Let's talk toddler leashes!

Shauna - posted on 05/11/2009

I have a son who just turned 2 and we have the monkey backpack for him to wear with the tail being the leash. We have used it since he was one year. At first, I felt embarassed walking around with him on a leash, but I realized how much happier he was, being able to explore, and how much better I felt during shopping trips because I knew he couldn't run off. We are having trouble with him wanting to run off and explore lately, so now when we go to the mall he has the option of riding in the stroller or, as we call it, wearing the monkey and walking. He will almost always pick the monkey. I had a younger girl come up to me as we were walking through the mall and tell me how wrong it was for him to be on a leash, I just thanked her for her opinion and said

"at least I know where my child is." I actually have a lot of people come up and tell me how cute the backpack is and ask where I got it because they have been looking for one. I gladly tell them and tell them I hope it works as great for them as it has for our family.

Michele - posted on 05/11/2009

Natalie,

I don't know you and you don't know me. I am sorry that this got so heated:) Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Maybe it is just the fact that I am a stay at home mommy of 2 and it is nice to hear from other moms too. I am sorry if I offended anyone about the "dog comments". Everyone parents differently- the #1 thing is keeping kids safe:) I think people just get heated because they have a chance to voice their opinions. Your baby is very cute and I hope he/she will stay safe whatever you may choose.

Heidi - posted on 05/11/2009

I really like leashes in some situatuations. 2 of my kids had wrist leashes and they really preferred to use it rather than hold my hand. I think they felt like they had more freedom yet I knew they wouldn't be able to run off in the blink of an eye. Unless people are using them improperly such as tying their kids to something or yanking them with it, I think they are wonderful!!!

Heather - posted on 05/11/2009

I would rather have a live child then a dead or missing one! I have always used these with my kids, though for a while had a hard time finding replacements in the store between ds#1 and ds#2. Not only do I use them as they are intended, I use them when the seat belt in a shopping cart is broken, or when I've broken the seat belt in the stroller or just for extra securing when I have an escape artist in the stroller or high chair. My BIL makes comments about my daughter being on a leash like a dog, but he has no children yet so he just doens't get it! When they have kids, I will present them with a harness and leave it at that! Also, since we are living at the inlaws, and they won't let me put netting over the deck rails, when I hang the laundry I have to keep my daughter with me on the leash (tied to my belt) so she doesn't fall thru the rails. These are very handy to have. My olders like to play dog with the youngers, so they put the harness on and bark.

Cindy - posted on 05/11/2009

I have a four year old who is oblivious to certain dangers and will walk off on his own without even looking back. He now wears a plastic "when I am lost please call" bracelet, because I never know what that day will come that he vanishes for good. He will also bolt the second I turn my back in a store and go hide on me. What a little turkey! We have tried time outs, taking him to the car, etc., but he just doesn't get it.

He is a very bright kid except in these situations.



Please - any suggestions will be appreciated!

Cathy - posted on 05/11/2009

Quoting Michele:

Seriously...... I would never leash my child because my arm hurt from holding their hand! Come on parents- or should I say lack of. We all survived growing up with-out them, why do we have to be so rediculous as adults now. Everyone just tries to take the easy way out. Just as non-spankers that let their kids do whatever they want putting your kid on a leash teaches them nothing but maybe they should be eating out of a bowl on the floor next to the dog.

maybe we shouldn't put our babies in cribs either, the bars may confuse them into thinking they are animals like in the zoo, we should disipline them not to roll over or  be real parents and stay awake all night watching to make sure they don't roll out .... you know to save the confusion!

Stephanie - posted on 05/11/2009

I honestly hated the idea of putting your child on a "leash" before I had one of my own. After my son was born, After he learned to walk, I realized those things are awesome and I did use one. Especially because my son didn't like holding hands and didn't want to be put in a stroller or be carried. That has just taught me to never criticize anything I've never had to experience. haha

Nikki - posted on 05/10/2009

I used them with both my kids. They get to a stage where they want some kind of freedom and it gives them that while keeping them safe. I got some really filthy looks from some people (including my then MIL) and there were comments about me 'treating them like dogs'. I just told them I'd rather have them think that and know my kids were safe, than end up with a child who'd run out onto the road. (Extreme I know, but it shut them up!)

