Wrist straps & Harnesses for toddlers. Safe or Dangerous??

Jodie - posted on 01/18/2010

hi, she is your daughter and you have the right to keep her safe. I us a harness for both my girls because i know i cant control them and hold their hand all the time when they are out. If someone says something agan, ignore f possible, as you know you are right, or tell them yopur reason, that you would rather them be safe than get hurt by a car, wander off etc.

Alice - posted on 01/13/2010

I cant believe anyone could be so rude when u are clearly doing the best for your daughter! I have been using a toddler harness with my 20 mo ever since he first went outside for a walk. I tried it first without it and he nearly ran into the busy road outside the house and from that moment on i refused to take him anywhere without it. They are good as they teach your child to walk on the pavement and look before crossing as they are with you at all times. They also provide a saftey harness should your child fall as you can catch them.



Now i have been known to go without it occasionally and he does walk nicely on the pavement next to me but i would rather have it walking around shops etc as he will wander off and i would hate to lose him in a busy place.



As for funny looks and comments, fortunately i hav'nt encountered any however i wouldnt hesitate in telling them where to get off if they did! Most people i have met seem to agree with it and i find some people give funnier looks if he isnt on his reigns as he is clearly in more danger!

Laura - posted on 01/12/2010

I have used a harness myself and yes sometimes I do get some disapproving looks. My brother used one for his son and had a man in a supermarket accuse him of child abuse! The fact is for some children it's the best and safest option! One time I forgot to take the harness out with me and my son ran out into the carpark and almost got run over by a big 4 wheel drive. I was frantic because I couldn't get to him fast enough and screaming at him to stop was useless. He would have been about 2 or 3 years at the time. I have 4 children, now aged from 1 and a half to 6 years. Not all of them have needed the harness, but for the active ones that like to be on their feet, but don't like to hold my hand or the pram because they find it too restrictive they loved the harness! It was like a game to them. When it comes down to it, I would rather have my child in a harness and take the disapproving looks than have my child disappear or get run over (because lets face it, they can be very quick!). Unless they've been there themselves, some people may never understand. Don't let harsh comments get to you. Next time I would just say "That's fine, you're entitled to your opinion. I'm doing what I believe is safest for my child and I would rather this than have her suddenly disappear or get hit by a car because it only takes a split second." And leave it at that. I mean obviously with 2 babies in a pram, if your daughter suddenly runs off what can you do?! Running with the pram it's almost impossible to catch up and you can't leave them behind to go chasing after her.
And No the wrist strap is not unsafe. Products for children face strict safety laws and they wouldn't be on shop shelves for all these years if they were unsafe. Your daughter is at a very curious age and having her secured to you must give you peace of mind when you go out. So just ignore those judgemental busibodies!

Marilyn - posted on 01/12/2010

You do what you have to do to make your kids safe and no one should ruin your day becuase of it. It does not of what age, color who cares. I'm a mother of 4 boys and when my 2 oldest were in the 2 age range we use to to put them in the wrist ones on each of them and I use to hold it in the middle. Yeah i got some stares but who cares they are you kids and as long as your not abusing what's it to him.

Amanda - posted on 01/12/2010

You're so restrained - I might have said a few choice words.....
Wrist straps are perfectly safe if used correctly - but I do prefer the 'harness' style thingys. Its easier and safer to hold them up if they have a little stuble as more of them is supported by it - and the harness is more difficult to shrug out of or undo - but its down to your choice. If you're comfortable using it carry on - if anyone says anything else tell them to mind their business but add that even if they dont like it it's much better than nothing at all!!!!

Kortney - posted on 01/11/2010

well, your nicer than me.. i would have said more than "its none of your business", lol. but its good that you stood up for yourself.. its your child, no one elses. i have a 19 month old & a 5 month old and its hard as well, and i have a harness, not even a back pack one, just a regular one, i just recently found it, ive never used it but i was in the hospital for a month and a half for preterm labor, and my mom used it, and at first i thought, oh my my sons not an animal, but he loved it, and i quickly changed my mind when she took it off & he ran from her.. i think it is a WONDERFUL idea.. ive never seen the wrist straps but im sure they're just as good.you should try the harness though =)

Tori - posted on 01/11/2010

I use the monkey backpack harness with my 20 month old. She is just starting to explore. It gives her a little independence without the worry of her getting too far away. I do worry alot about her being kidnapped or running too far away, but I dont want her trapped in the stroller or cart ALL the time. If there that worried about what you are doing, that makes me wonder how creepy they really are (as if you are making it a challenge to get your child). I have used her backpack several times, esp in crowded places and never had any comments or even cross looks... at least none that I have ever paid attention to. I think it should be what is important to you and your childs safety. If it works and you are comfortable, that is great!

REBEKAH - posted on 01/11/2010

PS the strap on the backpack is removable with a clip so when she outgrows the need for the leash, she can still use the backpack!

REBEKAH - posted on 01/11/2010

My mom used the wrist strap on me when I was a child, I felt like an animal and was embarrassed but it kept me safe. For my very active 20 month old we went with a back pack harness. It has arm straps and buckles in the front near the shoulders and near the waist. I like it because it is the same idea but she can store snacks and toys in the backpack and I feel it is more secure because of the two snaps. sometimes she still gets annoyed when she cant run off but usually she handles it very well and I get asked all the time where I got it (Babies r us). I like it and if people give you a hard time, screw them! I want my daughter to be safe and when we go places like the zoo or even just shopping I want to know that I can look away to grab something and she isnt going to run off or get kidnapped!! Times are different now, they are scary with a bunch of shady people who will violate your family without a second thought and it is necessary to protect them at all costs, even if that means ignorant people will judge you. I would rather be judged for overprotecting my family than have my life destroyed by losing one of them!

Rebecca - posted on 01/10/2010

I think the issue is the man's attitude toward you and your children. His verbal abusive dished out to their mother in front of them is far more harmful than a harness or wrist strap. I would however be wary of growing to dependant on such devices. Children are smart, and learn very fast. She will be able to, if not now, in the very near future undo the straps, and become loose. It would be better to work with her on listening to your commands to stay near, or to have her hand on the buggy at all times. This will benefit both of you once the straps are no longer effective. You have a lot to handle, and I have no doubt you would not willfully endanger your babies. As for the rude man, he should be ashamed.

Amy - posted on 01/10/2010

Like you replied to the man "It's none of your business". Safety is far more important than anything else! Good on you for standing up for yourself! People shouldn't be so quick to judge - I would like to have seen him try to accomplish an outing with three under 2's!!!

Kerry - posted on 01/10/2010

My god girl, you have very little twin babies and a toddler! Anyone who took enough notice should realise that you have your hands full, and i'm sure most people would. There will ALWAYS be people who make assumptions, it's how you deal with it that makes the difference. Don't let it get to you and do whatever is necessary to make your job easier.
on the safety issue, i can't see why straps would be dangerous as opposed to letting your little toddler run across a road or get lost at the shops.....

Jennifer - posted on 01/09/2010

Well, I would think that a wrist strap is much safer than having your child get hit by a car or abducted! I have been considering buying one of those backpack harness things for my son because he doesn't like holding hands and I feel bad for always putting him in the stroller. I wouldn't feel bad about it.