Would You Use a Child "Leash" at WDW?

[scanne]

I'm planning our next big trip for July 05. It will be me, DH, DS who will be almost 3, DD who will be 1 (she's still 'baking'), my parents, my grandmother and my aunt. We are planning on bringing either two lightweight strollers or a double stroller (I don't want to be without a stroller and I don't want to rent one), but I'm sure that my son will be VERY precocious and into everything. Would you use one of those toddler leashes? My thought was that if he went running one way, he'd still be attached to me or DH. Personally I think it's a good idea...just curious what others think and perhaps have experienced.

Has anyone used these at WDW (or anywhere for that matter) and gotten weird looks? How'd you handle it?


Thanks!!!

 

[Momof5cubs]

There is such an undeserved stigma about those "leashes". I have twins and when they are 2 and we go to WDW, I will definately use the harnesses. Afterall, what are a few weird looks compared to possibly losing our children in the crowd.

 

[princesskaelybear]

We have been using it when we go grocery shopping and other places to practice before WDW in May.
DD is almost 2 and prefers to "run away" from us than stick with us.
Yes, we have gotten weird looks....I try to ignore them, but the I get all "mental" and think I'm donig something wrong, but my mom always comes to the rescue saying - it's better to "leash" them and know where they are, than to have to go to the service desk saying "I lost my kid!".
We'll be using it at WDW!

 

[torinsmom]

I don;t see anything wrong with those "leashes" at all. There are new devices you can buy that you wear one unit and your child wears the other. It alarms is you child gets a certain distance away from you. I think if my son was younger I'd get one of those too.

One thing I did was to out stickers on my son's shirts that said "in case I am lost, please call ******** " with my cell phone number on it. I figured that might make reunion easier in case we did get separated.

Marsha

 

[Magic2000]

I would go ahead and use it and too bad with what anyone else says!

We did use one on one of our trips when my middle DD was about 18 months old. She liked to run off too! The only thing was - she liked walking away and stretching it as far as it would go, and no one could walk around us. She thought that was so funny!

Have a great trip!!!

 

[Disney Fool]

By all means, use them. There are many distractions at Disney --more than you'll experience anywhere else. I have so often seen parents get distracted, and the child runs into the oncoming horse plodding down Main Street; or the child who got away from Mom at the Jungle Cruse and nearly fell off the pier into the water; or the child who disappeared during a parade. If it will help you keep track of your children, use it. Better to be safe, than sorry.

 

[Ratpack]

I see nothing wrong with using them. Our kids like to wonder and explore so it would be a great way to let them have a little freedom without worrying that they will get lost. Usually the people giving the looks don't have kids and don't understand what is going on.

 

[Memaw2Wm]

Never used one at Disney, but I used one all the time w/my son back in the mid-1970's ... it gave him a bit of freedom and me the security of knowing he couldn't get far.

 

[Luv2trav]

Absolutely use one!! I plan on using one with my almost 3 year old. I think the only people who are going to give you weird looks at those who have never had a toddler!

 

[tiggercrazy]

Quite a few people use them at Disney (at least I saw a bunch on our last visit). We tried to use one with our DD. The last time we were there she was 23 months old. The problem was that we had never used one before. She was running away from us so we bought one there. Well, she HATED it! We would put it on her and she would just plop down on the ground and not move. When we tried picking her up she threw a fit. Ours had both the wrist strap and a harness. Just make sure you use it a bit before you go so he gets used ot it.

 

[undertheradar]

YES!

Used them with all three of my children and never had a problem. Too bad I can't get them for this trip, my DS is 13 and my DDs will be 6 and 8. Sure would be alot easier to gather up the family

 

[peanutzmom]

I think the leashes are a great idea and you shouldn't hesitate at all to use them to keep your little guy safe! I wil warn you, however, to practice it for a while at home before using it on your trip. I had one for my very active 2-yr-old, and the kid flat-out refused to use it. The minute I put it on him, he'd sit in the middle of the ground and not budge till I took it off. After several tries, I finally gave up and put it away. I read an interesting way to get the child to wear it on this very board not too long ago -- put a few trading pins on it, instead of a lanyard, so the child will enjoy wearing it to show off his pins! Good luck!

 

[lulugirl]

I've never used one, but only because DD isn't a "wanderer".
My personal feeling is that if it keeps your child safe, use it!

