Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

Last yr, DS would run off constantly. He is a lot better this year so I don't think we need one. We haven't been to Disney yet though. At Sesame and DW, the parks are small enough that we weren't very concerned about keeping an eye on DS.

Since Disney is much more crowded and larger, I would probably get one.

If I were you, I'd get one just in case. It can't hurt. Better careful than sorry.

I would definitely put your name/number on some sort of id on your DD no matter what though.

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

i was very much against them, but now....
who knows? i may change my mind. DS is not walking yet, but if he continues being as he is now, i may never go anywhere just for my peace of mind~

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

I used to think I wouldn't but I might consider it now that I'm a mom

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

We have one we are going to try at Disney but we dont use it now so that may be problematic.

Also Jim saw this and is thinking of buying it.

Amazon Link

Only major complaint so far is the button is sensitive but there's a quick fix for that. I said that it may be uncomfortable for her to wear.. so we're still unsure ourselves.

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

Posted by Xelindrya

We have one we are going to try at Disney but we dont use it now so that may be problematic.

Also Jim saw this and is thinking of buying it.

Amazon Link

Only major complaint so far is the button is sensitive but there's a quick fix for that. I said that it may be uncomfortable for her to wear.. so we're still unsure ourselves.

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

We have one and have used it the two times we have gone to Disney. Last time DS was 20 months and he was fine until he realized he couldn't run away from us Then he wasn't too happy about it! This time (he is 29 months) he was fine the couple of times we put it on him but he was much better about holding our hands (and I had him in the stroller a LOT cause it was so crowded). At first I felt a little funny putting it on him, but DS is a runner and gets away in no time so I feel much better knowing he can't get too far from us with this. Also there are a lot of kids with them on in Disney, it's not uncommon!!

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

Posted by Xelindrya

We have one we are going to try at Disney but we dont use it now so that may be problematic.

Also Jim saw this and is thinking of buying it.

Amazon Link

Only major complaint so far is the button is sensitive but there's a quick fix for that. I said that it may be uncomfortable for her to wear.. so we're still unsure ourselves.

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

We were talking about this at work yesterday. Without a doubt, I would use one!

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

I absolutely LOATHE the idea of it -
but I think I'd have to bite the bullet on it

The ones that look like an actual dog harness I have issue w/ - the backpack ones........they're not TOO terrible.

But for something like Disney, I think it's almost a necessity if they won't stay in the stroller ..............

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

I wouldn't. It feels to much like a dog or something and I wouldn't use it

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

we got one as a gift, and i brought it with us to Disney. DD (23mo) never used it.

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

Um.... IMO, there is VERY LITTLE differences between babies/toddlers and dogs. You have to take care of them, feed them, play with them, keep them on a leash (whether it's literally or figuratively speaking), safe from themselves and common household items... the list goes on and on. So, YES get the leash and enjoy less tantrums as your toddler roams safely within feet.

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

I think they *really* help your peace of mind with an active, independent (and FAST) toddler. We got a winnie the pooh one for DS, have used it occasionally, but my kiddo absolutely PROTESTS being restricted; once he knows the leash is on there, he'll plop on the ground and throw a wobbler. Good times, good times.
So now, my priority has been to teach the "lesson" about holding hands and staying with mommy, it's still a work in progress but it's getting a little better, but it has taken a LOOOOONG time; at Sienna's age I wouldn't think twice about it.
One other thing I'd suggest too, from a safety standpoint -- if you haven't already start teaching her "FREEZE" by making it a little game. Just throw on some music and dance around, then stop the music and FREEZE!!!!!! She'll copy you, and learn the word; eventually phase out the music and just do it sporadically when you think of it as you're around the house. She'll start to really enjoy the game, and it is a VERY VERY useful command when you're out and about.

We play the freeze game at DS's yoga class, and I took that activity out "on the street" and it really helps me even now. I will let him go 2-3 feet ahead of me, but any more than that and I shout freeze and catch up with him

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

For a large crowd filled place like Disney - YES! I would, even if by that time you may not need it - I would feel much more comfortable knowing that I had this option.

I think they make them kindof cute too.... and not so leash like

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

I wouldn't get one, but that's just me. You have to do what would work best for you. After becoming a mom I can see why some parents choose to but I'd much rather use the stroller or carry them. I've been lucky so far that my oldest (2 yrs 4 mos) still likes the stroller.

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

I wouldn't...but that's just me.

I set very strict guidelines w/ my DD. I tell her, you have two choices: You can either hold my hand, or you can go in the stroller. She has her moments, but overall, she gets it. There have been times that she's refused to hold my hand, so...into the stroller she goes. She fusses and pouts for a little while, but she gets over it.

All in all, do what works for you. I think it's a solid idea for a theme park. I personally wouldn't use one, though.

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

Honestly, I could care less what others say or think , I would just get it. just get it if it will make you feel better and make things easier for you and everyone else.
There is nothing wrong with getting one having one, if you use it you use it, if not your DC can always play with it

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

We are going to Disney in Decemeber and my husband and I were just talking about this. never thought I would get one but, plan on getting one for this trip. I cant expect him to sit in the stroller the whole time, he is active and will want to walk around. I am too nervous he might run to look at something and I will be dodging in and out of people trying to catch him.

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

for disney I would get it.
people wear fanny packs there too.

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

My mother had one for my brother 22 years ago. I see nothing wrong with it. Who cares if people stare/say something, it's for your own child's safety. I know my DD wants to take off in the stores..in a place like Disney I would most definitely get one.

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

DS can have his moments where he is a terrible walker, trying to run off and what have you. Especially at that age. But when that happens he can sit in his stroller and cry. That has always been my motto, and he has since learned. If he wants to walk he needs to hold a hand. If he doesn't hold a hand he sits. This is something I have always been consistent with.

However, to each is own. Leashes aren't my thing and I haven't felt forced to ever need to use one. But I certainly don't think any less of families who do.

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

I'm not opposed to them and DD is very similar with not wanting to be in the stroller - that being said, We did not end up using one though..Disney was very overwhelming to her when she was 22 months - she pretty much wanted to be carried most of them time so wandering was not an issue and she got tired from all the excitement so did sit in her stroller towards the end of the day.


For a little extra piece of mind I did notice one child wondering alone around one of those out door seating areas - there were 3 disney park workers trailing him to make sure he wasn't lost! they were talking to each other on radios and they made sure he was with his family! I was very impressed!

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

my 2 yr old HATES to be restrained in anything. I bought one and he figured out he could just sit down when wearing it. It was a total waste of money for us. Let me know if you want it.

Re: Child harness (leash) backpack... wdyt? I'm torn!

We have one and used it in Disney when my ds was 15 mo. It was great and saved us from chasing after him the entire time!

Don't worry if it looks silly, most people would come up and tell us that it was cute I have even used a few times when we have gone to the mall.