Would You Use a Child "Leash" at WDW?

[NikiM20]

We are leaving for our trip tomorrow (yippie!!!!) And i bought the kind that goes on their wrist and yours...........However we normally just put it on her back beltloop. FWIW if someone really wants to kidnap a child I would be willing to bet they would try to find one who was a little farther away from mom/dad than 3 feet and wouldnt want to go through the hassle of cutting one. DH is reading this and said noone in his right mind would kidnap DD........but most people are scared of DH LOL so I dont know. Oh and BTW my DD will be 5 in June, looks like she is 6 (shes VERY tall) and she will be wearing hers and she knows you dont wear it you dont go...easy as pie...
And like i tell dd when she says something about comments people make or friends can do this etc I tell her "Maybe their mommy doesnt love them as much as I love you" I love my child sooooooooo much I will endure a few looks.
Whew that was long sorry

 

[alloyd1170]

Definitely use one. My 2 yo tried to bolt several times while in line. Plus when youre dealing with crowds, its a lifesaver! Only thing-avoid the wrist ones-they seem uncomfy and they stretch (turns into a game). I didnt like the idea of a harness being in photos so I rigged up a fanny pack with the leash part of a harness. My son was able to carry his own snacks like a big boy. When I didnt need the leash, I tucked it in the back of his shirt. Someone mentioned the locators.........I just got one from Ebay for $7 (retailed for $60). Its a Fisher Price Child Locator. Theres a parent and child unit. When separated they activate by beeping. The parent can push a button to make the child unti beep. If the child wanders too far, it beeps (And gets louder). If the unit is removed from the child, it beeps. And if theres interference it beeps. It also alerts you to low battery levels a few hours before it runs out. They dont make them anymore and the FP people werent sure why when I called. They said there wasnt a problem/recall with them and that they were great items. Mine just arrived yesterday and I plan on using it this weekend for the egg hunt. Another precaution to take is to make sure your child has some form of id on him/her that isnt visible to a passerby. Check out www.childsid.com Lots of great fun items. My son wears an id bracelet 24/7 and it doesnt bother him at all. I feel more secure in knowing that he has my information with him all the time.

alison

 

[moinab]

I say go for it. Do what makes you comfortable, because you know what is best for your family. We don't need one for DS because he is very good about holding hands, but it may be a different story with DD next year (there's a very good reason why we've nicknamed her "Stitch.") We see a lot of people using these every time we go. I love the idea of putting pins on the harness.

I have to respectfully disagree with Bird-Mom. It's great that your DD is so mindful, but, in general, I don't believe toddlers are capable of understanding safety rules. If that were true, we wouldn't have to child-proof anything. Toddlers, by nature, do not have impulse control.

BTW, my mother used a harness for me back in 1970. I've never needed therapy to get over it.

 

[Schmeck]

"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!"

Not so funny when someone doesn't see the cord, or pushes a stroller into it accidently, and your child goes face first into the pavement. I've seen this happen twice on Main Street in MK.

A short, non-stretchy cord would probably be fine, but don't use a leash as an excuse to not be responsible for the safety of your child!

 

[uberPlanner]

We're also going the electronic leash route.

Angel Alert. Don't have any experience with it, but we'll let y'all know.

 

[BrerMom]

Yes, in a heartbeat, if I thought it would benefit my family. I didn't end up needing it at WDW, but got plenty of mean looks for using the harness at the grocery store. Who cares? They'd also be the ones looking their noses down at me if he ran off and I couldn't find him.

 

[Jacksmom99]

I've got GREAT pictures of Goofy and Pluto walking DS on his "leash" when he was 2!!!!!

I agree with practicing first. DS would not walk around while we held onto the harness. He was pretty good about staying in the stroller or riding on his uncle's shoulders in line. I'm worried about DD this year. She is a TERROR!!! I'm going to dig out the harness again for attractions and lines. The rest of the time she will be in the stroller where she is actually very content. It will also help that there will be 6 adults and 2 children. With a 3:1 ratio, we should be able to tag-team the little devils pretty well

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by 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.

I agree with you.

I also didn't have to worry about my son running off, so that may be why I feel the way I do.

I saw lots of families using leashes last week. I saw 2 people get caught in the leashes because the child was trying to run away from the parent.

I just can't see myself using one. If I was worried about my child running off, I'd just put the trip off until he/she were older.

