

[goldenears]

We brought our 2 year old in the fall and I thought about getting a harness and never did. She also likes to walk, but listens pretty well, so she was able to stay close to us and rode in the stroller when we felt like she wasn't safe.
I think you really need to do whatever you feel is the safest for your child. If that means using a harness, then do that.
My niece has a monkey backpack that has a harness on it. I think this is a good compromise for someone who might not like harnesses. My sister-in-law got it at Walmart.
Have fun on your trip!

 

[UtahMama]

Before I had kids, there's NO way I'd use one. But my tune has changed. Especially how EASY it is for a toddler to run out of site. Sure we mostly use a stroller but I think letting my dd run around (where appropriate) is good for her. She's less cranky and is able to sleep better after all the exercise

I've never gotten a snotty remark either.

This is embarrassing (a little), My dd called it her kitty leash And would meow at people!!!! I think it's funny!

 

[all4fun]

Yes, we used one and don't regret it. I actually bought it right after ds started walking and he had serious issues with it (did not like it at all) but tried it again a few months later and he didn't mind it in the least (go figure). We used it on several trips and it was a real lifesaver, especially in queues because the ropes are great at separating adults but not so great at containing toddlers who can walk right under them. DS used to really resist holding hands, and loved to "play chase" (code for "run away") but when he had the harness on he would happily stay right by our side (well for the most part; he did have his moments, but still, his behavior was a hundredfold better w/it on).

 

[Minniemouse07]

When we took dd to WDW at 17mo and 28mo we had no need for it. She loved her stroller and when not in it (which is a lot at WDW) she stayed w/ us or held our hand.

Ds (turned 2yo during our December trip last year) is just wired differently. He too loves his stroller but once he is out...he bolts. We brought a monkey backpack harness w/ us and didn't use it on the first day..>BIG MISTAKE! We did use it for the remainder of the trip and it was wonderful. We were more relaxed and it allowed ds more freedom to explore w/o us worrying about him bolting/darting off every 15 seconds!

If you think your child needs it... DEFINITELY bring one!

OH... we picked up the monkey backpack at Walmart for $9.99. I've seen a dog and a unicorn there as well.

 

[Chelley00]

OH... we picked up the monkey backpack at Walmart for $9.99. I've seen a dog and a unicorn there as well.

We have the monkey one and our DS3 begs to wear it. We put pennies in the pocket of it, so for him, it's a backpack, not necessarily a leash, and we just unclamp the "tail" when we are someplace uncrowded where he can have free reign.

His sister 5, wore it more on our last Disney trip then DS (almost 2 at the time) wore it.

 

[WIDisneyFan]

We have the monkey one and our DS3 begs to wear it. We put pennies in the pocket of it, so for him, it's a backpack, not necessarily a leash, and we just unclamp the "tail" when we are someplace uncrowded where he can have free reign.

His sister 5, wore it more on our last Disney trip then DS (almost 2 at the time) wore it.

We have the dog one and I too said I would never use one - then my son changed my mind

Do what works for you and the suggestion of letting them help pick it out is a good one - our son loved his from day one because HE picked it out

 

[NJFabFour]

I have nothing against them. I tried to use one on my DS when he was little and again on my DD and had the same result. They didn't like being on a leash and would throw themselves down and scream if we tried to reel them back in.

Yep, I tried 'em with my twins thinking it would help keep them together when I was out on my own with them. They also threw themselves on the floor kicking and screaming and refusing to move! So I quickly gave up! Sure wish that monkey one was around about 7 years ago!!

 

[jenavive]

We took our DD ,who was just a little under 2, to Disney last summer. She will not sit in a stroller for anything. I also thought it was awful to put a child on a "leash", but after having her, I have changed my mind. I bought a "Backpack Buddy" from Target for around $10. It is a dog with a long tail that can detatch if you want later on for your child to use it as a backpack only. My DD LOVED this!!!! It gave her the freedom to walk around on her own near us while in line and around the parks. She never minded it at all. She still asks for her backpack buddy when we are in crowded places.

 

[2thfairy]

We just bought one for our disney trip for ds. he will be almost 2 when we go. Dh has always been against "leashes"...then we had ds #2. Ds#1 always stayed by our side or was in a stroller. Ds#2 will ride in the stroller but the lines are what worries me. I'm sure he will try to go under the ropes and will run to something he sees. He is to heavy to hold in long lines and it will be to hot in June to want to hold him. I just want to the peace of mind when i'm dealing with ds1 that ds2 wont run off. I figure better safe then sorry.

 

[DevilDuckie]

Hello everyone. I remember reading a while back about harnesses for kids. I hate to use one, but my 2 year old is very active and I know he is going to want to walk. I thought this might be a good idea. Has anyone ever used one and if so, any recommendations on where to get one? Thanks so much!

If you absolutely cannot hold his hand, please at least consider a wrist to wrist strap so there's some equity and you're not walking him on a leash like a pet.

 

[kim_o]

If you absolutely cannot hold his hand, please at least consider a wrist to wrist strap so there's some equity and you're not walking him on a leash like a pet.

Personally, I walk my dog on a leash because I love him and care for him. It's to keep him safe from wandering off, running up to people he doesn't know, getting lost, or worse. So, I have absolutely no problem keeping my kid on a "leash like a pet". It's the kids that are allowed to roam free to get lost that I worry about it. And i's not even a case of being a watchful parent....its takes a 3 year old literally 2 seconds to suddenly not be where you left them.

 

[MyKidsMom1820]

If you absolutely cannot hold his hand, please at least consider a wrist to wrist strap so there's some equity and you're not walking him on a leash like a pet.

my dd can wriggle out of your hand so fast it would make your head spin! I think the OP is looking out for the safety of her child, I don't think it is sad at all.

 

[gabriellyn]

When we went to WDW this past New Year's Eve (for 8 days) I noticed quite a few people using "Harness Buddies" on their toddlers. I thought it was great - almost bought one for DS15mos. but decided against it since he is still ok in the stroller. But next time we go (hopefully end of 2008) I will definitely get one because I doubt he will be so easy to contain! Also, I never noticed anybody giving the harness families any looks. I say go for it!

-Gabrielle
DH, Ash
DD 12, DS 7, DS 16 mos.
Hoping for a repeat New Year's Eve WDW Trip in 2008!

 

[carrie6466]

My sis-in-law has the 'monkey backpack' harness for my niece, who was 18 mos when we went to WDW last year. I never used them for my kids, mostly because they liked the stroller, but DN hates the stroller! She is also a bolter! The 'leash' was the best thing sis in law ever did.