Toddler harness?

[jenniferyawn]

Yes or no? We have two teens whom we didn't start bringing to WDW until they were five and six. Last year we were surprised and blessed by our new little boy! We are planning an Oct trip. He will be 22 months. I know we will use a stroller, but I was thinking of a child harness too. They have little backpack animal ones that are cute. I never used one w my other two, but DH and I are older! Ha! Opinions about toddler harnesses...unsure whether to get one...

 

[cluvsdisney]

I saw quite a few little ones with the animal back pack ones in Disney last week. I vote for doing what you need to do to keep your child safe.

 

[maxiesmom]

If you need one, use it. Just keep in mind that if the weather is hot, the backpack will make your little one even warmer.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

If the child has a tendency to run off, it can be a big help for parents.

 

[IrishNYC]

If you have a runner, go for it. I would have if I had a runner. Some days I'd like to put one on my 5 year old so I can give her a little tug to move faster.

 

[mshanson3121]

We plan on using one for our 5 year old. She has HFA and tends to get overwhelmed in large places and run. I'm not willing to take the chance.

 

[mm1971]

Sorry, this question always makes me giggle as it reminds me of the Modern Family episode where they go to Disney Land.

We never needed one for our kids, but they were not runners and it was never an issue. If you think you need it to keep track, then use it. If you are not sure, bring it along and take it out if it looks like you'll need it. While I do occasionally see them at the parks, I'm not sure I ever even thought twice if your concerned about what people think or their reaction. It is accepted and anyone that has a problem with it should just MYOB.

 

[rainboots]

As a non parent, and then parent of one really easy kid, I scoffed at the idea. Then DD2 came along, and has been dosing out karma to me ever since! . I will never say 'never/not my child' again!!! If there is something crazy to be done, she is on it!

Do what you need to do! If someone scoffs, they have clearly never been in your shoes!

 

[msr709]

Sorry, this question always makes me giggle as it reminds me of the Modern Family episode where they go to Disney Land.

We never needed one for our kids, but they were not runners and it was never an issue. If you think you need it to keep track, then use it. If you are not sure, bring it along and take it out if it looks like you'll need it. While I do occasionally see them at the parks, I'm not sure I ever even thought twice if your concerned about what people think or their reaction. It is accepted and anyone that has a problem with it should just MYOB.

I'm also of this opinion (and I also saw the Modern Family show ). Do whatever you think will keep baby safe and don't concern yourself with what others think because they will NOT be the ones running after your baby. Go for it.

 

[StirlingSilver83]

We didn't use 1 for my last child. I wish I did though bc he was a runner. That being said he was 3 when we went to Disney and stayed in the stroller most of the time. My younger 1 will be 20 months when we go to Disney next time and I have already said to my DH that he will be wearing a harness. He hates his stroller and is very independent. The stroller is good for when he's tired but other than that he wants to walk and does not want to be held. He's pretty good at staying with us but I'm afraid being at Disney that something is going to catch his eye and that will be it lol. There's millions of people at Disney and I don't care if I get those shameful looks to me it's all about safety.

 

[g8torphan]

If you don't use on at the grocery store or mall in your hometown I dont see the need for one.

 

[siskaren]

If you don't use on at the grocery store or mall in your hometown I dont see the need for one.

I think a toddler is going to find a lot more to attract his attention and make him want to get a closer look at WDW than at a grocery store or a mall. Plus, most people aren't going to be spending as much time at a mall or a grocery store as they're going to be spending at a Disney park.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I think they could be helpful. The only thing that might be tricky using them in crowded areas of the parks...probably not good for that.

I haven't seen many of them at WDW actually now that I think about it.

 

[Mikie]

If you choose to use one, i recommend a trial run at a busy mall or zoo at home. Ive seen parents and kids at disney wjo dont seem accustomed to it and get tangled up with each other or strangers

 

[Happyinwonerland]

If you are going to use one, I recommend one of the wrist strap tethers vs. The backpack. No so hot, and is closer to holding their hand. Plus it looks less like a dog leash.

 

[CarolynFH]

IMHO, it's fine. I wish they had had those when our DD was a toddler!

 

[3Gsandme]

If you don't use on at the grocery store or mall in your hometown I dont see the need for one.

Well, there's about thirty thousand less people around at the mall...

 

[smiths02]

If you don't use on at the grocery store or mall in your hometown I dont see the need for one.

If I take my young child shopping, I can keep him/her in a cart or stroller 100% of the time.

There is no way to keep a child in a stroller the entire time at Disney (barring some mobility issue, of course).

We have twins. One does not like to be carried or hold hands. I'm guessing we will have to do something.

 

[mirak]

I've got three young, active, speedy boys, and I would never consider putting them on a leash like a dog. Please reconsider. I don't care how "cute" they try to make the harness look - it looks ridiculous and it's degrading. I can't believe people buy these things.

 

[GatorMama]

We've never used one and ALWAYS had an under 3 with us. But what works for us might not work for you and vice versa. And what worked for me before may not work for me next time. My 2.5 year old has become a runner since our last trip. Scares me to death. If it continues between now and Sept, I may invest in the harness for a little peace of mind.