Branigan - posted on 05/10/2009

Best thing ever! My little girls loves it too...we got one that is a little puppy backpack and she thinks its great!

Norma - posted on 05/10/2009

All my children are grown, but if I hadn't had a harness on my oldest (11/2 at the time) I'd have probably lost him in the airport. I was traveling to Georgia from Montana with one in a carry seat and one walking (running really). I'm all for them. I'd rather have it look like a dog leash than lose my child. My mother made mine. What a blessing.

Diana - posted on 05/10/2009

My children are now 9 and 11 but when my daughter was born and my son was just 20 months..I decided to use a leash when the three of us went to the local mall. I only used it a couple times because my son decided that every time I put it on him he would become a dog. Looking back it was hilarious but at the time I was mortified. I would be pushing my daughter in the stroller and he would go on all fours and start barking as loud as he could. Being that this was when the leashes were still fairly new here, parents looked at me like I was a horrible mom and my son was disturbed. Now I realize how he was just using his imagination and he was not the only kid to completely embarrass a parent. The leashes now are so much cuter and look more like a backpack then a leash. I am all for anything to keep my kids safe and I guess a little guard "dog" doesn't hurt either.

Kristie - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Heather:

Quoting Sarah:

Like the other replies, I thought they were disgusting as well,,, As a mother of 3, I still do!! Why can't parents simply teach children how to walk on their own? They are not dogs, they are children.... I have never had a problem with any of my own simply holding my hand......my youngest is now 3, and has never spent anytime in a stroller after he started walking, I simply taught him and my two daughters what the rules are when we are out and about... Its not hard, its life..

I am with you 100%.  Teach your children the dangers of getting lost, getting hit by a car, or getting kidnapped. People leash their dogs because dogs don't have the IQ to process that kind of information. You can teach the kids that the stove is dangerous, why not teach them that the road is dangerous?

Parenting is not an easy task, we all know that. But tying the kids up instead of speaking to them, educating them, is cheating IM

We are talking about toddlers.  Most of them don't understand the consequences of not holding mommy or daddy's hand.  I have a two year old and I have to use a leash on her in some cases.  She is a very independent little girl and doesn't like to hold my hand.  She wants to go off on her own.  She also loves to wear her leash as it is a puppy backpack.  More or less I use my daughter's leash for that instant when she decides to let go of me and tries to get away or hide.  It only allows her to get so far.  It is more for her safety and my piece of mind when out in a large crowd which is something my daughter isn't use to.  If a leash is used properly the child is not tied up.  The only constraint is that they can't get too far away from mom or dad.

JIll - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Emily:

Let's talk toddler leashes!

Personally I like them. I think they keep kids safe in large crowds, they aren't confining like strollers, and they allow the child just enough freedom to explore autonomously. My daughter is too short to comfortably hold my hand without one of our arms hurting after a while so from the 12 month- 28 month bracket we used one in the mall and places like that. She is now two and a half and she likes to use it but doesn't really need to. She just thinks it's fun! I noticed in another thread that many people do not like them because they remind them of a dog leash, but I harness my dog for the same reason as my child- to keep him safe. I don't want this to turn into a huge debate but I would like to hear if others use them or would under certain circumstances. I would also be interested in knowing why you hate them- if you do.

Natalie - posted on 05/10/2009

Michele you can't even figure out how to post a comment using a reply properly....not exactly rocket science is it

Natalie - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Michele:

Quoting Natalie:

Quoting Michele:

Quoting Natalie:

and for the record I don't believe in spankings either, I think they are far better ways to educate and discipline my child than just hurting them, and i never understood how parent can expect to smack their children as a punishment, but then they would tell their child off if they went and smacked or hit another child ? seems a bit crazy to be, and dare I say it .......lazy parenting.

Of course you don't believe in spankings- I saw that one coming from a mile away.  Let me guess... it is a form of abuse right.  It is hurting your child right?  That is such a load of crap- hey parents... do what you think is right for your kid, I am sure there won't be many openings in bootcamps and therapy in the next 18 or so years- since they will be so filled-up with kids trying to "figure themselves out"  I bet you all are the people I see letting their 2 and 3 year olds drink out of a bottle and suck on a pacifier still too.  Like I said before, SAD, SAD, SAD.   Oh.... and I do like how they hide the fact that the back pack shaped like the doggie with the long tail is actually a leash....BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

did you see it coming from a mile away ? wow !! is it like how I saw you replying waffeling a load of shit coming as well ? 