 

[diathoney]

I used one with my son when he was younger. It allowed me to look around and enjoy the park instead of constantly watching him. He would NOT hold my hand and didn't want to sit in the stroller all the time so it was the perfect solution. I think the "leash" description give people a bad impression. They're more of a harness since they go around the chest NOT the neck! Wait until they're pre-teens/teens THEN you'll want the neck version!

 

[vhoffman]

Don't worry about "weird looks" from others. They are not the ones responsible for your child's safety. I admit, I used to have negative thoughts about them before our kids came along. Trying to control two active two-year old twins is enough to think about, I never even gave other people's opinions a second thought. Just don't worry what people think! This kind of reminds me of another thread about a "snobby" feeling some people got at certain resorts. The "snob factor", if it indeed exists, doesn't bother me a bit. I guess I feel like the song by Stevie Wonder "No one is better than I. I know I'm just an average guy".

Worry about your children's safety, not what others think.

 

[mommyseven]

People use them all the time at WDW. I've never been and not seen several children with safety-leash/harness device.

Your children's safety is of utmost importance. Do what you feel is necessary! If anyone comments, smile so sweetly as if you care and say, "mind your own business."

 

[LadyBears]

I have used them with my DD in the past. Our upcoming trip will be her first to Disney & I bought a brandy new one just for the occasion! Literally since she learned to walk, she would NOT & will not sit in a stroller. I would take her with me for my "Mall Walks" & she would walk with me & not even look at her stroller!! She loves to take off to explore - she is very inquisitive & has quite a stamina. This leash was my only option for her.

In the past yes I have had a few dirty looks - but I have had a LOT more compliments on it & people stopping me asking me where I got it so that they could get one. Have you heard the expression "Safety First"? To me, this harness falls under that catagory.

Now that she is older (this trip will be for her 5th birthday) she thinks it is funny to grab the end we hold onto & walk herself!! That obviously defeats the purpose so we are working with her so that she won't do that when we are there. I like the idea of using it for the trading pins & for her Birthday pin(s). Thanks peanutzmom!! I think that just might do the trick!!

 

[eelderm1]

A lot of people use them at Disney, I say if it works for you then use it! I know you will do this anyway but still keep a close watch on them I have heard of kidnappers working in teams and actually cutting the straps when parents werent looking and taking the kid, I dont know if this is true (you know how you here all kinds of stories). That being said , I have a two year old and if she wouldnt stay in a stroller than I would use one. Better safe than sorry!

 

[Bird-Mom]

I would never use one. I have a 2 year old who loves to walk and is into everything, but she knows that she must hold mama or papa's hand or ride in the stoller (buggy in the store), or we are going home. I would see what your son is like closer to the time of travel. I also think that you have plenty of grown ups going along and he will have lots of different people to hold hands with if he doesn't want to ride in the stroller. I think toddlers are completely able to understand safety rules. We took dd to Disney about 2 months ago and are going again next week, and we had no trouble at all with her listening and holding hands.

FWIW, I have also heard that about cutting the leashes. Then again, I won't teach dd to swim using floaties either. I just can't see creating a false sense of security, which I think can happen with the leashes.

 

[justKim]

I am wanting to use a leash while in line with my DD who, at 14 mos, is a runner. She'll ride in her stroller around the park, but how do you keep them from roaming away in the line for the ride? She has not ridden in any carrier/sling since she started walking at 11 months (her choice - not mine!) And while we are in line for a ride, she is going to want to be standing with her 4 year old brother. My DS didn't walk well until 17 months and was much better following directions than his sister is. She is a fearless daredevil and takes off without a moments notice. We are going to start practicing for the trip this weekend. I'm sure that her brother will want to lead her around on a leash!

My husband has said that he doesn't want to use a leash with her at the park because it looks bad. Why is there a stigma about these things? If it gives the toddler a sense of freedom without letting them actually get away from you, it sounds like a good deal to me. When she is a little older, I would dispense with it. I am only planning on using it in the unusual environment of the Disney World attraction line. While walking around the amusement park, I will keep her in her stroller. (We only have 4 days vacation and it could take her that long just to get to Tomorrowland -- ooooh, shiny, pretty....)When we go for a walk to the park, go shopping or walk across a parking lot, of course I am teaching her to hold hands and stay with me. I don't believe that the leash is a substitute for teaching your child to be safe and walk with a grown up. Yet, I am sure that I'll find a way to keep her leash out of the pictures!

Kim