Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

I dont know what else to call them. I know they used to be a big harness that went around the kids mid section but now they are the ones that go around the wrist and your wrist or they have little cute backpacks that also has a piece you hold on to.What are your thoughts on them.

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

Personally I really hate them and wouldn't use one, BUT having said that, if there's a safety issue- like your kid habitually runs into traffic - I can definitely see the need for it.

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

Depends on the kid and the family. I can't tell other people what to do and wouldn't judge another family for using one. Personally, though, no, I wouldn't. I've worked long and hard to explain to my daughter that she MUST stay close to me when we are out. If she violates the rule, she is immediately strapped into her stroller, or we leave. With enough training, she's gotten it and doesn't run away from me.

And while my instincts are to protect her to the 100000th degree, hubby has done a good job and talking me off the ledge and reminding me that it's not all that healthy to raise her in an environment of fear and paranoia.

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

I used to hate them more until I had a darter but I still chose not to use one. If it means keeping your kid safe I'd rather see one, then not

Message edited 3/11/2009 8:11:02 AM.

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

We haven't used them but if we went somewhere like Disney I could totally see the need for it.

I never look down on others for using them-they know their child and clearly have their safety in mind and that is most important to me.

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

Me, myself and I... NO WAY. I detest them.

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

I dislike them but I'm not in that situation yet. I may change my mind.

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

I hate them, said I'd never use one..then I had a toddler who didn't know how to stay still and would take off in a heartbeat in a crowded area.

I bought one only for a vacation we were on...but i used it once, and never again. I couldn't get comfortable w/it.

Didn't help that an old man said to his wife "Look they got their kid on a leash".

(Not that I should care what an old man said, but I kinda felt the same way).

I however have NO problem with others that use them, b/c now I understand why they would!!

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

i'd defintely use them- especially if i had more than one kid... the human body can only stretch in so many directions. To be honest, I'd use duct tape to keep them in place if it meant avoiding them running out to the street and getting hit by a car, or running up to a dog and getting bit. I'd rather have people whisper sh*t about me.

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

I had to use one once with my oldest when he was 18 months. I had to fly out of seattle to ny just the 2 of us and he had a habit of not wanting to be held. I also had to carry his car seat so a stroller wasn't really an option. I was so lucky he was wearing it because at one point he had to go through the metal detector with out me and I had to take my shoes off. He would of took off for sure.

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

I think they are great I totally plan on having one when DS starts running and we are going to be in a crowd. I never understood why it's viewed as such a negative thing.

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

I never thought I 'd be using it but yes we have one and it's GREAT and DD LOVES it,lol.
I only use it when we go out for walks around the block since we don't have a yard . But yesterday I used it at BRU and it was great. DD always holds my hand and she is very good at staying close , but this thing lets me give her more freedom sometimes. Its a little monkey backpack with a pocket(where I can put DD's snack) that has a long harness Most times I put this backpack on her and put the harness in it's pocket and only use it when I need it. It will come in very handy at the airport when we go to Europe to visit my family and we have to wait for the connection.
The only thing is this:
This item says it's for ages 3- to 12. But DD is only 18 mo and it's perfect for us now and I can see us using it for another few months maybe up to 2 years old,but no way I'll be using it when she is 3.
Here is the pic:

Message edited 3/11/2009 9:02:46 AM.

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

The other thing that concerns me (and it's TOTAL worst case scenario)...

Imagine you are somewhere, and you are allowing your child freedom, and you arent' necessarily looking at your child b/c you have them on this harness....

What if some sicko comes by and snips the harness.... God Forbid....

Things like this happen into my mind... Look at how many women this happens to with their purses.... One of my many fears.

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

Yeah sometimes I feel bad for the parents using 'em cause you can just seeeee the judgemental looks on some people's faces; I'll frequently try to 'undo' the harsh stare with a friendly nod to the mom/child and pretend I don't even see it!
really? I have only using mine for about a week now , but never noticed anyone giving me a judgmental look but again I only use it around the block so... Not that I wouldn't use it somewhere else if I thought it's needed.

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

Posted by KristinasMama

Posted by Mikismom

Posted by KristinasMama

The other thing that concerns me (and it's TOTAL worst case scenario)...

Imagine you are somewhere, and you are allowing your child freedom, and you arent' necessarily looking at your child b/c you have them on this harness....

What if some sicko comes by and snips the harness.... God Forbid....

Things like this happen into my mind... Look at how many women this happens to with their purses.... One of my many fears.

yeah, the harness is not a replacement for parental supervision but I think the chances of that happening are slimer than the chances of my dd running off in a crowded area, KWIM?

Oh I totally understand.... These are just the things that happen through my wacko mind!

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers

Message edited 3/11/2009 9:11:30 AM.

Re: Do you use or would you use harness( leash type thing) for yoru toddlers