Toddler leashes.... good idea or not??

Lana - posted on 03/08/2011

I don't find a problem with one, II used one only in a mall if she wanted to walk instead of sitting in her stroller, I used it cos she would run off and didn't like being carried in the end she got used to staying beside me and didnt run off anymore so i stopped using it.. there are many types I got 1 that attached around my wrist and hers.

Amanda - posted on 03/08/2011

I can not even explain how much i hate these things...your child is not a pet! lol it drives me nuts when i see kids on these

Keisha - posted on 05/12/2009

Quoting Dawn:

I am Mom of 18 month old twins as well and I do use the harnesses. They are great. I have the backpack style with the puppy and monkey. My advice is to say screw you to all the people who don't like them. They don't have to use them, we have to do what is best for our kids.

To the Mom out there worrying about the  buckles. Maybe the child was to old, who knows. The backpack style I have the straps are very difficult to push in and undo for my children who are 18 months old and there is more than one. Maybe it was also an older backpack!

Okay so listen...you people are getting carried away with this. If you want to use a kid leash/harness/backpack whatever you want to call it then it is perfectly fine. If you dont want to use one that that's fine too. I personally do not like how they look and I have never and would never use one, but that is my own personal perference, as I dont see it as necessary for my children. This does not mean that I do not care about the safety of my children, it just means that I take other precautions to guarnatee, to the best of my ability, my child's safety. This also does not mean that a parent who uses one is lazy, especially if they have more than one child to look after..it's just their choice and they dont have a complex about it or how it looks. It does not mean one parent is better than the other, it just means that we all have different means of securing our child's safety. Finally, I dont know any of you all and most of you all dont know each, other so who cares what anybody says or thinks of you and your decision to use or not to use a leash....do what you feel comfortable with and leave it at that.

Dawn-Marie - posted on 05/12/2009

Quoting Kim:

I'm a mom of 18 month old twins. And I am thinkin gabout getting ac couple. My kids love to walk and run, they end up going in two different directions. So for mothers out there who don't agree with the harness or leash. Ya got some advice for me?

I am Mom of 18 month old twins as well and I do use the harnesses. They are great. I have the backpack style with the puppy and monkey. My advice is to say screw you to all the people who don't like them. They don't have to use them, we have to do what is best for our kids.

To the Mom out there worrying about the  buckles. Maybe the child was to old, who knows. The backpack style I have the straps are very difficult to push in and undo for my children who are 18 months old and there is more than one. Maybe it was also an older backpack!

Nichola - posted on 05/12/2009

my son cant walk alone yet so i dont know if i will use one or not....i was at a fair one time and some ppl had their lil boy on one and he just all of a sudden unbuckled it and took off....so i dont know if he was just to old for it or if i should get one with a buckle in the back but that scared me and makes me think i want to use a wagon or a stroller over a leash

Kim - posted on 05/12/2009

I'm a mom of 18 month old twins. And I am thinkin gabout getting ac couple. My kids love to walk and run, they end up going in two different directions. So for mothers out there who don't agree with the harness or leash. Ya got some advice for me?

Jessica - posted on 05/12/2009

I would encourage parents who look at children on a "leash" not to judge the parents of those children.



We have a 3-year-old boy with some challenges. He looks completely "normal" by looking at him. It is difficult as a parent to make this decision because of the judgment you feel from other parents. We use this to keep our child safe, not as a way to be able to do uninterrupted shopping.

Dawn-Marie - posted on 05/12/2009

I have 18 month old twins who hate the stroller if they can be walking with us somewhere. We recently bought the backpack leashes that look like the pink puppy and brown monkey, my twins LOVE to just wear the backpack around and put stuff in it. But it's nice if I'm out and they are wearing them I can clip the tail on to them and hold on. With 2 going in different directions it's really nice. But I don't see if as a leash, because I'm not dragging them around by it. They are usually dragging me around lol! But I know that they can't bolt and get hit by a car or get into the lake, etc. We usually just use the leash part though if we are somewhere like that. I have saw parents use those things like they are dogs on leashes and can understand why some people look at it that way, but I don't, so I have to say I really like having one and it makes me feel better about them getting away from me in different direction!

