Child Leashes- Thoughts?

My thoughts...anyone who disagrees with it has not had 'that' kid..the one who needs it for everyone's safety,

If I love my DOG enough to use a leash to keep her safe from running in the street. How much more do I love my CHILD...and if my child is a runner age two being a perfect example...you better believe my child would be on a leash/backpack .

I could never use a leash on my kids. I can't stand those things. You can either hold their hand or have them sit in the stroller.

I use mine without apology. Keeps my kid from darting into traffic when chasing pigeons on the sidewalk. Proved invaluable at the airport and when traveling too.

The harness is a last ditch safety mechanism. It won't convince your child to walk in your direction, walk at all, not be a pile of jello on the sidewalk, not tantrum, hold your hand, or walk at a reasonable pace, or be anything which approaches reasonable.

With that in mind, and Disney as your destination, I suggest stroller and harness.

Enjoy your trip,
F. B.

Glad to see you're getting one. With my third child, I finally broke down and got the monkey backpack one from Target. We call it George. We only use it in crowded, public areas. He hates to be in the stroller, and he refuses to hold our hand, so George it is....

You asked for our thoughts - and I think they are ridiculous. They are not for people...but to each their own!

Although I admit that I am slightly embarrassed when I use it, I do have a monkey backpack leash for my son. The funny thing is... He loves it. It's his favorite stuffed animal. He loves it when I put that on him and let him run around the apartment with it on because he finds the "tail" (The leash part) that trails behind him to be hilarious.

And it's not like you are going to drag her along behind you with the leash, or let her walk out in front of you with the leash... Her hand will still be in yours. There will just be the added security of having the leash looped around your wrist in case she does take off.

Sure my 15 month old child was sat down and explained how to be a good kid. Crazy thing is - he ran anyway. By the time a toddler can understand danger, cause and effect and discipline, they are old enough to not need a leash. Before that, if you have a runner, I think a leash is a safety precaution.

I use a leash for my dog to keep her safe, same thing for my child.

For some reason, I have very strong feelings about the backpack leash. Who cares if leashes are used for dogs? We use dog leashes to keep our beloved pet right where we want him/her--by our side!! To keep them safely close to us. Right where we want our child to stay!! Of course, we hold our child's hand, teach them to stay close, and have them practice yelling if someone tries to take them away, but why not have the added layer of protection of the leash?!

GO BACKPACK LEASHES!!! :)

They are a life saver if you have a runner! Don't let other's nasty comments put you off. I needed them for 2 of my 3. Though one of the 2 needed it for a shorter time then the other.
I never let it replace making them hold my hand etc. But if I needed my hands for a moment or needed to attend to their siblings I knew that they would not run away and get hurt or lost or break something.
My parents used one for my brother and they used one for me while doing international travel, and this was in the 70s.
Some people will try to tell you that is your "bad parenting" to blame. HA! Right! Then why was one of mine fine and the other 2 weren't? I didn't do anything at all different at all. Nothing at all different.
Some people will tell you they are degrading and you're treating your child like an animal. We love our animals enough to keep them safe but we don't love our children enough to do the same? Excuse me! There is no logic to that at all.
We go to Disneyland all the time (annual passes) and we see those backpack leashes all over the place. We have also seen lost children more than once. Which would you rather have?
People there are not looking for little children! I know it seems like such a weird thing to say about such a place, but it is true. When we first started going with our first 2 children they were 3 1/2 and 1 1/2 years old. We later added our third child and she's been going since she was 17 days old. We can not tell you how many times our kids have been run down or almost run over. People are so oblivious to where they are going next that they forget to pay attention to anyone below their head height.
If you believe you will need one, go get one and use it with pride knowing that you love your child enough to make sure they stay safe!

We have the backpack buddy and have used it with our girls as needed at theme parks, fair grounds, etc. I don't see a problem with them at all. Our oldest only actually used it twice but loved to wear it and play with it at home. Our 2 y/o is a runner as well so we've used it a few times with her too.

I do recommend getting one asap and allowing your child to wear it around the house to get use to it. Our girls thought it was awesome they could pack toys in the backpack :)

I think you'll find many toddlers using the backpack buddy at Disney.

Peace and Blessings,
T. B

My mom had one of the old-school bracelet ones for my brother when we were kids. He probably would have disappeared never to be seen again a long time ago without it.

I think if you are worried, get them. You can detach the leash when necessary. I think that people that are really opposed to them did not have runners for kids. I almost got one for DD but she outgrew the behavior. I would rather use the leash if you need to than lose a child.

