Odd question

[suzybeezy]

This question may seem a bit odd, but someone recommended I buy a child "leash" for my son for Disney World. We've had problems with him wandering away and I'm a bit afraid in such a crowded park. I don't want to fret all day that we'll loose track of him. I've been to the parks before and seen people with "leashes" on their child and found it disturbing. But at the same time, I want my son to be safe. I think I can tolerate the glares all day if it means I won't have to worry so much about my son getting lost in the park. Does anyone know where to buy these things or have any experience with them?

I also just learned about the electronic devices that sound an alarm when the child wanders away from the set distance - would this be better cause it would be less visible?

 

[Bob P]

Hi,

If you do a search on this board for "leash" you'll find plenty of threads. Here is one:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1379275&referrerid=&highlight=leash

 

[1rockinmamato2]

We got DS the monkey harness from Gold Bug. It can be found on amazon.

It has really been helpful because I'm terrified of him wandering away. He doesn't do too great at standing beside us when we have to let go of his hand - even for a second. We love it. It's so cute and we love the fact that he has a "monkey on his back" when he wears it - he's having a hard time giving up the pacifier so it's befitting.

 

[Cory's Gal]

We bought what we call the "puppy backpack" for DS 2 when we went in January. There were many people who used these!! I bought mine at Target but Babies R' Us had them too. They were only like 10 bucks too! DS could fit a few cars in the zipper part which was great for when we had to wait.

 

[tadamom]

I don't use these but I have seen the monkey one at Wal-Mart too!

 

[NotUrsula]

I also just learned about the electronic devices that sound an alarm when the child wanders away from the set distance - would this be better cause it would be less visible?

No. Most people who have tried them say that they cannot be heard over the ambient noise inside the parks.

 

[WDWorBUST]

I bought one of the harnesses with the "leash" because I was concerned as well and I would much rather KNOW my child was safe - regardless of disapproval from others. I say go for it if you feel like it will make your trip better and less stressful. I was very fortunate in the fact that my DD does good at holding my hand and if it was REALLY crowded - like park closing - I just insisted she stay in her stroller, so I never really had the need to use it. Although she really liked the silly thing and wanted to wear it

 

[darlak]

My kids are all too old for this to be an issue anymore, but I'm a mother of 4 and a former foster parent of over 100, plus I'm a child welfare worker. My family tells me I see perverts around every corner and they may be right. If I do, then it's because I spend all my days seeing the effects on kids who have been victimized. Who cares what anybody else thinks? Keep your child save and don't let worry ruin your vacation. Anyone who dares say anthing to you about it just might be the pervert you're trying to protect them from...you never know. As my mother used to tell me "you'll never see those people again anyway, so what do you care what they think."

 

[suzybeezy]

Thanks for all the advise. I tried to find one at Walmart tonight but was unsucessful. I did some searcin' online and think I'll just go ahead and order one of those backpack animal ones. I think using it will reduce my fears.

 

[fuji]

I don't like them either but had to buy one for DS11/2 he will run at every chance he sees. Better safe then sorry.

 

[va32h]

Well I am sure you have seen by now that it is not an odd question at all. You will probably see several children in the parks with leashes.

How old is your son? Would he be able to unhook the harness? One reason we have never used a leash is that my daughter is a true escape artist and can wriggle out of anything. We frequently have to pull over because she has unbuckled her carseat mid-trip.

Another suggestion is to make sure that the lead is not too long, you don't want to trip up other people in the park, or have your son be able to wander too far from you. Even with a leash on, he can still be out of your line of vision. On the other hand, you don't want it too short, because that will make walking uncomfortable. One of the saddest things I have ever seen was a father dragging his child along by a leash - they still have little legs and can only walk so fast.

I hope you find the type of leash that will work for you and have fun on your trip.

 

[northriver]

I got mine at Walmart it had Elmo on it. We only used it one day and DD insisted she hold the leash herself. She was very insistant. Of course not only does it not do any good if she is holding it herself, but it was also a choking hazard. *rolls eyes* Toddlers!

So my advice is to try it out at the mall or the park before you go so your child is used to it.

I also made stickers for my DD with her name, my cell phone # and the cell #'s of the people we were traveling with. Just in case.

 

[luvthatduke]

My kids are all too old for this to be an issue anymore, but I'm a mother of 4 and a former foster parent of over 100, plus I'm a child welfare worker. My family tells me I see perverts around every corner and they may be right. If I do, then it's because I spend all my days seeing the effects on kids who have been victimized. Who cares what anybody else thinks? Keep your child save and don't let worry ruin your vacation. Anyone who dares say anthing to you about it just might be the pervert you're trying to protect them from...you never know. As my mother used to tell me "you'll never see those people again anyway, so what do you care what they think."

Just popping in to say thank you for saying what you did!
You are my hero of the day!


And OP, I second all the positive remarks re: using a harness.
You use whatever you think you need
- your child depends on you & your DH, and no one else.

 

[suzybeezy]

Well I think I'll try Target next, since Walmart was a bust for me. I really feel much more comfortable about getting one now. If I can't find one in the stores (which is my preference so I can maybe try it on him) then I'll order online. But I really think having the leash is the best way to address my concerns for his wandering.

 

[Disney_Dreaming]

Here's an alternative to the leash and harness:

http://www.inventiveparent.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?preadd=action&key=SFTYOPAR

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

I don't like them either but had to buy one for DS11/2 he will run at every chance he sees. Better safe then sorry.

I had to look twice at your post. I thought you said you bought one for your 11 year old son!!! not 1 1/2!! I didn't look closely enough the first time I read it.

To the OP.. if it would give you peace of mind to have one, go for it. I used one with my son many many years ago when we were in crowds like that. I agree with the others, better safe than sorry.