Harnesses

Kelina - posted on 08/22/2010

Well the thing is, when you have a leash on your dog what is that dog? safe! They can't run out in traffic, or run away, they can't go jump on people(not that i know many kids who jump on other people lol) B ut honestly I have no problem with having my son on his harness. We named the monkey Mo and our son loves him. It's such a treat to have Mo on, and it helps me out sooooo much. I'm 5 months pregnant and it is uncomfortable for me to have to carry him for any length of time and while he is getting better at holding hands sometimes he jsut doesn't want to. And usually at those times he doesn't want to be in the stroller. Bucking screaming kicking, the whole shebang and that's only if i can manage to get him in there! No my child is not a dog, I can talk to him and know he understands for one thing, but like my dogs i want my son to be safe and if that means using a harness when he wants his indepenence then so be it!

Tabitha - posted on 08/22/2010

i completely agree with becca hilt... that is the exact words i was going to write. =)

Alleah - posted on 08/22/2010

I don't have one yet., but I would actually like to buy one. I have a baby book that I swear by, that says despite the looks and opinions others might give, a harness is actually the best way to give a toddler limited safe freedom when you're out and about. They can walk on their own, without feeling resricted by holding mom's hand, they can touch things, and look at things still, but they're also just a tug away when they're getting close to danger. Obviously, it's best to pick them up and walk with them, when you're close to heavy traffic, or big crowds, but in a mall, or park, a harness is the best way to keeop them close, while still allowing them the freedom to explore 'on their own'.



I understand the problems people have with them, but I think the perception that you're treating your child 'like a dog' is a little silly when you consider the pros and cons. And it could always be worse! I have pictures of myself at 2 yrs old, where my Mom had me tied on a leash, right along side the dog on his! She called that dog, and our leashes one of the best babysitters she'd ever had! :P NJow that really IS treating your child like a dog!! Gotta love the parenting styles in the eighties, eh?! lol!

Jennifer - posted on 08/13/2010

I used one for my first child and now use it for my son who is 18mths. Its a monkey, both kids loved and love it. First point, what is more important ignorant peoples oppinions or your childs safety? My kids never fell down from using it, but they are a few step away at all times. If I need to stop my child I will grab them. For me I loved this tool. I used it with my daughter from 18mo-2yrs, I plan to do the same thing with my son. It works great to give your child enough freedom to discover new things, yet allows you to feel they are safe in a crowded area. It helps them learn what is an appropriate distance to be from you. I definately got more comments about how cute the monkey is and how it is a great way to keep them safe, than I ever have about walking my kid on a leash. I have recieved a few comments of that nature, those have all come from people without kids! My choice is to allow my children to walk while being safe and not be stuck in a stroller till they are much to old to be riding in a stroller. I use this a tool in teaching them where is acceptable to walk and be with us, for a short period of time. I just would rather give them a bit of freedom rather than create a tantrum over holding hands. They are so curious at this stage, they just want to be able to discover all the new things around them. There are enough tantrums thrown, with my son at least, over things I can't allow him to do by himself because he will get injured. This is one that is in no way harming anyone and makes them feel independant. =) Personally I love it.

Stephanie - posted on 08/13/2010

I don't have a harness yet but am thinking of buying one. My daughter refuses to hold my hand and have you ever had a kid screaming, bucking, and kicking in a stroller? Yeah - that's my kid too. Not fun stuff.

Dawn - posted on 08/12/2010

Tracie, he didn't so much fall because I was stopping him but decided to fall when I tried to stop him!! He is soooo defiant!! I haven't used it since so think I will return it, but I think its worth you trying just to see :)

Tracie - posted on 08/11/2010

I haven't used a harness, but had thought about getting one. My little one is a sprinter. As soon as her feet hit the ground she is gone. I think they would be great for crowded areas. but since you mentioned that your little one fell so easily while trying to stop him I'm not so sure I want to buy one now.

Karmi - posted on 08/11/2010

I honestly don't like the harness for children. I agree with Dawn that holding a child's hand works just as well. I know some kids won't do it, but then that is what a stroller is for, I believe. I think a leash is for a dog, not a child. Sorry if anyone disagrees, that is just my opinion.

Cassandra - posted on 08/10/2010

We have a back pack harness for our son. I love it. He thinks he's mister independent and most of the time will not hold hands, or doesn't want to be carried and he's getting big for that anyway.
With my son when I need to stop him I lift the "leash" up more than just holding still where I would normally hold it. It helps him to keep from losing his balance.
My in-laws give me a hard time about using it, but my hubby and I both think it's a good idea. One second of distraction is all he needs to disappear.

Helen - posted on 08/10/2010

I use one for my son (it's a webbing one not a back pack type). I struggle to keep hold of his hand because I am tall, and also have back problems, as well as him being a very determined and independent little soul.

