Toddler "leashes"

[WIcruizer]

I'm torn on the subject. On one hand, I find it hard to argue with anything that helps children stay safe. On the other hand, it does look very odd to me. I suppose that's not a good enough reason to be opposed to using them, but that was our reason. We just preferred to hold their hand. I guess I just can't get past the fact it looks like a dof ona leash, and I can't get past that image.

 

[ellyn2000]

I used them for my 2 youngest who were 13 months apart. I was so afraid of one "getting away" that I broke down and bought them each a hand leash. I would fasten it around a belt loop or overall strap when possible. I would also wind it up on my hand so that they were comfortable but not 5 ft. away. It made me feel a little safer and my children felt "free". I would recommend them to any parent. There weren't as many different types 16 years ago as there are today. You can find them now that are much nicer.

 

[Tiggernut_jadie]

I think the vast majority of people who have 'problems' seeing kids on a harness don't have kids themselves! Two posters on here have said 'I used to think they were awful until I had a child' .........this sums it up for me. Don't judge until you've walked a mile in my shoes!

With regards to holding the kids hand - this is great when they get to a certain height (and this height is also tied in with the sort of age where 'negotiation' is also possible) but when you see a two or three year old holding their 6 ft plus tall Daddy's hand, it looks incredibly uncomfortable. Why not try walking aound for 30 mins with your arm up above your head and see how it feels.............

The only real alternative is to stick the kid in the stroller and STRAP THEM IN (surely this is restraint - is this better than the harness then?!!! ). In a world where obesity is an 'epidemic', isn't it better to get a kid used to walking around - and using a harness to keep them safe - than let them think it's okay to use 'transport' to get everywhere? the way things are going, kids are going to move straight from stroller to ECV without even bothering with the 'walking' bit in between at this rate!!!!

 

[moniot]

I loved the freedom that a leash gave the kids. My kids were 3 and 4 when we used them. I bought a regular dog leash with the clip hook on the end and attached it to the back of their belt bags. It was easy to remove and tuck away when not needed. We were traveling with my SIL and her to kids and they had the same. It was really easy for one of us to hold all 4 kids. The kids had both their hands free and a belt bag full of stuff.

I only had one negative comment and it was from a couple with one kid under the age of one. I wonder if they ever changed their opinion when their little one got older.

We did still watch the kids and kept the leash away from others. Some one running into a leash can't be any more annoying then getting run over by a stroller

Leah

 

[lil.disney.princess]

i dont know about over there but here in the UK you can buy a backpack which is integrated with a harness on it-it goes over the head and the back pack bit is obviously on their back but has a front panel and it does up under their arm so holding the backpack securely on the child and then the harness part actually comes out of the backpack bit-so the child doesnt 'feel' like they are being restrained as much as with proper reins or harness,and the backpack is handy for keeping a drinks cup or nappy or other small bits in-makes them feel quite grown up,we are going to get one for ds who is going to be 3 when we go as he prefers to be walking!!


edited to add a link of a photo to show you what i mean!it is called toddler runner and its made by Lindam

http://www.babydayz.co.uk/popup_image.php?pID=29

 

[graygables]

When I was a kid in Germany, my parents had a little station wagon and I sat in the cargo area. There was a "seatbelt" back there (required for everyone even back then) that was essentially a chest harness with a strap that attached to a thing bolted to the bottom of the car. I used that until I was 12yo. When we travelled (a LOT), my parents frequently just left me in the harness (it was a PIB to get on and off) and sometimes left the strap attached so I wouldn't be seperated from them, say, in the catacombs under Rome or in the Turkish market where it was hustle and bustle. I never thought anything of it and *really* appreciated it when I wandered a little too close to the edge at the cliffs of Dover. Oops! My own DDs had their harnesses growing up.

Something I have done as they get older is to loop a lanyard or water bottle strap through a parent belt loop (or fanny pack strap) and require that they hold onto that. Hand-holding gets a little hot and sticky after awhile, but the lanyard works well. Even my 17yo still "grabs on" every once in awhile when it's getting pushy-shovey!