We have it! With my older child, I only used it in airports or other crowded and confusing places. With my 24 month old, I use it constantly! He doesn't like to go in a stroller but will take off with no notice and is super fast!!! I have told him that his doggy backpack is for his safety and I've never had any problems from him or negative comments. I will admit, I am prepared for the negative comment someday - but it is my job to keep my kids safe and this is how I chose to do it! Worth every penney, and other people can mind their own business!!

my thoughts are that people care enough to put a leash on an animal to keep it safe from getting in the street and or getting lost. why would you not do that for your child. I had 3 boys. the oldest was the one that took off on us. every and any chance he got. we got one of those leashes although it looked more like a seeing eye dog harness lol. but it got the point across to him. he stopped running away from us. then 7 years later the youngest one came along. omg we didn't even take him out unless we had to lol as he was able to unbuckle/snap / unlock anything and everything that you tried to do with childproofing. you know the car going 70 down the interstate that suddenly swerves over with a kid flying around probably me when my son started getting out of his car seat at 9 months old. it was a nightmare

I used to be against them for my children. I don't really care what other parents do.

Then I had my second child. Sigh. She is a runner. I haven't actually used a leash on her but I totally would if I were going to a crowded place such as Disney.

My first one need one my second didn't.
They are a lifesaver.
You do what you have to to keep your kids safe and in crowded places with a kid that is a runner the "leash" does that.
Mine was 10 yrs ago and it was a harness. She called it her elmo shirt ( it had elmo on the front of it) and she loved it. It gave her the ability of not being in the buggy and gave me the reassurance that I could keep up with her.
They are better on a child's body than hand holding. You walk around with your hand above your head for about 15 mins and see how great you feel.
with the backpack ones she can carry her own snack and drink for the day too.

I don't really understand what the big deal is. We put our kids in strollers without second thought. Strollers restrict a child's movement far more than a backpack leash does.

Seems like a tool that could either be used to keep a kid safe or be used demean them.

I never had to use one because my baby (runner, climber, explorer extraordinaire) was my only baby at the time. Then we moved to the country and our roads are safe enough that I didn't worry if she was a little ahead of me. There weren't sidewalks and there weren't cars. Then she turned two and my three year old niece came to live with us. Both of them held my hand while we were in town, or got to run around me in circles when we were on a walk near home.

If I had two little ones at the same time and lived in a car filled area, or if I wanted to visit a crowded area and not always hold my child's hand or put them in a stroller (so they could explore more)? I would strongly consider using a kid leash.

I used a breast pump and it didn't make me a cow. I've cut my hair with clippers and it didn't make me a sheep. I've carried my kids around on my back and it didn't make me a gorilla.

We've been using ropes to keep things and beings near for a lot longer than we've been walking our dogs.

I'm not a fan of them and yes, I actually do have a child that does not always stay with me. It's scary sometimes and frustrating a lot, but we choose other ways to approach the situation. I find it interesting that if people who choose to use this harness do not even feel that it helps a child to learn to do something correctly, then why exactly is it a good or useful tool?

I do think that with appropriate discipline and expectations a child can/should/will learn what to do and what not to do...that being said, my kids aren't perfect and my almost 3 year old son is a runner. I don't take him places that make me nervous if I don't have back up. I don't use a stroller any more b/c I feel he's too old and not interested and I want him to have his freedom and explore...but if I feel like I can't handle the situation on my own, I don't do it or I bring along another adult. Presumably at Disney, you will have someone else to help you with your two kids, so I would not bring a leash. And, sorry but to be honest, in reference to one of the other questions on the board right now...this is something I would judge another parent for, rightly or wrongly, but I would.

Without reading your answers, I'm going to say I'm fine with one if your child is a runner. I feel it gives the child some freedom without causing a safety problem. If it keeps your child safe and close to you, why not? I bought one for my DD when she was a toddler. I used it once at the mall and soon realized that she wasn't a runner and always stayed by me so I never used it again.

If she had been a runner, I absolutely would have used it.

I needed it for my second child...never once felt bad having it on him when we were in situations where we needed him to be safe! Better safe then sorry!

Dear A.L.:

Each child is different, each situation with that child is different. I really just want to tell you that, whatever decision you make, I SUPPORT YOUR DECISION!

Go for it! Have a great time and come home with a happy family and lots of great memories!

Yours truly,
T.

Whatever it takes to keep your kid safe, I am not one to judge. It's so easy for a kid to take off, especially in a crowd while Mom and Dad are distracted. I've seen kids with them before and I've never thought anything negative about it.

