Toddler Harness

[TravelinGal]

Where does one get one of the things that attaches to both your wrist and the child's wrist? I wouldn't put the full-up harness on my almost 2-year-old son, but I think a wrist one would work pretty well. A coil between the wrist straps sounds very nice, so no one trips.

Thanks!! We're going in August and I really don't want to lose my son!

jenny

I found a blue harness/leash that would also work on the wrist - smooth nylon strap - I think it was made by safety first and I found it at Target. It was under $10 (thinking around $5 but not positive)

You can also do a search on eBay for "toddler wrist leash" - but I think all those are the springy coil kind that, IMO, give too much distance - can trip other people - and if someone trips on it, it means both you and your DC can get hurt too!

 

[weeluvdisney]

I got mine at Walmart for $6.00. It has the harness or just the wrist attachment, I think it has Elmo in it.

 

[NotUrsula]

There is a reason that they were invented.

Two reasons, actually: water and fire.

Walking reins (or as they were originally known in English, "leading strings") were invented hundreds of years ago to help toddlers learn to walk, and to protect them from drowning and burns while they were being watched by adults or older children who were doing household chores. People would use them to tie the child for short periods to a fixed object that was out of harm's way. Now that most of us don't have open cooking fires or huge vats of boiling laundry in our homes, the primary hazard they protect against is traffic, whether vehicular or human.

I've mentioned it here before and I'll repeat myself: reins once saved my sister's life when my mother fell and broke her ankle while walking along a busy city street. Naturally, Mom couldn't keep a grip on her hand under the circumstances, but the rein looped around Mom's wrist kept her safe and out of the traffic. Remember that reins help protect if something happens to YOU, too. Bee stings, falls, someone spilling something on you -- any of these things can happen to an adult who is supervising a child at WDW, and any of them would make it very easy for a toddler to slip away from you into the crowd in the confusion of the moment.

BTW, while a wrist-rein might be effective for an older disabled child, they are normally a total wash with a toddler. Most can get out of them in a second or two, and a lot of little imps think it is cute to remove their end of the tether and use it to hook their grownup to things like store fixtures and fence railings.
I wouldn't waste my money on a wrist-rein for an active little one.

 

[kaysmommie]

I completely agree with you. I will be purchasing one just in case for DS almost 2. I would panick if either of my DC got lost in a crowd.

 

[FSUGrad97]

The harnesses are great, especially for my headstrong DD2. Sometimes, she does not like being in her stroller and wants to get out and walk around. I have a harness from Wal-Mart that has Elmo on it, and she likes being able to walk around.

 

[connorsmom911]

We bought and used the full-style one on our last trip to disney when DS was 20 months. It was great! DH is 6'5", so little DS having to hold his hand was a pain (literally) and DS is a squirmer. This trait has only gotten MUCH worse since...he has darted away from me many times, the worst was in Wal-mart one day when he bolted and I lost track of him literally in a split second and I consider myself a watchful mom. I caught up with him finally OUTSIDE the store, he had actually got out the doors and was almost about to dart into the road! Let me tell you I was a basket case that day and it is one of the very few times he has ever gotten a swat on the backside from me!

We fully intend to take it on our next trip (30 sleeps!!) and use it again. DS is now 3, but I know his level of understanding and even though we plan to have ID info on him and show him who cast members are in case he gets lost, I know he just doesn't get it. I would rather have him walk on his own with the "leash" on than ruin a day having him get lost, even for the briefest period of time.

I will say that we got comments last time, both positive and negative (one woman even barked at me when she walked by!) but I'm never going to see these people again and they don't know me or my DS!

If you're good with it, go for it no matter what people think. Ask your DH which he would rather...a few odd looks? or a day, possibly the whole vacation ruined by you "losing" your child? Kids are like little Houdini's...if they get a chance, they're gone!

FWIW...

