What's your view on putting on a wrist leash for toddlers?

Vicki - posted on 05/03/2012

I like the backpack ones better. I haven't needed to use any kind of leash but I only have one child. I can see if you have a baby to care for as well as a bolting toddler then it's necessary for safety.

Patricia - posted on 05/03/2012

you can also get harness i have bat one for my son it's cute and works

Patricia - posted on 05/03/2012

i agree Fiona

Fiona Chelle - posted on 05/03/2012

I did used wrist leash with my son when he's that age.don'tind what others opinion on leashing rather be sorry when anything bad happens to your child.that old woman won't be around to comfort you when bad things happened.

Stevie - posted on 05/03/2012

before I had kids I thought it was awful and would boisterously voice my expert opinion on the subject any chance I got. Foot meet mouth. I now have a 2 year old and a 9 month old and with summer coming I do not want to be baby wearing my active 20+ pound son and I do not want to push them both in a huge bulky double stroller. I am in the market for a toddler wrist leash so I can push the little guy in the stroller and let the big guy walk. Obviously if my oldest needs a break I'll pull out the moby and let him take a ride but I know he will love the independence of walking "on his own". Other opinions be damned my mom even said she doesn't "approve" of them and I said I don't approve of my kid getting run over so end of discussion case closed. If smeone wants to look at me funny I'll just say "excuse me, I see you judging me, would you like to try to push this stroller and hold onto this two year olds hand at the same time? No? Me either!"

Patricia - posted on 05/02/2012

i had3 small children very close together and for saftey sakes it was a godsend would do it again in a minute without battering an eyelash her safety is of the utmost importance shewas there with me and never got lost

Sonya - posted on 04/30/2012

well to tell the truth before i had my lil girl i did think it looked bad having a child on a leash/harness but in fairness i seen horrible parents that used to dragged there children with them :( but now with my lil one that wants to walk everywere and wont hold my hand i think there a god send :) lik whats worse some snobby b***h telling you your treating your child like a dog or going without a leash/harness and losing your child or worse them running out on the road before you can get them :( well my plan is to use the harness until my lil one is used to been out in public and realising not to run out on roads or go to far from me, and if am say in a shopping centre i would take it of and let her walk freely but that just means i'll have my eyes on her the whole time haha no window shopping for me :P x

Holly - posted on 07/21/2010

when they stair give them a silly look and smile! or just tell them, this is my kid and i feel confident and good that she is still in your care even though its a leash! i put a backpack leash on my son because he likes to run off when we walk.. my son used to run off and try to run in parking lots while cars are coming and also to the streets! lots of parents where i'm from whined up losing there child and they gets hit by a moving vehicle.. i rather have my son wear a leash then him yank away from me and run off and get hit by a car!!!! i think its ridicules that other ppl think its stupid when your trying to protect your young one! i think its a great idea and i hope you keep using it till she learns not to run away anymore! you can go threw so much to train your child and some of them are a bit awkward but very helpful and ppl are always going to be negative about it because it doesn't look right to them! don't let them bother you if you know its right and its not really bothering anyone else but one person! i have a monkey with a tail leash. the monkey reminds him of curious george from the cartoon and i also have a backpack that has a board to draw on.. they both are very helpful and still using them for my 2 yr old boy.. i will be using them again in the future when his baby sister is a toddler :)

Samantha - posted on 07/14/2010

I think there great, I however use a monkey back pack with a "tail." My son loves it because he has a little more freedom. I have gotten so many glares, but I don't care. I think if it works for your family then don't listen to other people.

Tymothie - posted on 07/14/2010

I have never been a fan them. To me they are kids, not dogs. Untill we went on a family vacation. A cruise family vacation. I was very worried about my 18 m. old daughter getting lost or climbing over the railing. My mom found a back pack leash. It worked great and i didnt feel like my daughter looked like an out of control kid, of dog. Also after they grow out of the running off stage the leash part comes off, so they can have a cute little back pack.