I don't see the problem with them. I had one for my son when he was younger, but we didn't get much use with it. He wanted to hold his own leash. :)

I've known several moms who at least contemplated getting safety leads for their children. I think it can be a very good idea, and I wouldn't worry about what other people think if it seems the most reasonable option.

My grandson had a couple of months as a toddler (right around the age of 2) when he would occasionally bolt, and a small child can disappear in a public space in a matter of seconds. We were always able to retrieve him immediately, but that might not have been the case if there were more than one child to attend to, or if a mom/caretaker is incapacitated in any way. And even a brief episode of bolting can induce parental panic.

We can choose whether to think of this as leashing our children like dogs, or keeping them safer. As long as the strap is not used abusively, yanking kids around, I think it's far preferable to yelling and running after littles who have not yet developed reliable impulse control. From my perspective, it's one more way of providing safe boundaries.

The couple of parents I've personally known who actually used a leash found it useful, and were able to substitute verbal instruction in a matter of a few weeks. I guess, when it comes down to the bottom line, avoiding a possible traumatic ordeal for the whole family is a very good alternative.

I just bought this one today on clearance at Target ...

http://www.target.com/p/eddie-bauer-backpack-harness-frog...

I liked it because LO can carry things in it and not be tethered unless he tries to bolt. The tether isn't permanent. It was on clearance in our Target for $10.48.

I think they're wonderful-I needed one for one of my children-it could save a child's life-who cares what people think?

Why would it be wrong?

I started using one after my toddler darted into a parking lot. The stroller was already full and I didn't have an extra hand. It's not wrong to keep them safe.

The only time i ever look badly at a mom with a back pack leash is if they are using bad language and screaming at their kid. unfortunately I have seen that a few,

Mostof the time i would hardly even notice.

We used it at the airport while traveling and it gave me alot of peace of mind, and I think that is sooo worth it.

I love child leashes.
I used one when my son was 2 and had zero impulse control.
Then he didn't need one anymore.
Personally I think child leashes should be required in many more places and for much older ages - like 14 yrs.
First, they keep a child with the parent(s) so the child is safe.
Second, they keep the child WITH THEIR PARENTS.
They had their brats - they should be the ones to have to put up with them instead of turning them loose and inflicting them on the general public.

I have twins and they both used a minnie mouse backpack leash. Everybody loves it! We did used it not all the time but when it was to croudy, I was so happy to have them...I have one for sale:)
Good luck

Do the leash so you will have peace of mind and be able to enjoy the experience. He's too young to not have a direct contact with an adult, either by holding hands all day or by using a lead. Think of how tired his little arm will be from holding hands.

If it makes you feel better, and her safe, I say go for it! Now that I have 3 little ones, the thought has crossed my mind, and if I decided to use one, I could care less what people thought.

I hate those things! I have never used one. They're for dogs!

But I will be fair. Both of my daughters were VERY good about staying with me and obeying her boundaries. I never had a "runner". If I were taking my child to a place like disney, and I had a runner, I sure would consider it too, and hope that no one gave me a dirty look. :)

You do what you gotta do to keep your kids safe. You make the choice that is the best *for your family*. Who cares what other parents think?

Absolutely nothing wrong with a backpack leash.

We have a backpack leash that looks like a bear. The leash part is the tail. Our 3 year old is a runner. Any chance she gets. Loves to try and play hide and seek in public. Yeah that's a fun time. The leash is a huge help and adds peace of mind. Some say they are for dogs. Who gives a rats butt what they think. Those runners are little opportunists. You can have them by the wrist one second, go to grab something out of your bag, and heck even scratch yourself and vroooooom! Been there done that. So the fact there are people that judge it as a bad thing does not concern me in the least. The goal is to keep children safe. I say they shoudl take that judging energy and find something else to worry about. ----- At this age you can try and teach them till the cows come home. All they hear is Charlie Brown's teacher. The first rule when you have a leash for your child: Do not care what anyone else thinks. You'll even get looks. Give them a look back. At the end of the day, your little bugger is safe with the fam wherever you may be : )

I am completely against ever putting my kid on a leash...HOWEVER, that being said, Disney is probably the one place I would consider it. Especially with a 2y/o (my son is also 2 so I definitely understand!).

Good luck!!

I've used them and haven't batted one eyelash about doing so because the safety of my child is paramount to another's opinion. I too have the ID bracelets but honestly you never know when a child no matter how well behaved will decide to bolt because they see something they're interested in. Definitely use one if you feel it meets your needs.