 

[MammaNicholas]

When my dd was 2.5, we did it. I was so worried about the looks and comments we'd get for putting one on her, because I know the thoughts that went through my head when I was childless and saw it. But we got so many compliments and had people asking us where we got it. We knew it was perfect for us to use because earlier that year we used it at Mardi Gras so she could walk with us. We got the Elmo one at WalMart for $6. We put the harness on her, and the leash part I put on my wrist. She'd walk, when she'd get tired she'd jump in the stroller (we rented a double for her and dn). She had her freedom, and I didn't have to worry about her getting lost. It really made it easier to relax and enjoy seeing her have fun. And I have every intention of using one with her when we go in Dec. (she'll be 5 then and thinks she's old enough to walk off and not tell anyone), and getting one for ds who will be 18mts when we go.

 

[sara74]

I am wondering though instead of spending time getting them used to the leashes why not spend time getting them used to staying next to you?

Why not? Because there is no where in CT in March that I can duplicate the conditions that we will face in WDW in April. I can't go to an amusement park here to 'try it out' with a 21 month old who is just asserting independence and is not old enough to understand that this is a safety issue for him. DD, who turned 4 yesterday, and I have been reviewing appropriate theme park behavior just as she is aware of parking lot rules and the rules re:staying in our yard when playing, etc. But that just doesn't apply for a child my son's age. Even if I could trust him to hold hands with me in the mall (which I can't rely on from one week to the next) then I certainly can't expect it in the overstimulating environment of Disney. That's why I am not spending any more time than usual trying to get him used to holding hands with me. I can't trust him.

And this is ignoring the whole bent/crippled back syndrome most people would suffer if required to hold hands with a toddler all day. Doesn't apply here as he is tall and I am short. And no, I can't carry him all day. I'm five months pregnant and he weighs 29 pounds.

 

[ebethuk]

in the UK, where i live, they are used all the time - i mean - all the time. every parent has a set and they're wonderful for keeping your child close to you in crowded places.

i can see why people think it looks like a leash - but to the naysayers, i say try living in a very crowded urban environment.. what's more important? child safety or appearances?

-ebeth

 

[KerriSue]

Hi everyone, this is my first post ever on any board. Im a little scared!!!!

Anyway, years ago I took my DS then 5 and DD then 2 to disney. I was really worried about keeping an eye on both since I was going alone. I went to Toys r us and picked up one of those wrist 'leashes'. Let me say that it was fantastic. I hooked the leash to my son then connected it to the stroller. It was perfect. He wasnt necessarily attached to me but yet safe from wondering. He also had a since of freedom. When my DD wanted to get out and walk, I would attach the other end to her. I figured if I lost one, I would lose both and that wasnt going to happen. We had a fantastic time with it. I then kept it on the stroller and used it in the mall and other places with big crowds.

 

[Gillian]

So when we use our harness from one step ahead next month, hopefully everyone will think we're European!

It's very hard to compare someone else's children to your own, no matter how many you have. My first was easy and would never run away (although he's easily distracted). My second would run away in a heartbeat. You could have 4 perfect little ones who will stay by your side all day, and the 5th will turn out to be a terror. It's not just about upbringing.

 

[MastroK75]

Thanks all for great feedback. My husband said he is ok that we get it as a backup plan. I let him think that it will be a backup plan because I know our DS and running after him or carrying him is going to get old really quick.

 

[littleteapot]

So please do not judge parents that use these devices because I am sure that those that do use them do because of special needs and or circumstances.

Amen and amen

 

[antkim]

I remember my sister using one for her DD when we were on a ferry (back in the 70's). It really did look like a dog harness/leash. I wouldn't use one like that, but there are some really CUTE ones out there now!

Target has them (Eddie Bauer line) for $9.99 ***DO NOT GET STUCK PAYING MORE FROM EBAY! *** I've seen people trying to sell them for $19.99 plus shipping there!!! Greedy jerks! And the sad part is people will pay it because they don't research the true market price.
There's a puppy one on ebay right now that's 99 cents ($5 shipping) - used - looks decent still - number 7755037417

I liked this one best, but didn't get it because it was such a light color: (puppy)
(found out AFTER I bought the darker one that it is machine washable)

This is the one we got: (Bear)

My ONE YEAR OLD does NOT understand the concept of staying right next to me yet. I can see that argument for a 3 year old maybe, but not a 1 year old. Just ignore the naysayers.