Wendy - posted on 05/12/2009

I think they are a great tool!! I have twin boys and when we went to the beach, the harnesses were wonderful for my peace of mind on the boardwalk! One tip: put the harness on "backwards" and lead you child where you want them to go. It makes no sense to let them lead when they will walk into danger everytime! This also trains them to make an effort to pay attention to you and stick with you. My husband and I used the sandwich approach- I walked in front and he brought up the rear. We felt this was a very safe situation.

Mary - posted on 05/12/2009

Sorry I ment attached not attack....and sorry for any other typos I was kinda mad and was typing rather fast, lol.

Mary - posted on 05/12/2009

Quoting Elise:

Dogs belong on leashes not children. I think a small amount of women use leashes on their kids out off complete laziness! To use the kid leash you obviously want them to walk on their own but why does the parent need an excuse to be lazy and not keep up with their own kid. I never used one with any of my kids. You are supposed to be the parent teaching your child right from wrong. This is just a sorry excuse for parents not to actually parent their kids.

Honey it isn't lazy to want to keep your child safe!  I hate how some mothers are so judgemental of this whole topic.  First off they are not leashes they are harnesses and second my child is not a dog and doesn't look like a dog....I don't have a collar on my childs throat with a leash attacked while he walks aroud on all fours.  

I parent my child just fine and pay plenty of attention to him.  When the time comes to start using the harness you bet your life I am going to.  I would much rather my child be happy and free to explore within reason while I have the peace of mind that he will be safe.....just becasue he is in a harness does not mean he will be ignored.     It is much much to easy for a child to just vanish or dart away into trafic....no matter how well behaved they are. 

All in all everyone is free to have their own opinion on the subject but I wish some mothers wouldn't be so judgemental.....you are free to not use a harness but if another mother does that doesn't mean they are bad parents or lazy or treating their children like dogs. 

Cathy - posted on 05/12/2009

My son wasn't diagnosed as autistic till he was 4 years old, so as a toddler he was just nightmare! Sure I could have kept him strapped into the stroller, while he arched his back and stuck his feet down on the wheels to stop it moving, because he wanted to walk. I never wanted to discourage my son getting exercise by strapping him in a stroller all the time either. I could have held his hand while kicked and hit me to get free, should have seen the dirty looks and heard the snide comments i got for doing that. Or I could put a harness on him and let him walk happily and independantly with the reassurance, that if he decided to do something stupid like bolt into the middle of traffic I could stop and grab him without a nasty accident. My son now 5, understands the need to hold my hand to stay safe, and no longer fights it. I just don't think all toddlers have an understanding of danger and the consequences.

Alison - posted on 05/12/2009

i don't really like the idea. and i REMEMBER having one put on me. i hated it. and the only reason my parents put one on me is because my brother was out of control so they just put them on both of us just to keep track. besides, i think its better if your child learns to hold your hand and obey you in public instead of letting them do whatever while attached to a leash. but that is my opinion and i would never look down on anyone who chose to do that because every child is different. i just think that my child works best when i teach him to obey me in public and it makes me feel like he is safer.

Sharon - posted on 05/12/2009

Quoting Elise:

Dogs belong on leashes not children. I think a small amount of women use leashes on their kids out off complete laziness! To use the kid leash you obviously want them to walk on their own but why does the parent need an excuse to be lazy and not keep up with their own kid. I never used one with any of my kids. You are supposed to be the parent teaching your child right from wrong. This is just a sorry excuse for parents not to actually parent their kids.

very judgemental on your behalf... easy to keep up with your child if it's just you and the child, but what if you have other children who also need your attention? It only needs you to take your eyes off the child for a second and he is gone. I know, because I have a child who runs at the first opportunity. I am not lazy, I just want to keep my precious little boy safe when I need to attend to other things. I use the harness purely to keep him safe and as he gets older he is needing it less and less because he is learning to stay with me and that there are dangers about.. The harness itself isn't meant to teach him anything, the learning comes as he is ready to learn and until then I will do what I have to do.

Sharon - posted on 05/12/2009

yes, I use one for my son. He likes to walk along like a big boy but is apt to run so I put the harness on him to keep him within arm's reach. So what if others think it's like a dog leash. Why do we use dog leashes? To keep our dogs from being hit by cars, my son is much more precious than a dog so I'll do what I must to keep him safe.