Jessica - posted on 07/14/2010

We actually have a backpack that you can hook a leash to and like this best. The back pack we have double clips so is quite secure, he can carry his own stuff and best of all is it doesn't look like a "dog" accessory and the leash clips on and off so it's easy to convert, he can grow with it and I can put the leash in a pocket (mine or the backpack) when not in use.

You will always get mixed reactions to things like this, but just try to focus on the compliments and ignore the comments. This keeps your child from getting lost, running out in the street, and getting kidnapped all in one, so I think the benefits far outweigh potential judgments!

Schoena - posted on 07/13/2010

I tried a wrist leash and found that if the child pulls on it it slips off your wrist and it also hurts as it is being pulled and vice versa. I use a back pack with a leash which is much more secure. It helps me because I have a physical disability and can't run after my child very easily. Don't pay any attention to what other people say if it makes you feel safe and the child safe I say use it regardless of whether or not you have a physical disability or not.

Jasmine - posted on 07/12/2010

I personally prefer the ones that go around the waist,because I'd be worried that a sharp tug might break the wrist. I definitely need one for my rambunctious 2 year old. As far as teaching your daughter to stay close, I always hold her hand and the leash is mostly for emergencies, and when I have to stand at the bank and she wants to roam around a little while my attention is elsewhere.

Crystal - posted on 07/12/2010

That old lady is oblivious to what can happen in this society. Someone needs to tell her to mind her own business. What would be worse losing your child or putting a wrist leash ( which is equivalent to a bracelet!) ? Sometimes older people are so opinionated and think they know everything. That makes me mad!

Jenny - posted on 07/12/2010

i think its a good idea. i have one for my daughter but hers is a backpack and it works well. I dont care if people dont like it. Shes my daughter and i want her safe and happy.

Donielle - posted on 07/12/2010

Before I had kids I was against the leashes. When I saw them on kids I thought they were inhumane. But now that I have a 3 year old and 20 month old, I want to buy one. Both girls are very active and love to walk by themselves. While crossing streets or parking lots I always hold their hands. But while in stores I think that's where I would use it the most. It only takes one second for something to happen. I would rather be prepared and proactive, instead of resenting myself for the rest of my life. I love my kids more than life itself, and I would do anything to keep them safe. And not until you have children do you really understand. And everyone is different, and who is to say who is right or wrong. If it makes one less thing to worry about than thats great. Because you all know as mothers we will be always be worried about something,and it will only get worse as they get older.

Tiffanie - posted on 07/12/2010

I use to have those sames feelings the old lady haed too, until one vacation in California, where my 2 year old got away from me and less than 2 minutes he was out the door and walking in te parking lot whit this lady..call me crazy but I swear she was about to kidnap him. From that point on he's been on a leash. That was not a good feeling and wouldn't want any parent to have to go through that. So yes!!!! I believe in them 100%!!!

Mary - posted on 07/12/2010

We used one with my younger child (who tended to run off a lot) - even went so far as to ask the pediatrician (who is also a family friend) who wholeheartedly recommended using it. Being able to get a look at the speechless faces of the nosy old ladies who tried to tell us it was a horrible idea that we were "just following doctors orders" was priceless!

Kristy - posted on 07/12/2010

Your childs safety is far more important than the opinions of ignorant people. I bought the wrist style 'leash' for my eldest who is now 9 after a similar incident. When my youngest (who is now 23mo) was 18mo i bought one of the backpack buddies style 'leashes' before he had a chance to make an escape. He likes wearing it because it's a novelty for him and i always feel that he's safe when we are taking a walk. Best $35 i ever spent!