 Wow....such language on a "mother"-  I am quite sane thanks, however not sure about  you. Having to use profanities over a little discussion- maybe I am glad you do not spank your kids!!!

get over yourself, you sound ridiculous.

 

hope the being mental thing works out for you.

wow, and if you've lead such a sheltered life that you've never heard the word shit before maybe that explains why your so mental. 

p.s love the trying to make be bite to the  "having to use profanities over a little discussion - maybe i am glad you do not spank your kids" ha ha genius, see for me I'm just sorry your kids have to live in a household where you will be so black and white about everything, and you will clearly always be  right and you will slam anyone down how disagrees with you, but you will be deluded enough to think your discussing it calmly ......thats scary ! ...your a walking dictatorship!!

 

Sarah - posted on 05/10/2009

I use one, and I'm proud of it. I would rather use it then have my sweet little boy get hit by a careless motorist or kidnapped and killed by some sicko! For those of you that don't use them, your choice, but don't critcise those of us that do use them. We are NOT lazy, or sissy or whatever else you want to call us. They are our children, NOT YOURS. Therefore it is our decision if we want to use them. Quite frankly, I'm sick of the rude comments that I get from people who don't believe in using them, and I have one thing to say to you: BACK OFF AND MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!

Michele - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Natalie:

Quoting Michele:

Quoting Natalie:

and for the record I don't believe in spankings either, I think they are far better ways to educate and discipline my child than just hurting them, and i never understood how parent can expect to smack their children as a punishment, but then they would tell their child off if they went and smacked or hit another child ? seems a bit crazy to be, and dare I say it .......lazy parenting.

Of course you don't believe in spankings- I saw that one coming from a mile away.  Let me guess... it is a form of abuse right.  It is hurting your child right?  That is such a load of crap- hey parents... do what you think is right for your kid, I am sure there won't be many openings in bootcamps and therapy in the next 18 or so years- since they will be so filled-up with kids trying to "figure themselves out"  I bet you all are the people I see letting their 2 and 3 year olds drink out of a bottle and suck on a pacifier still too.  Like I said before, SAD, SAD, SAD.   Oh.... and I do like how they hide the fact that the back pack shaped like the doggie with the long tail is actually a leash....BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

did you see it coming from a mile away ? wow !! is it like how I saw you replying waffeling a load of shit coming as well ? 

 Wow....such language on a "mother"-  I am quite sane thanks, however not sure about  you. Having to use profanities over a little discussion- maybe I am glad you do not spank your kids!!!

get over yourself, you sound ridiculous.

 

hope the being mental thing works out for you.

Natalie - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Michele:

Quoting Natalie:

and for the record I don't believe in spankings either, I think they are far better ways to educate and discipline my child than just hurting them, and i never understood how parent can expect to smack their children as a punishment, but then they would tell their child off if they went and smacked or hit another child ? seems a bit crazy to be, and dare I say it .......lazy parenting.

Of course you don't believe in spankings- I saw that one coming from a mile away.  Let me guess... it is a form of abuse right.  It is hurting your child right?  That is such a load of crap- hey parents... do what you think is right for your kid, I am sure there won't be many openings in bootcamps and therapy in the next 18 or so years- since they will be so filled-up with kids trying to "figure themselves out"  I bet you all are the people I see letting their 2 and 3 year olds drink out of a bottle and suck on a pacifier still too.  Like I said before, SAD, SAD, SAD.   Oh.... and I do like how they hide the fact that the back pack shaped like the doggie with the long tail is actually a leash....BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

did you see it coming from a mile away ? wow !! is it like how I saw you replying waffeling a load of shit coming as well ? 

get over yourself, you sound ridiculous.

hope the being mental thing works out for you.

Michele - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Natalie:

and for the record I don't believe in spankings either, I think they are far better ways to educate and discipline my child than just hurting them, and i never understood how parent can expect to smack their children as a punishment, but then they would tell their child off if they went and smacked or hit another child ? seems a bit crazy to be, and dare I say it .......lazy parenting.