He doesn't mind wearing it at all - and puts his hands out to put it on. When needed I insist he holds hands - crossing roads etc, but then he is able to walk more independently while I know that he can't go far, and no-one can take him. If it's just the two of us he has to stay more or less where I want to go, but if daddy is with us I allow him a bit more freedom to explore.
I haven't had any negativity from other people and even if I did it wouldn't stop me from using something I see as a safety device (in much the same way as a stair gates and fire guards) for my son.

Celena - posted on 08/10/2010

I personally wouldn't use one. I am teaching my 18 month old that there are places that she is allowed to run, explore, and do her thing (like the yard, park, etc) and places where she needs to stay by me (like the store, parking lots, etc.). If she is walking and starts pulling at my hand to let go, I tell her she needs to hold my hand or I will carry her/put her in the stroller. As for having my hands full and having a hard time holding on to her hand at the same time, she holds on to the stroller instead. She either holds on and walks nicely or gets in. The better choices she makes and the more obedient she is, the more freedom she gets. On the other hand, my cousin has a little girl who is mentally handicapped, and the leash thing worked well for her because Fayth didn't understand she needed to stay close. I know she got lots of negative comments as well. I would never criticize someone for using one, they just aren't for me.

CJ - posted on 08/09/2010

I haven't gotten one for my daughter, but my friend had one for her son, and it was great when we went to big crowded places, like the fair...and I might get one for my daughter at some point, but I think I'll wait till she's a little older and out of the throwing fits of frustration phase.

Kendra - posted on 08/09/2010

I didn't mean to offend you and certainly did not mean to have an undesirable tone. I am sorry.

Dawn - posted on 08/09/2010

Well Kendra, I appreciate your opinion, although your tone is a bit undesirable.  We are practicing hand holding now, but he isn't always accepting of this idea!! I think the harness will offer me a bit more security in busy places and give him the freedom to walk when he wants...I find it difficult trying to hold a squirmmy 18 month olds hand and push a stroller with my free hand :)

Kendra - posted on 08/09/2010

Okay, I'll be the bad one. What is so hard about holding the kid's hand? I have two children who are never allowed to run around like crazy children in stores, etc., and whom I have never put a leash on. I know that some would call me ignorant, but I just can't bring myself to treat my child like a dog. As far as safety goes, my children are safe because I hold their hands or have them in the stroller. My 4-year-old will not try to run away because I don't allow it.I am not judging anyone here and if you want to leash your children, feel free, I just will not.

Jodie - posted on 08/07/2010

I bought my son a doggie backback/harness, he loves it, he doesn't fall, when I want him to stop I just take him by the hand and he stops with me! I had a lady walk up to me telling me my son is not a dog, so stop walking him on a leash! I politely told her to mind her own business, and that there are much worse things happening in todays society to worry and or complain about! If it helps to keep your child happy, and safe and in arms length, then so be it! :o)

Jennifer - posted on 08/05/2010

If your little ones like wearing them and you are confortable using them in public, i don't see a problem with it...But i would never use one with my son. He stays right beside me and holds my hand or i let him walk whereever he wants. I find its all part of his leanring if he is allowed to touch and see everything he wants

Alison - posted on 08/05/2010

We have the pink poodle harness lol.And I unlike u all knew I would probably have to use one as my mother used one with me. We are a family of runners it's in the kids Dna.I would rather be safe and know they are right there then turn my head for a minute to find they have dissapeared.It does happen you see frantic mothers in the mall looking for their children all the time. Rest assured that won't be any of us!! I used it on my first daughter and am using it with the second one as well, although not as much.I think they are a great idea and I am 35yrs young so they have obviously been used for a while.

Greer - posted on 08/04/2010

mind you she has taken to sitting when ever and were ever she likes, like when we were walking to daycare she decided she wanted to sit and feel the wet concrete...I like the added safety as we live near busy roads i always ask to hold her hand but she can't get to far if she does decide to run in a differant direction

Greer - posted on 08/04/2010

yep i never thought i would use one when we first strated seeing the when i was a kid but they are so good, it's much easier on public transport they can through their tantram on the platform co you won't let them run around then come sit on your lap and wait for the train quietly . I had some looks from people as it was peak hour but when they saw me reward for sitting on my lap and not make a big deal of it i think they were impressed

Becca - posted on 08/01/2010

Well, I used to think "thats so wrong, "walking your child like a dog"! UNTIL I HAD MY OWN LITTLE ONE! lol I also bought a little monkey harness, I love it. I would rather let him get the exercise and a "little" freedom by walking himself than always being in the stroller . And I know he is always arms length from me and a few falls on the butt won't hurt compared to them getting lost in a crowd!! Anyways don't worry what others are thinking, ignorance is everywhere.......Hope this helps :)