Carol - posted on 05/12/2009

I used two when I took my 3 daughters on a 10 hour flight to Europe by myself. It gave me a little relief in a stressful situation that my girls weren't going to wander off or anyone take them. Since I had a stroller, backpacks, and a car seat to tote, I was relieved that I had a hold of them in some way. I also used one in Disney for my baby since I had heard horror stories of people taking children within seconds. I had her strapped in her stroller, and a harness. I don't care how stupid I look, I am going to make sure my kids are safe.

Stephanie - posted on 05/11/2009

Honey , I used one for both my boys . I know it works and gave me the peace on mind while shopping, they would not run away. Do you really want your little one wondering away for some monster to snatch ?

Amy - posted on 05/11/2009

I used a leash when my son was 2 years old. He was very active and I had a new born. He would often run from me.

Jennifer - posted on 05/11/2009

I have 4 kids under 5 and I have never used a leash on them. They walk with me, if not and we are in a store, they go in the cart, if they/one of them has a fit, we leave. If we are out and about and they do not follow my 2 rules, again, we are out of there. That is the end of that. I am not tolerating a child that will not "stay with Mommy" and "listen to Mommy." Children have to learn how to behave in all kinds of situations and it is up to their parents to teach them. It also takes multiple attempts on the parents parts to do it. I understand the safety issues, I understand the airport, big city issues, I understand the not wanting to chase a child, direct a child, follow after a child, etc, but with all that, I just could not get over the "dog" issues. So no, I would not use them on my kids.

Amy - posted on 05/11/2009

My kids are 4 & 6 and I've never used one, that said I don't judge people who do use them. They have their place I think. Some elderly people can't keep up with a fast 2 or three year old. Not to mention my husband took his eyes off our son when he was four just long enough to get luggage off a conveyer belt, and wham he was gone for 8 long minutes. Kids can disappear fast, I don't care how well you think your watching them. I say do what you want and don't worry about what other people think....

Amanda - posted on 05/11/2009

Quoting Elise:

Dogs belong on leashes not children. I think a small amount of women use leashes on their kids out off complete laziness! To use the kid leash you obviously want them to walk on their own but why does the parent need an excuse to be lazy and not keep up with their own kid. I never used one with any of my kids. You are supposed to be the parent teaching your child right from wrong. This is just a sorry excuse for parents not to actually parent their kids.

It is not lazy for a mother to put a harness on her child in a very busy area. I dont know what I would do if my 4 yr old daughter who has ADHD would have run off in either the calgary  airport or in mexico. Harneses are used for safety, sure you can tell a child to stay with you and teach about stranger awarness but they are kids and they dont always pay attention and some, like my daughter are just far to busy to always be paying attention to what she is doing. I would rather have my kid safe in her harness than grabed by a stranger or have her get lost in a busy place like an airport.

I supose you dont you a stroller for your kids either right? Because in my opinion a stroller is far more lazy than a harness. At least my child can assert some of her own independence than being straped down into a chair like a baby.

Jennifer - posted on 05/11/2009

I agree with those that say that it depends on the situation. There are certain busy places such as fairs, festivals, crowded malls, busy streets where they can be very useful. My MIL bought us one that looks like a monkey and is a back pack as well where you can stow away your keys or a little snack, etc. The leash is the tail of the monkey. The absolute only time I have ever used it was at the fairs when my very active, very quick toddler refused to stay sitting in the wagon. I was thankful that I had thrown it in the car that day b/c she was able to have the freedom to walk and run off some of her built up energy... yet I didn't have to worry about someone who is not paying attention to where they were walking or one of those crazy teenagers that think they rule the place running her over or getting in between us. She thought it was a fun game and loved it b/c she had a monkey on her back. I only used it one summer for her, right about the age of two.... after that she knew better than to take off from me at the sight of an exciting ride or something that looked yummy. Now I have another toddler who will be turning two this month, right as all the fairs & festivals begin again. I of course love to take the wagon to these events b/c its much easier with the more rugged terains that you sometimes face at these types of events.... and yes, I will be packing the monkey backpack/ leash along for the safety aspect knowing that I have a very active little boy who loves to explore.

Kimbel - posted on 05/11/2009

very good idea especially if you have more than one child! They have new ones that are a back pack that the child wears that can carry items they may want to eat or play with! If I did not have a leash then my daughter would not be here today! The child id free to walk around but in a stroller they are confined...need to teach kids to exercise now! Too many kids never get on their feet anymore.