Of course you don't believe in spankings- I saw that one coming from a mile away.  Let me guess... it is a form of abuse right.  It is hurting your child right?  That is such a load of crap- hey parents... do what you think is right for your kid, I am sure there won't be many openings in bootcamps and therapy in the next 18 or so years- since they will be so filled-up with kids trying to "figure themselves out"  I bet you all are the people I see letting their 2 and 3 year olds drink out of a bottle and suck on a pacifier still too.  Like I said before, SAD, SAD, SAD.   Oh.... and I do like how they hide the fact that the back pack shaped like the doggie with the long tail is actually a leash....BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Natalie - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Michele:

Quoting Esther: Seriously.... I can see it now, a whole country full of parents that let their kids do whatever they want because parents do not want to deal.  Time-outs do not always work people. I do have a question for all you so called "parents"- what do you tell your children about the leash they are wearing when you take the dog for a walk? When you tell them to go get the "leash"  do they get confused???  Sad, sad, sad-  people get off your butts and stop letting Dr.Phil parent your kids!

Quoting Michele:

First of all.... thanks for the history lesson- obviously NO ONE in my family ever used what you call "reins"  or the new term leashes.  I am not saying that I am right by any means, however there is not a chance EVER you could convince me that leashing your child is ok.  I give my son plenty of freedom with out letting him run wild in a crowded place.  It is only LAZY PARENTING!!!  If your kid starts to dart off or won't hold your hold- you decipline them.  Come on parents... when did everyone turn into such sissies!!!   They are our kids not anyone elses.  You people that leash kids are probably the same one's that do not believe in Spankings.  Instead of trying to teach your child that they are not allowed to dart off or the dangers- you take the easy way out!  That is what is wrong with parents now a days- Everyone wants to call themselves parents, but so few really are.

Michele - give it a rest. First you say you are not saying you are right by any means and then you proceed to call other moms (including me) lazy, sissies and not really parents. You are right though, I am a new convert to the leash/reigns/harness whatever you want to call it and I also don't believe in spanking. So I'll give you that (although I'm a firm believer in "decipline" aka discipline). Now please go be rude elsewhere.

Michele your comments just get crazier ! why would a child get confused about their leash / rein etc and that of a dog on a lead ? .......by this standard would a child also then get confused about their buggy and say a disabled person being pushed in a wheelchair ?

 

Esther - posted on 05/10/2009

Michelle - have a drink and take a deep breath. You know nothing about any of the moms on this forum, except that they have chosen to use a leash to help keep their kids safe. I was going to tell you how I am not a lazy parent and why, but I shouldn't even be responding to your ridiculous posts anymore at all and after this one I won't. One last thing though - some might argue that spanking is the lazy way out but that's not what this thread is about.

Natalie - posted on 05/10/2009

and for the record I don't believe in spankings either, I think they are far better ways to educate and discipline my child than just hurting them, and i never understood how parent can expect to smack their children as a punishment, but then they would tell their child off if they went and smacked or hit another child ? seems a bit crazy to be, and dare I say it .......lazy parenting.

Esther - posted on 05/10/2009

Michele - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Esther: Seriously.... I can see it now, a whole country full of parents that let their kids do whatever they want because parents do not want to deal.  Time-outs do not always work people. I do have a question for all you so called "parents"- what do you tell your children about the leash they are wearing when you take the dog for a walk? When you tell them to go get the "leash"  do they get confused???  Sad, sad, sad-  people get off your butts and stop letting Dr.Phil parent your kids!

Quoting Michele:

First of all.... thanks for the history lesson- obviously NO ONE in my family ever used what you call "reins"  or the new term leashes.  I am not saying that I am right by any means, however there is not a chance EVER you could convince me that leashing your child is ok.  I give my son plenty of freedom with out letting him run wild in a crowded place.  It is only LAZY PARENTING!!!  If your kid starts to dart off or won't hold your hold- you decipline them.  Come on parents... when did everyone turn into such sissies!!!   They are our kids not anyone elses.  You people that leash kids are probably the same one's that do not believe in Spankings.  Instead of trying to teach your child that they are not allowed to dart off or the dangers- you take the easy way out!  That is what is wrong with parents now a days- Everyone wants to call themselves parents, but so few really are.