Heather - posted on 07/11/2010

I'm not a fan of the leashes either, but if it makes you feel more secure and your child doesn't seem to mind it then it probably isn't causing any harm - and you won't have to worry about her wandering off if you become distracted. I think a stroller is a nice option if the looks begin to bother you too much though. I wouldn't ever say a word about it to another parent if I seen this (and I have), but like I said, I'm just not a big fan of it. ♥

LeeAnn - posted on 07/11/2010

Do what YOU feel is right, and what keeps your child safe. I have the harnesses and tethers for my twins, and it keeps them from running into the parking lot. Everyone who sees me has commented on what a good idea it is.

Audrey - posted on 07/11/2010

Absolutely do not listen to ANYONE else about what you do with your child - If she is happy and you are happy that is all that matters - in future anyone says anything to you - you say ' thanks for your concern' and move away

Paula - posted on 07/11/2010

you do what you have to to keep your child safe.thats all that matter.

Maria - posted on 07/11/2010

to put it simply, EFF everyone!! i have a little harness for my daughter who's 3 1/2 it's a monkey that hangs on her back and his tail is what i hold on to. don't worry about what other people think, do what you feel is right. my daughter sometimes reminds me to bring the monkey, so she loves it! good luck w/ everything...=)

Michelle - posted on 07/11/2010

like June, I have the experience of people stopping to ask me where we got the back pack ones as both my 2 have them (one dog and one monkey) the only problem with them are my 2 like to wear the back pack, but also want to hold the 'tail'!!

Ally - posted on 07/11/2010

Its better than losing your child so who cares what other people think. Your child's safety comes first!

SHALINE - posted on 07/11/2010

I used to tell my babies to hold my hand so mummy doesn't get lost...didn't like the idea of putting them on a leash, they're people not animals. Also write your cell number on her arm in texta..that way you are only a phone call away. Make it fun take them for a ride in a shopping trolley great way to keep bub safe and you get to shop too! Bottom line though is, do what puts your mind at ease, they're your kids!

Michelle - posted on 07/11/2010

HI I think its a personal opinon. We have the back pack ones for my boys, but I am not too convinced that they are strong enough for my 2 when they pull, as they also tend to 'take off' when they see something that intereste them. The only thing i would say about using any of the restraints is please be cafefull when near elevators as they can go into the lift and you not make it before the doors close. so drop the 'leash' before stepping into the elevator - just in case!
As for Misty - you are a very lucky lady to have a child wlo is willing to hold your hand and not need any restraint. BOth of my children have 'taken off' and I have not been able to see them and it is the WORST feeling in the world.

So over all, jennifer, if it gives you peace of mind, use it! As a child my mum used reins on me, things have advanced over the years and reins are no longer used by everyone, due to the developments of novelty ones ie backpacks etc.
It is you who is mum, do what you feel needs to be done and ignore anyone who thinks its their right to condone your choice.

Jenny - posted on 07/11/2010

I didn't need one for my daughter , but oh my god my son is so different I have thought about getting one for him but think he will fiuger out how to get out of it himself, my son is so active it's hard to keep him close he sometimes doesn't like to hold my hand and is bouncing off the walls. I think it's fine. What people don't understand when they see those is why your using them they don't take care of your child on a daily baises and I so understand your fear, things are different than they were when that "grandma" was a mother, my own mother which IS a grandmother sometimes says we should get one for my son.

Crista - posted on 07/11/2010

Don't worry about what other people say if it makes you feel more secure then go for it. I had a monkey backpack for my daughter we moved to germany were walking is the norm she wasnt use to it and tended to dart. She could put her treasures in it and you can stow the leash\ tail so as long as she was good I wouldnt need to hild it. After about a month she didnt need it any more

Charissa - posted on 07/10/2010

I used leash for my 3 kids to save me from having the horrible feeling you have experienced. I don't care what people say. My kids have been happy about it. Just ignore people who thinks it's inappropriate. You know better. They're ignorant.

Misty - posted on 07/10/2010

Its up to you, but personally, I'm against it. My child does just fine holding my hand!