DS will be in one of three situations when we are at WDW.
1)in the stroller
2)in the harness
3)in the hip hammock style carrier I made

NEVER EVER will he be left to run loose.

I ditto the comment about getting it early and using it. I've discovered that if DS doesn't want to come with me while on the harness, I'll have to take his hand until he's walking our direction again. But we've only used it a couple of times. Need to get him in it more in the next month!

Just don't yank/pull etc on your DC and ignore anyone looking at you nasty. Your love for your child and concern for their safty is tops.

BTW- There was an instance where DS stumbled (uneven parking lot surface) while wearing the harness and I was able to lift my arm up quickly and keep him from landing on his face. I'm sure it didn't feel great for him, but it was better than a faceplant on rough blacktop!

Eddie Bauer model is made by Gold Bug - which is the other common market name on them. EB costs the same - guess it's just what's available where you live.

Edited to add - the Eddie Bauer model has a place to clip the "leash" on the back OR on one side. Nice to have the option. (I'm not saying other ones don't have this feature - this is the only one I have experience with)

Thank you! I just ran out to Target and bought one! DS(2) was not sure at first, but once I showed him how much fun Mommy and he would have walking together he LOVED it! He holds one part of the "leash" and I hold the end..he thinks it is hysterical and said "big boy"...I told him it was his new "big boy walking back pack"!

To the OP....I was always one that could not figure out why people needed these. Although I never gave dirty looks (because it really was non of my business) I did think it odd. DS (now 7) never wanted to get out of his stroller so I never needed anything more. WELL, then ds (2) came along and NOW I UNDERSTAND a bit more! I would rather get a few curious stares than be frightened to death because I could not find him!! He is like lightning.....probably quicker and does not like to be in the stroller for long periods of time. Figure if he is going to walk, he is going to do it safely!

Good luck and know that you are not alone or mean! I do not know many toddlers that can be taught and understand to stay next to you. You do what you feel is needed and correct to keep your little one safe....and sleep tight knowing that he/she is sleeping safely where he/she belongs.

Kim

 

[ebethuk]

So when we use our harness from one step ahead next month, hopefully everyone will think we're European!

Exactly! We have both the chest harness kind and the wrist to wrist. For a smaller child, the chest harness type is much better. They're also super handy if you're stuck without a high chair.


ebeth

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

I am wondering though instead of spending time getting them used to the leashes why not spend time getting them used to staying next to you?

If it WERE even possible to get my DS2 to stay next to me BEFORE our trip, I'm pretty sure that would all be out the window when he sees everything at Disney!!

I'll take the nasty looks/and or comments as long as he is safe by my side.

 

[wmackleit]

My daughter was 6 the last time I used the wrist ones .... I always told her that I would go any where she wanted to go she just had to let me know. It worked out great!!!!! I think a mother freaking out looking for her child looks a lot worse then a child wearing a "leash" of some sort attached to their parent. JMO

 

[mamax2]

I wholeheartedly agree with Rparmfamily. I have a 19 month old whom we will be taking to Disney next year, and she is a very active and curious little person. I would rather know she is at the end of a rope, then go into a panic attack everytime she wrenches herself free from my hand to go see something in the opposite direction. If you lose your child, it won't be the people who are against "leashes" who will be going through the nightmare.

 

[maxiesmom]

I don't like people who use them as an excuse to not watch their child. The ones who stand on one side of the walkway while little Joey is on the other side, with the cord stretched between. But I would much rather you use one responsibly that have you try to chase down a child who is bent on running away. That is safe for no one. Use it if you need to and ignore the disapproving looks.

 

[klineyqueen]

We went to Disney last summer with our 2 year old son. We didn't have a harness and he pulled his hand out of my husbands and went running under railings. He got way ahead of us when my husband finally caught him! My husband was very upset. (I wanted to take a harness but he was dead set against them.) When we got back to the hotel he paid top dollar for a wrist one that was used the following days. He didn't have it on all of the time, just when he wanted to walk and it was crowded. We don't use it at home but Disney is a different story. Even if your husband objects take one anyway. You may need it!
My son listens at home but at Disney they get mesmerized by something and take off! Disney really is a different world!