Michele - give it a rest. First you say you are not saying you are right by any means and then you proceed to call other moms (including me) lazy, sissies and not really parents. You are right though, I am a new convert to the leash/reigns/harness whatever you want to call it and I also don't believe in spanking. So I'll give you that (although I'm a firm believer in "decipline" aka discipline). Now please go be rude elsewhere.

Natalie - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Michele:

Quoting Natalie:

Quoting Michele:

Seriously...... I would never leash my child because my arm hurt from holding their hand! Come on parents- or should I say lack of. We all survived growing up with-out them, why do we have to be so rediculous as adults now. Everyone just tries to take the easy way out. Just as non-spankers that let their kids do whatever they want putting your kid on a leash teaches them nothing but maybe they should be eating out of a bowl on the floor next to the dog.

 firstly I have seen pictures of children going back as far as the 40's where they have been on reins, so not sure what you mean about we all survived growing up without them,  they have been around longer than you seem to think, and as for your last comment about maybe people who use reins should get their children to eat out of bowls on the floor next to the dog ??!!!  !! I have never read such a stupid  or nasty comment, just because people have a different approach to their child's safety than you does not mean your way is right and theirs in wrong  ?  

First of all.... thanks for the history lesson- obviously NO ONE in my family ever used what you call "reins"  or the new term leashes.  I am not saying that I am right by any means, however there is not a chance EVER you could convince me that leashing your child is ok.  I give my son plenty of freedom with out letting him run wild in a crowded place.  It is only LAZY PARENTING!!!  If your kid starts to dart off or won't hold your hold- you decipline them.  Come on parents... when did everyone turn into such sissies!!!   They are our kids not anyone elses.  You people that leash kids are probably the same one's that do not believe in Spankings.  Instead of trying to teach your child that they are not allowed to dart off or the dangers- you take the easy way out!  That is what is wrong with parents now a days- Everyone wants to call themselves parents, but so few really are.

 

some people's comments on here are outrageous and quite frankly painful to read, get a life people, stop just slamming other mother down, no-one is abusing their child by using reins. 

hardly a history lesson michele, so no need to be sarcastic, we call them Reins in the UK it's not a new term, and I am not saying your wrong, your are free to your opinion, what I think is terrible is you saying that anyone who uses's them is treating there child like a dog !! and may as well get them to eat from a bowl on the floor !!! thats a mental statement.  my daughter as I have said is too young anyway but we live in London and I would never rule out using them whilst trying to teach about safetly.  I could be in the middle of  teaching her safety but she could still run into a road a be knocked down, great consolation to me sitting at home going "she may be dead but at least I never put her on a leash and treated her like a dog "

I just find your comments  bit harsh and very black and white, have you ever thought maybe not everyone is lazy..... just maybe a bit more nervous than you ? or maybe they have a more boistrous child, which they are trying to teach ? 

 

Natalie - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Esther:

Well, I got myself a harness this afternoon (reading how many moms loved them pushed me over the edge) and we took our 16 month old to the zoo this afternoon. We got him one of those doggy backpack / harness sets at Target and it was a HUGE success. We were at the mall yesterday without the harness and none of us were able to really enjoy it because my son wanted to just walk around without interference from us and we just wanted him to hold our hand, so it was a constant battle. If he wouldn't hold our hand we would pick him up and either carry him or put him back in the stroller, but neither one of those options went over well so it was done under LOUD protest (even though I explained the whole risk of kidnapping thing to him - just kidding). All in all it was not the best setting for enjoying some saturday afternoon shopping. Today however, we put him in the harness, he protested for about 10 seconds and then forgot all about it and we were able to let him walk all over the zoo all afternoon and all three of us had a blast. So consider me a convert. (btw - it looked cute too and I actually got several compliments from other moms)

Great news Esther, nice to hear that it's actually enhanced your sons learning experience at this stage in his life, rather than be confined to a buggy or being carried because he is naturally too young to fully comprehend danger at the moment, he is being allowed to wander and discover at his own pace whilst being safe..... brilliant !