 

[Lollipop Mom]

My take on these...they are like many many other "tools" out there. You can use them with love or you can use them to try and avoid having to parent. I think most people who have a negative opinion of them either (1) don't have kids or (2) assume that the parent using them is doing it just to avoid having to watch their kid. IMHO, the vast majority of parents using them are using them with love. We will definitely have on packed for my 2 year old on our upcoming trip. He and his older brother are 21 months to the day apart in age and he is completely convinced that he is just as big as his older brother! He is also the most stubborn child I've ever met (said with ALL the love my heart can hold! ). He will ride in the stroller most of the time but when he is out and walking with us he does not like to hold hands. The leash makes life much easier for all of us. We've used it enough that he knows he can't just run ahead or to the side far enough to stretch it all the way out; Mommy catches him before then and puts him back in the stroller if it continues! (I don't like having him do that for fear of "catching" others up in our cord) I keep him at an arms length from me even with it on. He just has this sixth sense that tells him when my attention is diverted for even a second and he will use that to his advantage. I much perfer to be alerted to his attempt to wander away by a tug at my wrist than by seeing his little blonde head bobbing away through the crowd!

By all means, use one if it keeps your child safe! Don't worry about looks or comments from others. They aren't the ones responsible for the safety of your child! I would just say be aware of how the leash could affect others and not let your child constantly stay 3 feet away from you so no one can pass between you!

 

[McCall]

Originally posted by Schmeck
"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!"

Not so funny when someone doesn't see the cord, or pushes a stroller into it accidently, and your child goes face first into the pavement. I've seen this happen twice on Main Street in MK.

A short, non-stretchy cord would probably be fine, but don't use a leash as an excuse to not be responsible for the safety of your child!

AH at last someone with reason. all these posts and no one mentioned the fact that these leashes can cause others and the child serious injury in a disney like crowd environment.

children on these things run right in front of people, strollers, wheelchairs, other children and are more likely to fall than if you hold the childs hand.

I do not understand why parents don't think of these things. Perhaps many of those funny looks have a lot more to do with these aspects than the idea of a child being on a leash.

 

[scanne]

If I was worried about my child running off, I'd just put the trip off until he/she were older.

This is NOT an option. The trip is for me and DH as much as it is for our children - whether they'll be old enough to remember it or not. Also, I totally disagree that toddlers are able to understand rules... "

I think toddlers are completely able to understand safety rules.

They may know what "no" means and that they are supposed to stay with mommy and daddy, but come on! Disney is sensory overload and these little ones are BOUND to get caught up in the magic sooner or later and "forget" the rules.

Also, I want the harness as added protection - not just something I put on my kid and forget about watching him. That's not what it's about to me at all. My original question was basically an opinion regarding all the "looks" I fully anticipate getting for using one. But to place the kind of responsibility on a 2-3 year old you would on an older child is just not the way my DH and I are going to raise our kids. We're not letting them run all over us, but we're letting them be kids!!!

Just my .02.

 

[Lollipop Mom]

scanne, for what it is worth, I thought the same thing about not postponing a trip. Honestly, my husband's nephew is 11 and still wanders away all the time. No, he's not as prone to kidnapping or getting into trouble as a toddler is but my point is that he's now 11 and there has not been a single point in his life where he wouldn't wander off. As far as toddlers understanding rules. Yes, I think they are capable of UNDERSTANDING them....I just don't think they are capable of remembering them in the face of great distraction. If they do remember them, they are not at an age where they have the self control to say "yeah, I know I'm not supposed to run away from Mom and try to climb into that fountain, but I really want to. Since it's against the rules I guess I won't. I'll just sit here bored while my older brother does ________ that I'm to small to do."

AH at last someone with reason. all these posts and no one mentioned the fact that these leashes can cause others and the child serious injury in a disney like crowd environment.

I think there are a lot of us who are very aware of how the leashes can affect others around us. We aren't using them as the sole means to control and supervise our child but rather just as a safeguard in case they try to bolt away. At least I know *I* have never allowed my child to just wander around away from me with the cord stretched out between us. He's right next to me, the cord is just there to catch him if my hands weren't quick enough. He's 2; I'm "30something" with another kid to keep up with at the same time....he's quicker than me sometimes! I do my best not to allow my kids to inconvenience others when we are out and about be it at WDW, at a restaurant or at the mall. I guess this just illustrates what I meant by that a lot of people with negative opinions of these things automatically assume that b/c my son has a velcro thing on his wrist that I am trying to get away with not actively parenting him and that is simply not the case. If I wanted to be out without having to "parent" anyone, they would be with a sitter not at the park/mall/zoo/where ever with me.

 

[BrittnTylersMom]

Lori!! I scrolled back up for the name of the person to applaud for summing up my feelings on this whole thing exactly!! The LM name was vaguely familiar...the potato person was definitley familiar... and when I saw "Stinkin Princesses" I knew it was you! LOL!


I have a 2 yo. runner too, and I'll have a Love Extended Always Seen Harness packed in my suit case next month! I don't care what other people think, they don't love my kids like I do!