Alicia - posted on 07/10/2010

The only thing that matters is how you feel about it. I personally loved our backpack leash when Z was younger. When people would give me nasty looks or say something to me I would smile and say that they are welcme to their opinions but I plan on making sure my kid makes it home with me.

Margareta - posted on 07/10/2010

Hi I wouldn't worry about it, you can help teach safety well the child is on the wrist strap. We still use on with my dd (now 4 - started using one from when she could walk) if we need to - she gets a warning if she tries to wander then she goes on it. She is one of these children that will talk to anyone and you literally need eyes all round your head, she is what I call a free spirit. If I am on my own without my 2 yr old ds then I hold her hand but still have it incase she won't - she sometimes prefers the wrist strap rather than holding hand. She has gotten alot better but until I know for sure that she won't wonder off and that she will stay by my side I will still take one out and if necessary will put it on her. BTW my son prefers to be on a strap than holding my hand as he has got a bit more freedom without allowing him to wonder off.
We didn't use the strap once (I had forgotten about taking it out) on my daughter and she wondered off - I was beside myself, found her few mins later, she had gone to the sweets in the shop we were in. I try to always keep on on me now.

I live in the UK. Me, Partner, both our parents and all our family use the wrist strap and when we go out we frequently see other kids on wrist straps. IT IS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY.

Hope this helps. :)

Brandy - posted on 07/10/2010

I would not suggest the wrist leash because of the rist of nursemaids' elbow. I can happen in children up to 5 years old. We went to Wal Mart and bought one of those harnesses that is a monkey (they have dogs and a few others too). Our daughter (now 6) loved it! And our son (now 2) still loves it.
I agree with Michelle M, WHO CARES WHAT THEY THINK! As long as your child is safe. You should have asked her how safe it was for her to hold her child while driving when they were young. (My husband says I am too verbal about things. LOL)

Cassandra - posted on 07/10/2010

I always swore I would never use one but I just can't chase my two year old when I have my 5 month old in the cart or am holding her. I got one of the monkey back pack ones and she likes to wear it.

JUNE - posted on 07/10/2010

I actually use the backpack leashes because my daughter didn't like the wrist ones and let me tell you I'm glad i do. I had an experience where my daughter took off running and I thought I would never find her, I never wanted to feel that again..I had a different approach when i have my daughter out, ppl usually stop me to ask where i got the backpack because they wanted one for their child..I think that you should do what ever is safe for you and your child. don't listen to what others say because they don't know what is best for your child like you do.

Carrie - posted on 07/10/2010

I have a harness for my toddler, it's useful for a while, but then she gets mad when she feels restricted. I have a child that has no fear and will take off fast! I have to keep her safe, and if that means she wears a leash, that's okay.

Rachel - posted on 07/10/2010

I had a wrist one for my eldest daughter but when i found the back pack style ones i got a puppy harness for my second daughter. She is a real runner and doesnt listen at all so the harness is my life saver. My husband uses it all the time and he loves it also as he doesnt have to chase her down as i am usually the one pushing our youngest in the pram. If we try to put her in the pram these days she throws the biggest tantrum and she will only hold hands on her terms. She is now 2yo and has been using the back pack harness for over 6 months now and she loves it, always asks to put puppy on when we get out of the car at the shops.
I would highly recommend them and have never had anyone say a bad thing about it, the main comment is 'aww isnt that cute' or 'have you got a runner on your hands'.

Melanie - posted on 07/10/2010

In the beginning I also used it for my son as we lived near a very busy road, but now he doesn't like it at all and he acctualy still run away from me. I think i've made a mistake by using it. what i do with my daughter right now is if she doesn't hold mummy or the buggy she will be inside the buggy and no walking for her again. and that really seems to work.
i think it is better to learn your child to hold u as young as possible because how older they get how more difficult it's going to be, because they have already taste from the freedom before by not having to hold mummy's hand.