Michele - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Natalie:

Quoting Michele:

Seriously...... I would never leash my child because my arm hurt from holding their hand! Come on parents- or should I say lack of. We all survived growing up with-out them, why do we have to be so rediculous as adults now. Everyone just tries to take the easy way out. Just as non-spankers that let their kids do whatever they want putting your kid on a leash teaches them nothing but maybe they should be eating out of a bowl on the floor next to the dog.

 firstly I have seen pictures of children going back as far as the 40's where they have been on reins, so not sure what you mean about we all survived growing up without them,  they have been around longer than you seem to think, and as for your last comment about maybe people who use reins should get their children to eat out of bowls on the floor next to the dog ??!!!  !! I have never read such a stupid  or nasty comment, just because people have a different approach to their child's safety than you does not mean your way is right and theirs in wrong  ?  

First of all.... thanks for the history lesson- obviously NO ONE in my family ever used what you call "reins"  or the new term leashes.  I am not saying that I am right by any means, however there is not a chance EVER you could convince me that leashing your child is ok.  I give my son plenty of freedom with out letting him run wild in a crowded place.  It is only LAZY PARENTING!!!  If your kid starts to dart off or won't hold your hold- you decipline them.  Come on parents... when did everyone turn into such sissies!!!   They are our kids not anyone elses.  You people that leash kids are probably the same one's that do not believe in Spankings.  Instead of trying to teach your child that they are not allowed to dart off or the dangers- you take the easy way out!  That is what is wrong with parents now a days- Everyone wants to call themselves parents, but so few really are.

 

some people's comments on here are outrageous and quite frankly painful to read, get a life people, stop just slamming other mother down, no-one is abusing their child by using reins. 

Esther - posted on 05/10/2009

Well, I got myself a harness this afternoon (reading how many moms loved them pushed me over the edge) and we took our 16 month old to the zoo this afternoon. We got him one of those doggy backpack / harness sets at Target and it was a HUGE success. We were at the mall yesterday without the harness and none of us were able to really enjoy it because my son wanted to just walk around without interference from us and we just wanted him to hold our hand, so it was a constant battle. If he wouldn't hold our hand we would pick him up and either carry him or put him back in the stroller, but neither one of those options went over well so it was done under LOUD protest (even though I explained the whole risk of kidnapping thing to him - just kidding). All in all it was not the best setting for enjoying some saturday afternoon shopping. Today however, we put him in the harness, he protested for about 10 seconds and then forgot all about it and we were able to let him walk all over the zoo all afternoon and all three of us had a blast. So consider me a convert. (btw - it looked cute too and I actually got several compliments from other moms)

Mary - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Natalie:

Quoting Esther:

Quoting Heather:

[ ]  Teach your children the dangers of getting lost, getting hit by a car, or getting kidnapped. [ ]

Yeah, try explaining that to a 16-month-old who barely says a few words. Maybe you can explain the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to him too while you're at it.

well said Esther ! 

I couldn't have said it better

Natalie - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Esther:

Quoting Heather:

[ ]  Teach your children the dangers of getting lost, getting hit by a car, or getting kidnapped. [ ]

Yeah, try explaining that to a 16-month-old who barely says a few words. Maybe you can explain the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to him too while you're at it.

well said Esther ! 

Natalie - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Michele:

Seriously...... I would never leash my child because my arm hurt from holding their hand! Come on parents- or should I say lack of. We all survived growing up with-out them, why do we have to be so rediculous as adults now. Everyone just tries to take the easy way out. Just as non-spankers that let their kids do whatever they want putting your kid on a leash teaches them nothing but maybe they should be eating out of a bowl on the floor next to the dog.

 firstly I have seen pictures of children going back as far as the 40's where they have been on reins, so not sure what you mean about we all survived growing up without them,  they have been around longer than you seem to think, and as for your last comment about maybe people who use reins should get their children to eat out of bowls on the floor next to the dog ??!!!  !! I have never read such a stupid  or nasty comment, just because people have a different approach to their child's safety than you does not mean your way is right and theirs in wrong  ?  

some people's comments on here are outrageous and quite frankly painful to read, get a life people, stop just slamming other mother down, no-one is abusing their child by using reins. 

Krista - posted on 05/10/2009

I love them! We haven't had much luck with the wrist one and the actual harness, but my little one has one of the backpack harnesses and loves it and it works well. He calls it his monkey backpack. I totally believe in the kids exploring and also staying safe at the same time. These allow that. And you don't lose your kids, there's enough of that going around.