 

[massielovesdisney]

I have used one briefly for my son when he was 18 months old. Some people have a problem with it but oh well. My older son in 98 was 9 yrs old and thought he was too old to hold my hand while exiting Epcot at closing. When we got to the bus stop we realized that he had gotten lost in the shuffle. Image my total panic as hundreds of busses are leaving the park and we did not know if he followed the wrong woman onto a bus if this was the case he could be anywhere. Thousands of people going in every different direction. I was on the brink of sheer terror when a security woman had noticed he was lost and took him to a building. we found him within 3 minutes but I have to tell you it felt like 1/2 hour. That was the happiest moment of my life. Do you know the number of abductions that occur at the parks each year. If I was in your shoes I would buy one and use your judgement if you think you need it. Shame on anyone who gives you dirty looks or comments for using any tool needed to keep your child safe.

 

[Nancyg56]

I got this comment at the aquarium once....where strollers are NOT allowed. I had 2 two year olds with me, so use the cute little teddy bear harness'. Some man gave me the treating them like dogs.

I asked him if he had a dog...yes! Do you put it on a leash...yes! Why do you do that...to keep him safe! Because you LOVE him?!...yes! Then SHUT UP!

Excellent! My DD used an Elmo harness for her DD at the Big E, which is a huge New England state fair. THE little one played with it at home prior to using it, and was fine. More importantly, she was not inadvertantly pulled away from any of us! When my own DD was 2 1/2 years old, my DSis had her by the hand at Mystic Aquarium. The doors of the show opened, and this sea of people swept out, carrying my little girl with them. Pulled her right away from my sister. She was terrified, and screaming when we found her. I cannot tell you how much I wished we had a harness on her, and who know what could have happened to her!

Parents have the right to determine how best to keep their children safe, and others have no right to intrude on their decision.

 

[CleveRocks]

I think the use of child harnesses is degrading and disgusting and is a lazy short-cut for proper parenting. I have two very active and curious kids, ages 5.5 and 3, and we've taken them all over the place, including WDW, Atlantic City (where we live), Manhattan, Baltimore Inner Harbor, and countless Philadelphia museums/plays/cultural events; we've never stooped so low as to "leash" them like animals, and instead we've provided proper supervision while still allowing them to exercise and to fully explore their environment.

That being said, I would NEVER say this to anyone in public, as it's none of my darn business how you choose to parent your child. I know to keep my stupid opinion to myself.

-- Eric

 

[TENIA66]

cleve i hope you know whats coming. i am not a lazy parent, value the safety of my own children over the opinions of others, recognize the potential in the crowds of disney with multiple children for danger,

 

[Teacher03]

I think the use of child harnesses is degrading and disgusting and is a lazy short-cut for proper parenting. I have two very active and curious kids, ages 5.5 and 3, and we've taken them all over the place, including WDW, Atlantic City (where we live), Manhattan, Baltimore Inner Harbor, and countless Philadelphia museums/plays/cultural events; we've never stooped so low as to "leash" them like animals, and instead we've provided proper supervision while still allowing them to exercise and to fully explore their environment.

That being said, I would NEVER say this to anyone in public, as it's none of my darn business how you choose to parent your child. I know to keep my stupid opinion to myself.

-- Eric

I hope you are kidding! Are you?

 

[GEM]

Probably not. But, who cares?? Just roll your eyes and walk away.

 

[massielovesdisney]

I would like to say that I am not a lazy parent either. I have four children and my son that had gotten lost was and still is very bull headed. He thought he was too old to hold my hand and that is how we got seperated. I also have taken all four of my children on multiple trips in and out of the country. Some children are easier to supervise than others. My daughter always was very compliant and listened to what she was told. My boys were too independant and thought they were too old (9 & 14) to hold mommy's hand. I'm sure you can agree that some children listen better and are easier to control than others. I would rather not have used a child leash briefly on my last son but I'm more interested in his safety. His older sister I never even considered using one, I had no reason. I'm glad you would never say so in public, but for MOST parents that use a leash it's just as a precaution not as a replacement for supervision. My son did not wear it the whole trip just in large crowds.

 

[CleveRocks]

I hope you are kidding! Are you?

Nope, I'm totally serious. But my bigger point was that even though I think the toddler leashes are a terrible practice, I'd NEVER be so rude or pushy as to tell anyone how I feel, or to make faces at it or anything like that. The way you choose to raise your child is your business, not mine. I'm expressing my opinion here, on a message board, because it is appropriate to exchange ideas in a forum such as this; as a matter of fact, I think it's wonderful and healthy to POLITELY AND APPROPRIATELY exchange ideas with people whom we disagree with, so we can understand each other better even if we continue to disagree on a subject. But if I saw you with your harnessed child on the Atlantic City boardwalk or in Tomorrowland you'd never know my opinion because it would be incredibly, stupidly rude of me to tell you how I feel you should be parenting your child. It's none of my business! Of course we're all entitled to our opinions, but that doesn't mean we have to go up to strangers and make those opinions known.