Odelia - posted on 07/10/2010

Thanks for this discussion. A leash is just what I need. My son, at 20 months is fast and fearless. One second there, the next gone. Scary! I think I'll look for the kinda leash that gives him a bit more room and doesn't cause the sweaty wrist, if I can find it. The whole dog parallel thing doesn't bother me and I think it will bother him less. On the contrary, he loves dogs so I think he might really like being treated like one. If you can't swallow that idea, well you'd have to be able to see it through his laughing blue eyes (-:

Heather - posted on 07/10/2010

i love mine , i all way know where my son is . and he likes it too he know he has it on .

Heidi - posted on 07/10/2010

I think that it is good if he/she will wear it.

Natalie - posted on 07/10/2010

We bought the backpack type leash for our 2 yr old when I was pregnant with our second son. I simply was no longer agile enough to grab him if he darted away, and I wasn't taking the chance of him running into the road. I don't care what other people say. My son's safety is more important then their opinion.



I should also note that my son loves his backpack because it gives him the freedom of being able to walk instead of having to ride in the stroller. He sings "backpack, backpack!" just like the Dora song when we get ready to leave.

Sherry - posted on 07/10/2010

I used to be against them. Now I have a 2 year old and all for them. My DD likes to try to run off in parking lots and when we are on walks. She gets so excited about being in new places she can't concentrate on what we are saying to her. She has gotten A LOT better with this things. We only use our tether/leash when she doesn't listen. We had to use it only a couple of times. She is already way better in parking lots, she will hold our hand most of the time now and she will hold our hand anytime a car is near when we go for walks.

If it works for you I say use it. What's worse a few people making offhanded comments or having to go to your kids funeral?

Shana - posted on 07/10/2010

I would like to publically apologise to all mothers older than myself that ever used a "lesh". I was a "just hold their hand they are children not dogs" person UNTIL I had a 2yr old of my own and travelled by train regularlay. I couldnt get the pram/stroller on/off by myslef and my bouncy 2yr old hated having his hand held and being pregnant with number 2 I couldnt chase him!! So I bought my first baby lesh....and he loved it.
Now I am the mother of 4 boucy boys aged 10,8,6 and 2 and think they are great - i especially like the new ones that are avaiable which I bought for my 2yr old ~ it looks like a monkey hugging him but the monkey is a backpack and the tail is the leash part....my 2yr old thinks hes marvellous becasue he has his own freedom and big boy bag and mummy isnt stressed out of her brain that he is going to get accidently seperated/lost!!

Amanda - posted on 07/10/2010

I have recently bought one for my 2 1/2 year old as she sometimes plays up and runs off when walkin with me, she loves wearing it as i got her a pink one and although she still holds my hand i feel it adds a little more security while we are out and about, who cares what other people think as long as your daughter is happy and you have got peace of mind!!

Jennifer - posted on 07/09/2010

I hated the thought of it. I thought I could MAKE my little runner hold my hand or MAKE him stay next to me despite seeing something wonderful ahead that made him want to run. A little guy in my home town darted away from his grandpa, tripped and fell headfirst into a train. They had to cover his body parts up with three different tarps. I'll use it now, probably just in crowded or potentially dangerous places. If you've got a runner, and feel like you need to use a safety harness, do it without guilt. You can still teach them to stay close or hold our hands, but you've got a backup plan while they learn. Kids are so unpredictable and are so worth a few disapproving comments from ignorant people.

Tracie - posted on 07/09/2010

I did it with my 2 yo over 14 years ago- sure it got some weird looks- but I only used it in places where it was absolutely needed (shops and crowded areas) as long as she's free to explore in other places- Who cares what the old lady thinks- I don't think it will be her running about looking for your little 'explorer'! ;-) some kids need it- some dont

Janet - posted on 07/09/2010

There is nothing wrong with it at all. Especially with how life is now you have to be careful when it comes to your child. We have a puppy back pack with a leash on it and I can careless what people think about it. My daughters safety and well being comes 1ST!