Krista - posted on 05/10/2009

I love them! We haven't had much luck with the wrist one and the actual harness, but my little one has one of the backpack harnesses and loves it and it works well. He calls it his monkey backpack. I totally believe in the kids exploring and also staying safe at the same time. These allow that. And you don't lose your kids, there's enough of that going around.

Mary - posted on 05/10/2009

I used to be totally against them, always thought they were ridiculuos. When somebody gave me one on my baby shower I was extremelly offended. The one given to me though didn't look like a leash it was more like a backpack in the shape of a dog and the tail is the part that you hold. I do travel a lot for work and if the trip is longer than 2 days I bring my daughter with me. When she got old enough to walk by herself. I decided to give the leash a try at the airport, you have so many things you are trying to keep track of when traveling alone, that I was scared my little one would decide to just run off while I am trying to check in or presenting our passports. It worked great!! I do not use it anywhere else but I love it for traveling and since it is like a little backpack, she can put her little toys in it and she feels like a big girl because she has her own traveling bag like mommy.

Mary - posted on 05/10/2009

I used to be totally against them, always thought they were ridiculuos. When somebody gave me one on my baby shower I was extremelly offended. The one given to me though didn't look like a leash it was more like a backpack in the shape of a dog and the tail is the part that you hold. I do travel a lot for work and if the trip is longer than 2 days I bring my daughter with me. When she got old enough to walk by herself. I decided to give the leash a try at the airport, you have so many things you are trying to keep track of when traveling alone, that I was scared my little one would decide to just run off while I am trying to check in or presenting our passports. It worked great!! I do not use it anywhere else but I love it for traveling and since it is like a little backpack, she can put her little toys in it and she feels like a big girl because she has her own traveling bag like mommy.

Michele - posted on 05/10/2009

I so agree with you Kimberly Nicholls:) Happy Mothers day!!!

Jamie - posted on 05/10/2009

I think most people bristle at the thought until they get a kid that is a runner. My son and I tried a leash and tried the "hold my hand"...for us it made things worse, so we just didn't go many places where I couldn't corner him. I always had to dress him in bright green or orange from head to toe in case he darted. He's 7 now and still a runner, fricking autism.....but now I have a brickhouse child locator. We only use for big events where he could get lost in a crowd. At least he's tall enough to probably be seen in a parking lot and not get run over??? :) All in a day.

Kimberly - posted on 05/10/2009

Um... I really don't like the toddler leashes at all, especially since I have a natural one called an arm.

Becky - posted on 05/10/2009

I thought they were silly UNTIL I had my son. I am not a proud owner of a "leash" for my son however can see one in my future.

Laurie - posted on 05/10/2009

We travelled & lived in various locations when my children were little. Once they reached the "I want to run everywhere" stage, I used them. Because I always spoke to my kids as people not babies, whenever possible I used Logic & Humour. So I would ask them to keep ME safe from traffic, I would walk & run along on the outside of the sidewalk closest to traffic, and I would wear the leash around my arm, while they had the handle on their wrist. They loved keeping Mommy safe. They would warn me if I was too close to the edge of the sidewalk, going too fast or even if someone was coming with a dog! I would thank them for helping me, as often as possible and they soon realized the value of paying attention in busy or unfamiliar areas. It was a great role-reversal teaching time. They enjoyed controlling & keeping me safe and they learned the rules quicker than I could have taught them by nagging & restraining them. Enjoy your journey.

Stacey - posted on 05/10/2009

I think they are great for certain kids and situations. I got a really cute one from target that looks like a stuffed animal backpack and the leash part hooks onto the bottom of it. It harnesses around the chest and they can use it just as a backpack if they want. I like it b/c it's less "leash" looking and comfortable for the kids. Its also fun for them b/c of the backpack function.

Stacey - posted on 05/10/2009

I think they are great for certain kids and situations. I got a really cute one from target that looks like a stuffed animal backpack and the leash part hooks onto the bottom of it. It harnesses around the chest and they can use it just as a backpack if they want. I like it b/c it's less "leash" looking and comfortable for the kids. Its also fun for them b/c of the backpack function.