So yes, I'm totally serious that I find harnessing a child to be degrading and unnecessary. I'm not saying it should be outlawed or anything, I'm just saying I don't approve. But like I said, that's just my stupid opinion. God Bless America for allowing me the freedom to express my opinion. But due to civility, I would never choose to express that opinion to you because it would be rude and out-of-place.

-- Eric

 

[CleveRocks]

The other point I forgot to add was this. If you want to harness your child, if you think it is the safest thing for your family, then do it! Don't let your family's safety be compromised by others' opinions. If you do harness your child because you love your child, what's it matter what I think??? It shouldn't matter at all. So I disapprove -- BIG DEAL!!! The people who might make comments to you are jerks, pure and simple. They're not jerks because of their opinions, they're jerks because they have no business telling you how they think you should raise YOUR kids.

-- Eric

 

[TinkerPixxie]

If we end up going I was actually thinking of using them for my 5 yr olds! We have never used them before, i can handle the mall with my 5 kids, and busy places. But Dis is just too crowded, and im one person and can only focus on so many things at once in such a large crowded place.

I say definatly use it if its going to save your sanity.

Tink~

 

[iliketoby]

Of course they take the place of supervision! That's why they're great for toddlers! I had 2 at once, and it is physically impossible to watch two kids who've run off in two different directions! Plus, a tall person can only bend over to hold hands or pick up a kid for so long before the back gives out.

I wanted to get them leashes badly, but I was very young and worried about what other people said and thought. If I could go back with the brains I have now, I'd get them.

I find it amazing that people have no problem with strapping a child in to a stroller (far more physically restraining), but cringe at the idea of a leash.

However, I'd try very hard to not allow others to get tangled up in it - that's rude. And I wouldn't put a 4-years or older kid on one. At that age a child is able to be taught to follow your orders to stay close.

 

[magicmato]

ROFL. Guess my children's pediatrician does not know what he is talking about, or care for my child's well being! He recommended for us to go out and get a harness for our 20 month old, because she has developed the habit of randomly running off at top speed, generally when we have turned to say something to our 4 year old. When you are alone with two young kids, what are you supposed to do? Never leave the house for fear of having to ditch your older child to chase your younger, or potentially lose them in a crowd? Yes I know, proper parenting... right. Please come and explain to my not even 2 year old child about running. She does not run *from* me, or *to* anything. She just runs. She likes to run and runs non-stop around the house when she plays. It is just the way she is built. Should I somehow force her to stop? Would that be somehow less harmful than a harness? Somehow, I doubt it. So, to all of you who disapprove, I have a Dr.'s note. Does that make it better in your eyes?

BTW, I was harnessed as a child in the early 70's... my parents had these car seat harness things and they would just leave them on us and use them to keep us close. I don't *twitch* think I have suffered *twitch* any harmful side effects. *shudder*

LOL

 

[Mommaof3]

I agree that all have a right to an opinion, but I don't think that my use of leashes with my twins was "poor parenting" or a substitute for watching my children. Reality was that I had a five year old girl and then twin boys. I taught my children a routine for getting in the car, out of the car, walking in a parking lot, etc. But I am not perfect and couldn't watch every movement three normally active children made, esp. in a large crowd. I used a leash when I felt in was in the best interest of my children. As my children matured and I could rely on their self-control and restraint, I put the leashes away and never gave it another thought. I now have three teen-aged children that are very normal and self-disciplined. Again, everyone can have an opinion. For some parents, I guess a leash can be a substitute for careful supervision. For me, it was a tool to use WHILE I taught my children self-control. Use whatever helps you keep your children safe. Try not to worry about what others might say. I, for one, have no regrets.

 

[tinkerbella1]

I think a "leash" is a good idea.
I agree with Mommaof3. ("I agree that all have a right to an opinion, but I don't think that my use of leashes with my twins was "poor parenting" or a substitute for watching my children.")

It allows toddlers and wild-ones to roam around freely w/o you having to hold there hand or have them get lost.

I would rather have my child w/ me rather than lost somewhere in a Disney Park...

But, then again everyone is different...

That's my 2 cents worth...lol