Rachael - posted on 05/11/2009

you know what's funny? My son actually was the one who asked for it. It's a little dog backpack harness, and the tail is what you hold on to. He saw it in the store one day, and wanted "puppy, puppy". The tail is detachable and he wears the puppy around the house all day. He even gets mad when I make him take it off for bed. The only time I have had to attach the tail is when taking both kids, by myself, to a busy airport, mall or theme park. But the kid loves it, so I don't feel bad.



I did have to immediatly tell my daughter she was not allowed to play with the tail and "walk" her brother. I see a potential cholking hazzard it that...

Kelly - posted on 05/11/2009

I never had one with any of my kids, but I think they look like a good idea. In the original question, she asked about her mother in law using one. I personally would feel much better if ANYONE other than myself had my child out in public, that they use every precaution available to keep them safe. Children can be SO different, some will stay right by your side from day one, but others will run every which way. Toddlers do have a lot of energy and some just don't tolerate riding in a stroller for any amount of time. I think it is a good idea that they can get some excercise. I think it is a little silly to say that you are going to teach them right from the start to stay with you and behave. You simply cannot teach a (or most) young toddler that with any reliability. That is like saying that you will "teach" a one-year-old not to touch a hot stove. OK fine, but you still don't leave them alone with a hot stove, I hope, because you just can't say for sure they won't touch it, just like you can't say for sure that an 18-month-old can be "taught" not to dash in front of a car or whatever. Of course you must keep up with them and watch them, but what is the harm in being extra careful? Jeez, moms, why be so judgemental?

Elise - posted on 05/11/2009

Dogs belong on leashes not children. I think a small amount of women use leashes on their kids out off complete laziness! To use the kid leash you obviously want them to walk on their own but why does the parent need an excuse to be lazy and not keep up with their own kid. I never used one with any of my kids. You are supposed to be the parent teaching your child right from wrong. This is just a sorry excuse for parents not to actually parent their kids.

Rachel - posted on 05/11/2009

I agree that some of them look like a dog leash. And I had the same issues as some of the other moms posted. My son is now 2 1/2 and we have had one for almost a year. We got him one that works as a backpack and looks like a monkey, they have teddy bear and dog ones too but he wanted the monkey. My DH and I discussed it and we decided that it gives him some independance while still keeping him safe. The only comment we have ever gotten about it is that "he is a bit young to have a monkey on his back" but he really likes anything monkey so it fits. He absolutely LOVES wearing it when we walk and he will go get it and put it on by himself whenever we even mention talking a walk.

Just like with anything else...it is really up to you and what you are comfortable with not what others want or think (within reason). Do what you think is best for you and your son.

Amanda - posted on 05/11/2009

we have a monkey harness for our daughter which we have used at the airport (I would hate to loose her in the airport of all places) and amusement parks. these are the only times I have used the harness. oh and once when i took her x mas shopping. other than that she walks beside me or sits in a wgon when she gets tired. do not confuse the toddler leash with a dog leash, they are not the same. toddler leashes are made to keep the child safe in a very crowded or dangerous area. they are a great tool for the independandt child who refuses to be straped down in a stroller

Beth - posted on 05/11/2009

Quoting Robyn:

I used a harness for my firstborn when he was 18 months and getting into everything! He was easily distracted when feeding in the highchair. Didn't walk until 14 months, so in a wheeled "walker" from 10 months, with little hands reaching for everything he passed! He crawled at 11 months by sitting on his bottom and thumping his booted feed from side-to-side in a "paddling" motion, to pull himself along. Everything he did in his "stages" was inventive, and different to my friends' children. ADHD was not diagnosed then, so all I knew was I had a very independent child who did not like cuddling, being held, or sitting on my lap! He was totally independent whenever possible! He was in the pusher/stroller when we went out, but was a very big boy for his age - he's now 6ft 4in. I needed some way to keep him safe from himself and his instant gratification - "I want to go there. I'm going!" attitude. So I bought a beautiful pale blue leather harness with an oval on the front with horses on it. It was felt-lined and belted around his waist, with straps over his shoulders. The lead attached with a metal clip on the centre of the back of the waist belt. He was sooo secure! Off we went, me holding on for dear life while my little ADHD spotted things in all directions that he HAD to investigate immediately, and pulling like a bull! His little hands were always seeking things. He discovered how to push in and turn the gas jet knob on the stove when he was 18 months old. We moved to a flat with an electrical stove, it was just too dangerous. I had him down from the pusher in a crowded cafeteria once, when I was feeding his baby brother in a highchair. He wandered off in a second, and I couldn't see his bright orange parka anywhere between all the tables. I was scared stiff. He was a beautiful little boy, with sensitive girlish features. Prime fodder for baby snatchers! I spent an agonising 1/2 hour searching the shop and front and rear entrances, rushing everywhere whilst my mother took care of the 6month old in the highchair. I kept checking back at the cafeteria manager's office and, eventually, he was there. Someone had found him in the street and brought him in. The dinner spilt on his jacket must have been a give-away! I was terrified after that, and ensured he wore the harness until he was 4yrs old, by then he was listening to commands and holding my hand or the side of the pusher handle as we walked. When 6 years old, he was diagnosed with "Hyper-active Disorder". His intelligence level was assessed as in the "Top 2 percentile", hence the seeking eyes and hands and running to investigate anything and everything. ADHD was identified as a disorder when he was 17, it gave more insight into his childhood condition. I was forever grateful for the harness! My second son never needed it. He was steady and thoughtful and loved holding my hand. My firstborn is alive today, and a wonderful husband and father. His ADHD makes him multi-skilled and he is an excellent manager of corporate administration in a large city council. He wouldn't be here unless I used the harness!

I was amazed at you story, it was like you were describing my son perfectly, my son is 3 1/2 and we have to use the harness all the time because he still runs off all the time, no matter how many time I tell him to stay by me or make him hold my hand he always seem to get away from me, I know that he is too young to be diagnosed with ADHD but I know he will be, he always has to touch everything and figure out how it works and he is very spontanious, he is very intelligent but his attention span is very short and he gets distracted very easily. I have lost him a few times and it is the scariest feeling in the world, so I really don't care what people think when they see my 3 1/2 year old on one, I actually get alot of complements and alot of people want to know where I got it

Beth - posted on 05/11/2009

Quoting Robyn:

I used a harness for my firstborn when he was 18 months and getting into everything! He was easily distracted when feeding in the highchair. Didn't walk until 14 months, so in a wheeled "walker" from 10 months, with little hands reaching for everything he passed! He crawled at 11 months by sitting on his bottom and thumping his booted feed from side-to-side in a "paddling" motion, to pull himself along. Everything he did in his "stages" was inventive, and different to my friends' children. ADHD was not diagnosed then, so all I knew was I had a very independent child who did not like cuddling, being held, or sitting on my lap! He was totally independent whenever possible! He was in the pusher/stroller when we went out, but was a very big boy for his age - he's now 6ft 4in. I needed some way to keep him safe from himself and his instant gratification - "I want to go there. I'm going!" attitude. So I bought a beautiful pale blue leather harness with an oval on the front with horses on it. It was felt-lined and belted around his waist, with straps over his shoulders. The lead attached with a metal clip on the centre of the back of the waist belt. He was sooo secure! Off we went, me holding on for dear life while my little ADHD spotted things in all directions that he HAD to investigate immediately, and pulling like a bull! His little hands were always seeking things. He discovered how to push in and turn the gas jet knob on the stove when he was 18 months old. We moved to a flat with an electrical stove, it was just too dangerous. I had him down from the pusher in a crowded cafeteria once, when I was feeding his baby brother in a highchair. He wandered off in a second, and I couldn't see his bright orange parka anywhere between all the tables. I was scared stiff. He was a beautiful little boy, with sensitive girlish features. Prime fodder for baby snatchers! I spent an agonising 1/2 hour searching the shop and front and rear entrances, rushing everywhere whilst my mother took care of the 6month old in the highchair. I kept checking back at the cafeteria manager's office and, eventually, he was there. Someone had found him in the street and brought him in. The dinner spilt on his jacket must have been a give-away! I was terrified after that, and ensured he wore the harness until he was 4yrs old, by then he was listening to commands and holding my hand or the side of the pusher handle as we walked. When 6 years old, he was diagnosed with "Hyper-active Disorder". His intelligence level was assessed as in the "Top 2 percentile", hence the seeking eyes and hands and running to investigate anything and everything. ADHD was identified as a disorder when he was 17, it gave more insight into his childhood condition. I was forever grateful for the harness! My second son never needed it. He was steady and thoughtful and loved holding my hand. My firstborn is alive today, and a wonderful husband and father. His ADHD makes him multi-skilled and he is an excellent manager of corporate administration in a large city council. He wouldn't be here unless I used the harness!