Michele - posted on 05/10/2009

yeah... you let them stretch their legs by walking and holding your hand. I do not carry around my 3 year old, he walks on his own. We have been in airports, Miami, zoos and other crowded areas and NEVER once had to even think about him "getting lost". He is attached to my hand or his dads hand. And as far as the eating on the floor out of a dog bowl- they are completely related. Who or what uses a leash??? I leash our dog when we go for walks and the vet. If you leash your child....isn't that like treating them like a dog??? I think so! Why don't we just put all of our kids in bubbles to keep them safe? It is really getting out of hand with all the stupid ways parents decide to keep their kids "safe". Let's all have our kids on drugs for ADHD and all the other nonsense. Instead of actually being parents and working with them. It is a cop-out!

Esther - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Heather:

[ ]  Teach your children the dangers of getting lost, getting hit by a car, or getting kidnapped. [ ]

Yeah, try explaining that to a 16-month-old who barely says a few words. Maybe you can explain the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to him too while you're at it.

Esther - posted on 05/10/2009

Quoting Sarah:

Like the other replies, I thought they were disgusting as well,,, As a mother of 3, I still do!! Why can't parents simply teach children how to walk on their own? They are not dogs, they are children.... I have never had a problem with any of my own simply holding my hand......my youngest is now 3, and has never spent anytime in a stroller after he started walking, I simply taught him and my two daughters what the rules are when we are out and about... Its not hard, its life..

If only all kids were that easy! My son absolutely REFUSES to hold our hand. We do not have a leash YET but we have come very very close to purchasing one and my guess is, we soon will. When we try to make him hold our hand he will just drop to the floor and refuse to move at all. When you then start to carry him (as walking without holding is not an option) or put him in his stroller he has a fit. He just wants to walk everywhere by himself and thinks us holding his hand interferes too much with his new found independence. If we do get the leash he may find that too intrusive too, who knows, but I think it's likely that we are going to find out.

Heather - posted on 05/09/2009

As one half of a pair of hyper-active twins, I was raised on a leash. My poor mum could not control us, 2 kids, 2 hands, doesn't leave much room for anything else.

Have you ever pushed a double stroller and a grocery cart at the same time?

Dad didn't have a better time at it either.

We just would NOT hold hands, with our parents or with each other.

Growing up in an urban city with ample public transport, we didn't have a car and never really needed it. We were definitely taught the "rules" of being out in public and the leashes were not a constant.

I cannot remember being embarrassed by my harness, I do however remember being embarrassed to hold my mum's hand or my brothers. And this was before those cute sounding rucksack leashes, so mine was just like the harness's I have used on my dogs.

I didn't grow up badly adjusted or afraid to explore and learn or feeling degraded as some people have suggested. My brother is an engineer and I am an artist expecting her first child, and plan on using a leash if necessary.

La - posted on 05/09/2009

I totally agree with you. I have four children and with my three older ones I used it all the time. It gives some freedom and gives me control. you can't lose them and they don't wonder around and get into trouble!!! Yes some people give you crazy looks but I tell them to get over it because at least I know where my child is at all time!!!

La - posted on 05/09/2009

I totally agree with you. I have four children and with my three older ones I used it all the time. It gives some freedom and gives me control. you can't lose them and they don't wonder around and get into trouble!!! Yes some people give you crazy looks but I tell them to get over it because at least I know where my child is at all time!!!

Kimi - posted on 05/09/2009

I think it is funny that some people are so offended by the sight of a child wearing a safty harness. Just because someone is useing one when you see them at the mall or park dosn't mean they use it every day. Their children are still learning to hold mommy's hand and stay out of the road and stuf. Sometimes it's just a matter of convienence but so is a stroller so I don't really see a differance. Actually a stroller is way more convienent than a leash if you have the time to load one up in your car. Parenting is hard work and the fact that these parents are going through the trouble to take their child out and about should be enuf to prove anyone that they are not being lazy at all. I would comare it more to an umbilical cord than a dog leash.

Angie - posted on 05/09/2009

I would rather have my toddler on a leash than under the tire of a car. With that said though we don't use the 'leash' often and never used it before her baby sister was born. Now if I am going somewhere by myself with both girls and I know she's going to have to walk through the parking lot holding my hand I will put the harness on her in case she does pull away. Once we are inside I generally will tuck it in and just let her wear it as a backpack.