Okay so I decided to use a backpack harness

[sl_underwood]

Any suggestions on which ones to use? There are many of them out there and I am not sure which one to choose

Two I have found are
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7977201

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4532497

I think the monkey one is adorable but I love the other backpack style with the waterbottle holder.

My son will turn 5 on our trip, does anyone know how big these adjust? He isnt a huge kid but he has grown alot, wears about a 5T.

I feel like I have asked you all millions of questions already, thanks so much!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

They both look good to me. Couple of things to consider though:

Will he be able to figure out the fastenings? If so, you'll have to get one with them on the back, so he can't take it off.

Do the harness's backpacks 'breathe'? If not, he may get a bit hot and grumpy.

How heavy would the filled-up water bottles be? Would it be more weight than he'd want to carry? As you'll have a stroller, the water carrier probably isn't essential, but might be good as it would make him feel he had a 'job'.

Goodness me, I'm going bullet point crazy today!

Those were just my random musings, feel free to take them or leave them as you see fit.

 

[ORMom2Four]

We had the monkey harness.

Do you have a Wal-Mart close to you? These are also sold at Target, in case they are closer. I would suggest trying it on him before you buy it. They are located in the baby section, by the clothing. It only fit our son until he turned 3, as the chest straps were pretty small.

The backpack style looks great. I'm going to find out if my local Wal-Mart has it in stock for our trip to Disneyland this spring. (my developmentally delayed son is also 5 and a runner)

 

[brergnat]

We have the plush one (dog). My son LOVES it, because it's soft like a stuffed animal. He also likes that he gets to have a "tail" when he's wearing it.

I recommend it if your child is on the skinny side, as they are not really made for older/larger kids.

 

[sl_underwood]

My son is tall but thin. We will be renting a stroller but I imagine he will want to walk as much as he can. I dont want him to be hot or uncomfortable but I am more concerned with losing him. We live in a small town and walmart is pretty much the only store close to us. I can have something shipped easy enough if anyone has suggestions. Has anyone had trouble with the backpacks making their child uncomfortable?

 

[lostmom]

we have used the monkey and the dog one. the only issue is they do get rather hot. and the back pocket isnt that big. But it worked well for my kiddos

 

[SueM in MN]

If your child is too big for it, it might not be that hard to enlarge the straps if you have some basic sewing skills.
Here's a website that has more basic versions of a child leash. It says they will also do special orders for special sizes. You could always add something to it to make it more to his liking (like maybe buy one of the animal ones and add it to this harness).

Here's another site that seems to have a larger one. The measurements are on the page.

 

[Ali]

I just wanted to add a few thoughts on the harness concept - especially for an ASD kid - if you make it a rule "The harness stays on when you are outside of the stroller" and make sure you follow your own rule no matter how much melting down occurs you will have more success later on. You said you had decided to use one so make sure you are prepared for anything.

I have seen so many kids at WDW who scream about the harnesses and the parents give in and that just lets the kids get away, increasing the danger and the loss of control.

Consistency is always the key even at the most magical place on Earth.

 

[sl_underwood]

Our oldest had ODD when we got her so we know all about consistency with power struggles. We used the harness this past weekend when we visited the zoo and he did beautifully. He loves the backpack. He thinks he is a big man carrying his own stuff.

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

Our oldest had ODD when we got her so we know all about consistency with power struggles. We used the harness this past weekend when we visited the zoo and he did beautifully. He loves the backpack. He thinks he is a big man carrying his own stuff.

That is so great. My ASD boy loves "heavy work". I'm so glad he did well.

 

[MHTeacher]

bump---any more ideas or thoughts?

 

[sl_underwood]

Just an update- We purchased the harness but only used it our first day. DS really enjoyed the stroller and didnt care for walking much but when he did walk, he held our hands and stayed close by. All my worry was for nothing.

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

I am so happy he was good for you and it all worked out. My son is better behaviorally at WDW since he is so happy to be there, it is a huge internal motivator to keep it together. I am so glad you had the worry for nothing!!! That is the best when things go better than planned

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

There is this type of vest, which can be used with or without a service dog: http://www.activedogs.com/default.asp?S=503&A=E&PKV=705301|0

It has a grab handle on it to grab the kid in an emergency, plus you can hook up a "leash" to use it like the backpacks you listed. It also has a window to put emergency info. in it, like the kid's name, your name, your cell phone number, etc. It can go on two ways - over the kid's head or snap around the kid's head (some don't like things going over their heads).