I was amazed at you story, it was like you were describing my son perfectly, my son is 3 1/2 and we have to use the harness all the time because he still runs off all the time, no matter how many time I tell him to stay by me or make him hold my hand he always seem to get away from me, I know that he is too young to be diagnosed with ADHD but I know he will be, he always has to touch everything and figure out how it works and he is very spontanious, he is very intelligent but his attention span is very short and he gets distracted very easily. I have lost him a few times and it is the scariest feeling in the world, so I really don't care what people think when they see my 3 1/2 year old on one, I actually get alot of complements and alot of people want to know where I got it

Teri - posted on 05/11/2009

If yer MIL feels more secure using it, I suppose I don't have a problem with it-If you had said you are using it-yes...he'd have to be a VERY active kid to justify using it otherwise-leashes are for dogs...good question though

Michelle - posted on 05/11/2009

I have a elastic wrist strap and love it. I have a 2 year old son that loves to run around and also will NOT go in a stroller. Some people have said to me oh it looks like your walking a dog were i have replied with a smile, well i would rather have my child look like a dog than scoop him up off the road DEAD. I would not be without mine its great

Beverly - posted on 05/11/2009

I had a set of triplets.....when we would go anyplace busy and they wanted to walk, I always had leashes on them......othewise I would never have felt comfortable since I have two hands for their three little hands that need held......the tethers to me were not adjustable so they couldn't dart around at will they walked WITH me.......VERY HELPFUL. You only treat them as dogs if you say sit, stay, heel......and more and more people keep their dogs in strollers.....

Crystal - posted on 05/11/2009

I have used one for my oldest son, only when we are in a very crowded area, like the fair or rodeo. he is almost three and I still use it in those places because he is so adiment about walking. I don't want to pin him in a stroller, he needs to learn independence. Now that my 11 month old is starting to walk I will put it on him in busy places as well. I feel safer knowing that they cannot wander off and get hurt or worse abducted.

Shannon - posted on 05/11/2009

I purchased one for my son so he could walk around instead of being strapped into the stroller. I have only tried using it once. Children are quick to take off and this way it helps to keep him safe and allow me to shop. I am not saying it is ok to use it and not pay attention to your child, they still have hands that love to touch everything.

I would rather use it then have my son run away in the store, but only if he is willing to have it on. If he is not happy wearing it then he has to be strapped into the stroller. They have alot of cute designs (snuggly animals - cute backpacks) to help keep them from looking entirely like a dog leash.

Amanda - posted on 05/11/2009

I love this question. I just had a discussion about this preiviously today. My son is in the "terrible two" stage and wants to do everything on his own. Many times I have had to chase after him to prevent him from running into the alleys around our house. I make him hold my hand nearly every time we go outside. As a mother Im sure ost of you know a child will dart off when he/she feels like it. Usually tends to be the most inconvienient time for me, like while Im opening the car door. Anyhow, I wanted to get the "leash" for my son and my fiance is totally against it attacking with the "dog" comparison. I beleive that a child so young who doesnt not understand the danger or fully grasp what no is could be a perfect candidate. If you care about what other people think of you then I dont think you should get one, for the simple fact that you will get a lot of people speaking their disapproval on such a matter.

Melanie - posted on 05/11/2009

Yes I would use one.Kids can be really quick sometimes.Never can be to careful these days.

Silvia - posted on 05/11/2009

I was one of the people who thought that a leash was for dogs not children but, then my daughter started walking.. She is all over the place and will not sit in a stroller anymore. It may seem wrong but I would rather be safe then sorry... Give MIL a break...