I'm not a fan of the leashes. I never used them for the children raised in my house. We are big fans of strollers and locking the kid in and hand holding. We do not get distracted but are vigilant.

With that said, I would encourage you to do what works for you and your family. Don't let the opinions of others turn you from what will give your peace of mind.

Glad you'll be using a backpack leash. It will give you peace of mind and keep your daughter safe, and everyone will be able to enjoy your time at Disney even more. Leashes don't equal parenting failure. To me, it's prideful and a parenting failure to not use one if you have a child who runs and endangers themselves in the process. And anyone who has not had the anxiety-filled experience of raising a runner is in no place to judge. My first son used a backpack leash. Yes, he chose to use it, we did not impose it on him. We explained why he needed to wear it, and he knew it was out of love and a desire to keep him safe. Enjoy your trip!

Honestly I had one for my daughter when she was about 2. I am pretty sure she set some sort of land speed record for toddlers when she was younger. *laugh* My son on the other hand I haven't needed one for, he is currently 2, but he doesn't run off like she did.
Personally I think they are kind of cute! My daughter had a monkey backpack with an attachable "tail". So she could keep her little treasures in it, and I could keep a hold of her, especially in large crowds where she could make her way between people much MUCH faster than I could.

Edit: I really REALLY love how Eᴘʜɪᴇ D. put it!!!

I don't like them. Never used one on my kids. I cringe when I see them at Target or Walmart or wherever (being used by the parents, not for sale).

However, I think a huge amusement park place like Disney would be an exception. For everyday, I think it is a little lazy on the parent's part. But for an all day experience in a strange place with throngs and crowds of people EVERYwhere, in a strange town, I think I would be willing to try it out.

With my daughter she was either in the stroller or within arms reach. No exceptions. She HATED the stroller, so she learned to stay within arms reach.

Disney is tough, which is why I didn't go there until my daughter was 5. But if you want to take a kid there before they are ready to follow rules, you are going to have to find a way to keep her safe. Personally, I don't use a leash because it doesn't "teach" a child about not running off, it simply prevents them from getting too far. They just know they can run to the end of the leash.

I can tell you that there was a kid at Taste of Chicago a few years ago that was trampled because during a riot the mom got pushed in one direction and the kid in another and 3 feet is enough room adults going in all directions got in between them and it both mom and kid got hurt. That is the ONLY instance I know of, however, but I wanted to throw it out there.

IMO, if the children were/are being raised properly, shown limits, what is acceptable and not acceptable there is no need for one.
You asked.

Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of the child leash either. HOWEVER, each child is different. Each circumstance is different. I can COMPLETELY understand why you would consider it in this situation. Look at what COULD happen and it makes sense why you would go and pick one up. Listen, if you don't use it, you can always return it. I say do what your gut is telling you. You are a smart mama =)

My second is also a runner. (Why is it always the second child, hm?) She is actually pretty good at stopping at streets, but I'm not sure how she would react in a very crowded new place with lots of very exciting things to see.

So, I've never used a leash, but I would certainly consider it if I were going to someplace like Disney.

I never really liked the look of that either - the harness. However, had to go on a plane trip with my not quite 3 year old and one of those monkey's on a leash saved us. I was no longer worried. Made a big deal about how neat it was and called it her "Monkey on your Bank". She liked the fuss and from that point on, I changed my mind. It was God send and will save you from the stress of big crowds.

When she was way too old for it, like 6 - she was upset when I gave it away.

I think you will be glad to use it!

I have seen them used and it is something I personally would not use. My dogs are on leashes.

That said, my daughter was good about her limits, staying with us and in the stroller.

If I had a wild child that was a sprinter, I would probably keep her buckled in the stroller.

No one can say if you are right or wrong... it is all personal opinion.

When I have seen them used, yes I think Ugh, poor kid...... BUT I don't know that parent's circumstances which put them in a situation where they decided one was needed.

I say yes! We had a harness for my son about 10 years ago. It wasn't cute, but kept him safe. Parents would ask us where to get one for their child. Other children thought the idea was crazy. I have been to Disney (not with him when he was little), but the sidewalks for those parades are horribily crowded and everyone wants to see,

Have a great time and let us know how it went.

Take care
J.

DD was not a "runner", but I totally would've used one of those backpack animals. I look at a stroller in a worse light, actually - they're pretty much in a straight jacket & can't walk or anything. With the "leash" they are controlled but still mobile & much happier. Who cares how it looks or what other people think. People need to mind their own business.