 

[Bird-Mom]

Originally posted by scanne
[ Also, I totally disagree that toddlers are able to understand rules... " They may know what "no" means and that they are supposed to stay with mommy and daddy, but come on! Disney is sensory overload and these little ones are BOUND to get caught up in the magic sooner or later and "forget" the rules.

We're not letting them run all over us, but we're letting them be kids!!!

[/B]

Well, we go for 10 days at a time because we are from the west coast, and no, my dd didn't "forget" the rules EVER. We are always reminding her when she comes out of the stroller to hold hands. It's not an issue-she knows. Mall, grocery, Disney, wherever...we hold hands when we walk or we leave.

We have some basic baby/toddler proofing in the house, but there are cupboards and closets (with nothing dangerous just in case) that she knows she is not to play in. Heaven forbid you forget to close a stair gate or replace a cupboard lock, she will let you know and make a fuss or slam the gate shut.

I guess it is in the expectation that you place on your kids. My dd is most definitely a kid who loves to explore, but she is aware of her limits. Not to say that she doesn't test them, but she knows. All you need to do is say, "are you supposed to (fill in the blank)?" "No!" she will tell you. If, for example, she wants to play in the fountains, she would point and ask..."go play water?" And dh or I would take her over.

Do what you have to do to keep your children safe. However, I think there are many alternatives to putting them on a leash. And IME, they work.

 

[sm4987]

I have used one of the straps at Disney. I had no trouble at all keeping up with my kids. Funny thing is the other day we were unpacking boxes and came across them, and my 4 year old wants me to take them again just so she can not get lost

 

[BevS97]

I hate these discussions - round here everyone uses a safety harness, not to use one would be regarded as unsafe as not using a car seat. Why? Well, we walk everywhere, and there is a lot of traffic, if the toddler makes one mistake, then he's not just lost, he's likely to be under a bus. I don't think it's fair to put that much responsiblity on a toddler.

In answer to the question, we used one at Disney when my dd was 3 1/2 - she didn't use one at home anymore, but in the big crowds at parades and leaving the parks, I think we were both pleased to have it. Hers was attached to her bum bag, and was very short, there is no need for it to be long enough to trip anyone. Maybe I was blind to it, but I never noticed any negative comments - and I wouldn't have cared if I had - my dd's safety is far more important than another person's ignorance.

 

[moinab]

Scanne-

I sent you a PM.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by BevS97
I hate these discussions - round here everyone uses a safety harness, not to use one would be regarded as unsafe as not using a car seat. Why? Well, we walk everywhere, and there is a lot of traffic, if the toddler makes one mistake, then he's not just lost, he's likely to be under a bus. I don't think it's fair to put that much responsiblity on a toddler.

In answer to the question, we used one at Disney when my dd was 3 1/2 - she didn't use one at home anymore, but in the big crowds at parades and leaving the parks, I think we were both pleased to have it. Hers was attached to her bum bag, and was very short, there is no need for it to be long enough to trip anyone. Maybe I was blind to it, but I never noticed any negative comments - and I wouldn't have cared if I had - my dd's safety is far more important than another person's ignorance.

I live in NYC. We also walk everywhere, have tons of traffic and crowds. Kids are around buses and trains everyday. I've never seen anyone use a leash on thier child here.

I saw plenty of leashes last week. I saw people get caught up in leashes. I saw parents having a tug of war with the kids who were on the leashes.

Each family has to do what works best for them. I'd never use one. If came down using a leash, or putting the trip off, I'd put the trip off.

 

[justKim]

I used to think that my son, who is now 4, minded me so well because of my firm and consistent parenting. We stressed staying with his parents, not grabbing things or people, and always hold hands. My DD has shown me that it may not have been the parenting that caused her brother to be so pleasant and careful. She is a fearless daredevil, with no hesitation. She started walking 5 months earlier than my son did, and we "babyproofed" much more for her just to slow her down. She will walk and hold my hand, unless she decides that she doesn't want to go where I'm going. She is a wonderful, willful handful, and I will do what I need to to keep her safe.


That said, I've heard about a toddler "fanny pack" with a leash. Does anyone know where to get one of those? Or just a toddler sized pack that I can attach a leash to? I don't want to put one on her wrist, because I think that would drive her crazy. She's 14 months and already loves accessories, so I'd love to get her a pack.

Thanks,
Kim

 

[moinab]

justKim-

LOL!!! We have the exact same situation! My DS (3.5) is very mild mannered and polite. We get compliments on his behavior all the time. My DD (14 months), on the other hand, has been a tasmanian devil from the minute she was born. (I'm not kidding- the nurses in the hospital were taken aback by her, and commented that I was really going to have my hands full!) For now, I still carry her in the sling (which she loves) when we go to WDW, but I think I'll be looking into harness options next year.