Yolanda - posted on 05/11/2009

leashes are helpful depending on the child. Its not harmful for the child if we dont let it be a big deal. Special need children really benifit from the leash in public. Your MIL is doing whats comfortable when shes with your child. I have a leash and I've used the same one for years and I have three boys and one of them has special needs. We all know that there not animals but we as parents are just wanting to protect the innocent lives. Also teaching structure and how to stay close by. With all do respect your a good mom. Sincerly mama yo.

Kerri - posted on 05/11/2009

i used one in the airport, because i let my daughter run around looking at things, and in a busy airport with tons of people, not going to even think about what would be worse, having her lost, kidnapped ect, or to use a leash that helps her stay close to me.

if i go for walks with her i use a stroller, but the leash came in handy in the airport, and taht is all i ever used it for.

Kristina - posted on 05/11/2009

I have one that I use occassionally. I always use my double stroller whenever possible, but it is nice to give your toddler a little freedom without putting him in harms way. It is impossible to hold a child's hand ALL the time, especially with my 3 kiddie. For instance, you cannot pay for something in a store and hold a child's hand the whole time. I thought it was funny the first time I read people's blogs about thinking they look like leashes. And what about all those people who put their dogs in strollers and carriers?

Amanda - posted on 05/11/2009

What is worse then seeing a child on a "leash" is seeing 3-6 year old children still in strollers.

Melissa - posted on 05/11/2009

When my oldest daughter played football I would put a toddler leash on him..When u are at a game for hours being in a stroller for hours on a toddler can be stressful.. I did get alot of looks and stares..But I would rather have my child happy and able to run around then cooped up in a stroller for hours..And yes I would rather have stares then a dead child or a child that can run off at the blink of a eye and get kidnapped or worse

Marion - posted on 05/11/2009

I think they are a great idea. I really don't get the dog reference here. It doesn't go around the child's neck! It gives your toddler more freedom than a stroller and keeps them safe from traffic and getting lost. My son sleeps in a crib, but I've never heard anyone refer to cribs as dog crates. Is that also treating my son like an animal?

Kelly - posted on 05/11/2009

I have two toddlers and I have two leashes, a puppy and a monkey. First, they love wearing them and love the independent feeling of walking around instead of being strapped in a stroller. Yes, sometimes when they want to go their own way and can't, we have some meltdowns, but we have also had meltdowns in shopping carts and strollers and car seats. And I don't pull on the leash like a dog, I tell them which way we are going and they walk with me, the leash part only comes into play when they try to run off. I think they are great because it helps them feel like they have some control and independence, but I don't have to worry that they will take off into the street. And if you want, call it a harness instead of a leash and maybe that will help a little ;)

April - posted on 05/11/2009

When i had my kids are 2 years apart, so when i had my 2nd son, my oldest was 2, and was like speedy gonzalez. I bought one that looked like a back pack. I used only when it was just me and the boys out and about. I never yanked it or anything like that, but it did help me, if i was pushing a stroller,and my 2 year old went to run away. I used it for a minute, but I soon taught my son, that if he didnt want to wear it, he had to learn how to slow down, and listen to mommy. He liked the one I had for him, because it was like a puppy dog book bag

Stephanie - posted on 05/11/2009

I did use one...loved it. It gave my daughter some independence and gave me peace of mind. My daughter hated being in a stroller...she is miss "do it all by myself". I think you have to use good judgement as when to use one. You still have to pay attention to your child but mine loved hers.

Karla - posted on 05/11/2009

A stroller is a good thing to have but walks should be for exploration not just fresh air. Chasing bugs and pulling dandelions are just as important. Keeping your child safe is more important than what anyone else thinks about your method.

Mary - posted on 05/11/2009

Oh and I just wanted to say that perhaps people compare it to treating your child like a dog because people keep calling them leashes when they are harnesses. I also agree with what some people have said...my pets are just like family to me and if you don't feel that way maybe you shouldn't own a pet...but anyway....you want to keep your pet safe from harm so why wouldn't you want the smae thing for your child?



I know my child is not a dog and a harness is a totaly different thing...I am not attaching a rope to my childs neck here. I also would like to say I am a good parent and I love my child. I pay loads of attention to him and would never ingnore him just because he is on a harness....I can controll my child just fine but I prefer to be safe while giving my child the freedome to roam and explore within reason whithout fear.

Siobhan - posted on 05/11/2009

i personally think they look like ur walkin a dog lol! i dont like them atall.