question about safety "harness"

[HeatherSue]

I've seen kiddos at WDW with those safety harnesses, and have pondered the possibilty as I"m chaing my 20 month old... but I have... memories of being a leash child. I can even remember what color is was .. So, I'm kind of iffy about the whole thing, I was wondering some of your opinions of safety harnesses.

I have a memory of being lost in a store as a kid. It's a terrifying memory! I would have preferred to have a memory of my harness color!

I've never had a problem with harnesses, but I REALLY saw the need for one when my daughter was a year old. My goodness, she was a fast little thing, and VERY busy!

You may get disparaging comments from people who have never had extra-busy children. But, you just need to feel secure in the fact that you're doing what's best for you and your child.

 

[bzzymom]

I used them with DS when he was 2.5 and 3.5 because he was much faster than me. I left the harness on all the time, but the strap I took off and on, depending on what we were doing and how he was behaving. It worked well. They didn't have the cute ones they do now. If I needed one now, I would get one of the animal back pack ones.

 

[waltskids]

They are not something DH and I would use but, I say if you need it, go for it! It's about keeping your child safe (and keeping your sanity too! ).

 

[peach3es]

We used one with our oldest, and I had so many people butt into my business and give their opinion about keeping my child on a leash like a dog. I was always shocked that they would care so much about what I did and didn't do with my son. He was happy and safe, which were the top priorities for me. I would often engage the offended person in conversation, asking why they were so opposed to a harness for a child. No one ever gave me a better answer than "it's like a dog."

I say if it gives you peace of mind and your child is happy to wear it, then do what is right for you and your family.

~~Carrie

 

[delmar411]

.
We will be at least taking a harness with us in August. I would rather have one and not need it than the other way around. I have just been looking for one that is not so heavy or made to look like a cute animal since it will be so bloody hot when we go.

This is the one we used and it was good for not over heating our DS.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019QG0M6

ours was blue but khaki would be even better.

 

[cerberus]

This is the one we used and it was good for not over heating our DS.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019QG0M6

ours was blue but khaki would be even better.

Thanks!

 

[Syrreal]

I am a big fan of the "Seeing-Eye Child" (since he leads me, not the other way around). DS has always been independent. We got him one before he was 1 yr old and have used it since. I haven't used it at WDW yet (we've only been at off peak times and didn't feel we needed it) but have used it at the mall and the aquarium. He likes it because he can run around (I usually just let him wander in it with me close by) and I like it because he can't get far.

The one we have is the little dog backpack that you hold the tail

 

[lucigo]

We had a monkey harness for my son, he actually got to where he would ask for his monkey because he knew it meant he got to walk. I did get some snide remarks on a cruise, but seriously would they have rather I let him go overboard???

 

[Fintastic]

I honestly don't understand why some people are so adamantly against them. Would they rather kids A) be running around getting into things or B) be kidnapped? Using a harness on a child doesn't turn that child into an animal or imply that their parents think they are.

 

[bkreitzel]

When my oldest was little, we used a thing that attached to her wrist, and to mine. It was a little stretchy and she loved to boing away from me! I think we got it at some sort of baby store, and my husband was okay w/ me using it. He hated the little elmo harness I had purchased.

 

[delmar411]

I wanted to add that we had nothing but random positive reactions to our DS wearing the harness at WDW. When people would approach us about it I was ready to hear about how he wasn't an animal, etc but we got nothing like that! Older folks told us what a great safety idea it was and how much nicer they are now than when they had kids. Younger people wanted to know where we got it and how our DS liked it and also thought it was a great safety idea.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I honestly don't understand why some people are so adamantly against them. Would they rather kids A) be running around getting into things or B) be kidnapped? Using a harness on a child doesn't turn that child into an animal or imply that their parents think they are.

Nothing personal but there are plenty of people who don't use harnesses and their kids are not getting into things or worse. As I stated earlier, they are not for us but if you want to use one and think your child will be happy with it then go for it. You know your kids best.

 

[ammeador2]

Target has some super cute backpack harness from Eddie Bauer. I paid 8.99. My kids love them around the house..we haven't been to WDW yet so we will see. DD likes to unbuckle herself from the stroller so that's my problem is keeping her in! Good luck to you.

 

[everylastbreath]

Personally I would avoid those stuffed animal type of harness, if you have ever worn a backpack in Disney in August you would understand why. I had a backpack on one year and it was horrible, so hot, my back was sweaty constantly, never used a backpack again after that year. I would go for the simple harness with no stuffed animal for comfort sake.

 

[Miss LD]

we got the safety first one for DS and it was great for awhile. But, it also came with a wrist band harness.
DS calls it his "vacation bracelet" and is happy to wear it. He's 4 now so doesn't need it as much but at the airport, for instance we love it. He sees it as when he wears it we are doing something fun.
If you have a "runner" it's so worth it. We got the token odd look or comment, but nothing major and for us it was a necessity.

 

[tigger813]

We have the teddy bear back pack/leash. We got it at Target last year before out Dec. trip. We actually only used it 2-3 times on the trip as she was pretty good and we also got her a stroller. She disovered it the other day so we took it to a local town fair. She kept pulling on me with it. Don't know yet if we'll take it in October. She'll be almost 4 but she has a mind of her won right now and I have trouble taking her anywhere.

 

[3girls4me05]

For those of you with girls..this is the one we got for our 2 yr old DD. She loves purses so this was a hit. We had the dog one from when she was younger. I lost the tail and I figure it will be too hot for August.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7977202

 

[3girls4me05]

Nothing personal but there are plenty of people who don't use harnesses and their kids are not getting into things or worse. As I stated earlier, they are not for us but if you want to use one and think your child will be happy with it then go for it. You know your kids best.

I understand your point and shared it..till I had my third. That child is a joy but is also cut from a different cloth than my older two. She is Miss Independent! She does not like to hold hands, will throw herself on the ground in a tantrum if you make her until you pick her up then she will finally concede to hold a hand if she can walk(after a five minute tantrum) She does NOT mind a harness at all. So she will be in stroller most of the time but when we are in a long line or when she wants to walk for a bit we will use the harness if necessary. I took my second child when she was 16 months without a worry in my head about her taking off. This one is 2 1/2 and she scares the crap out of me!

 

[disneyfreak33]

For those of you with girls..this is the one we got for our 2 yr old DD. She loves purses so this was a hit. We had the dog one from when she was younger. I lost the tail and I figure it will be too hot for August.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7977202

Thank you for sharing this link, my DD LOVES purses so we ordered it.



I also wanted to add if your looking to buy this buy it soon as it was stated that is was soon to be discontinued so the item is in limited quantity. It was in small print at the bottom of the item title if anyone misses it.

Thanks again for the link, we also have the dog one but it seems to constricting for her this one looks to be perfect!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I understand your point and shared it..till I had my third. That child is a joy but is also cut from a different cloth than my older two. She is Miss Independent! She does not like to hold hands, will throw herself on the ground in a tantrum if you make her until you pick her up then she will finally concede to hold a hand if she can walk(after a five minute tantrum) She does NOT mind a harness at all. So she will be in stroller most of the time but when we are in a long line or when she wants to walk for a bit we will use the harness if necessary. I took my second child when she was 16 months without a worry in my head about her taking off. This one is 2 1/2 and she scares the crap out of me!

Oh I totally understand. That's why I said that if it works for your family then go for it. Your children's safety is paramount.