"harnesses" on young children

[Grim Grinning Marathon Runner]

I don't know what these things are called, but I've seen plenty of parents walking around the parks with a harness type thing on young children. It's basically like a leash that you attach to the child's upper body, and you can always hang onto the leash and know where your child is.

I used to think these things were terrible, but now that I have a two year old, I'd rather have a leash looking thing on her than have her lost in MAJOR Disney crowds - too stressful for all of us!!

What's your opinion on those leash things?
What exactly are they?
Where can you get them?

[Lizzie]

It depends on your child. Some kids will walk and hold your hand others its a constant battle.

I have seen them at anyplace you can get baby supplies. My neices have ones with an animal that straps to their back and their tail is what you hold on to.

You can get a harness type or ones that just connect to their wrist.

[r4kids]

If you would have asked me when my oldest were little I would have said no way, but now with our youngest two. I am all for it. I don't think you can ever be too safe. If the harness is needed, get it. I believe they sell them in Walmart or try looking online. Good luck!!

[January-2007]

I think they're good. My mom used them on us sometimes when we were little so we wouldn't wonder off. It's better than losing a child. The ones they have now are so cute sometimes, like it's a backpack and the tail is what the parent holds on to. I don't know where to get them since we don't have children yet but you better believe that when I do I am going to give some serious consideration to them. I think it's a smart thing for a parent to do to take the extra precautions against losing a child and keeping a child safe, especially in such a busy place as Walt Disney World.

[LoriMistress]

Those kid leashes? I personally don't like the idea of kid leashes just because it just feels like you're walking your dog instead of being a parent. I would say it's a waste of time, because half the time the kid ends up getting tangled around you (and other guests...which isn't fun), and the fact that some guests are rude and cut the cords.

That's from what I've heard from some parents on some of the boards that I go to.

[mttafire]

We have very STRONG feelings AGAISNT child leashes..Thats what they are is leashes. Out of respect for the O.P. and the moderators...Ill just leave it at that.

[Dakota Rose]

Before we had kids, we both detested them and thought parents who used them were awful. Then we had DS and took him to WDW. He was 18 mos old and didn't quite understand the "stay where you can see me" command and we didn't think it was fair to leave him locked up in his stroller all day. So we got a leash. We used it as back up. When we were walking, he held our hands, but he'd get distracted, let go and run off to chase a bird. We had the leash attached and in hand, so he never got more than 3 feet away. I considered it a "safety lock". 6 mos later we took him to DLR and only used it for half of the first day. By then, he'd figured out he needed to stay close.

[crazykids]

You're going to get both sides to this question & some may try to turn it into a heated debate. The fact is, if your child is one that wanders or runs away & doesn't follow commands - then use it for the saftey of the child & don't worry what others think. Personally, I'd rather someone I don't know & will probably never see again in my lifetime look at me funny than to loose my child.

I'm in the same boat, my son has severe ADHD & is a runner. Sometimes he walks good, other times he doesn't. I always carry the "leash" in my bag just in case I need it. I have the one that connects at the wrist & I think it only cost a couple dollars at Walmart.

[Maleficent's Dad]

I usually avoid discussions like this. I make every effort to be open minded; as a parent, I often bite my tongue on these boards...

I fully and completely realize that there are children with special needs in this world; I understand that parents need to do whatever they feel is in the best interest of their own child! My responses below make certain assumptions: I respond with the thought that you are referring to a healthy, well-behaved young child here - so don't shoot me!

But, you did ask, so...

What's your opinion on those leash things?

I don't like them - and my kids have both been travelling to WDW and DLR since before their first birthdays (so I don't need to hear about how kids behave ).

What exactly are they?

Since you ask: They are leashes. (I originally added an entire paragraph elaborating on this, but edited my writing for obvious reasons!)

Where can you get them?

This one I cannot answer. However, I'm sure that someone with a differing point of view will be along shortly to tell you where to buy them.

[Strmchsr]

Where can you get them?

First, let me issue a quick warning. So far the thread has stayed friendly and just answered the question asked. Please do not let it go beyond that. We've had another thread on this same subject we had to shut down because it got out of control. So, please limit your comments to the usefulness of the item in question and refrain from commenting on your perception of the parenting skills of parents who do or do not use them.

Now, to answer this specific question - Babys R Us and Toys R Us usually carry them, so you could get it at your nearest store or online. I know Wal-Mart, and believe Target, also carries this item.

As for the usefulness, it varies. I found the full upper body harness difficult and cumbersome with our son. However, the wristband version did extremely well. Gave him freedom without fear of getting lost or running off. It's easily removable and fits in your pocket when you don't want to use it (such as if the park isn't very crowded or you're using the stroller).

[Sean Riley Taylor's Mom]

Our family chooses not to use them(Just our choice, I am not knocking anyone that does use them) but, I do have friends that do buy them for their children.

The backpack ones look a little more kid friendly to me, they also sell a fanny pack one. The child wears the pack and they parent holds the leash portion. I know a lot of the kid/baby supply stores and websites sell them.

[tigger24601]

i'm all for em. my mother used them on me and my sister when we were little and has just finished the one that my dd will use in november for her first trip. however they were crocheted and looked like they were part of our outfits. i have seen the animal back pack ones at burlington coat factory. haven't really looked anywhere else.

[Lizzie]

Apparantly my sister go her animal backpack one at Target. My nephew used to like to wear his around the house, I think he had like a monkey or a bear. He thought it was fun to wear.

[kakn7294]

I don't like them but I have used them. The wrist ones are a joke as the kids can easily remove them and take off. The backpack ones are kind of cute. Our DD's had a fanny pack type - it went around their waist and had a tiny fanny pack on it. I think I purchased it at Toys 'R Us but you can usually find them in any baby department. I didn't like it because as they took off running, the leash did it's job and kept them put but usually they fell as it did. I always made them hold my hand even with the leash on - it was just an added security measure in case they got loose from holding my hand. My nephew (smarty-pants that he is) always barked and panted when my sister put his on.

[LoriMistress]

If I were going to use a leash on my kid I would use it to my advantage...I would use the leash as a threat to my older children (7 and up) if they didn't behave...nothing worse then being humiliated in public...and looking like a big baby.

At least that's something I can picture Rosanne doing.

[K8screen]

Many many years ago, when I was little, small children over here in UK often wore a harness, usually called "reins", because the use of a buggy was not common. It was the big pram (called a baby carriage in US I think) or walk. It was the norm, we got plenty of exercise, and there was no fear of getting lost or falling over. We could even be lifted by it into our parents arms for a quick cuddle. Nobody thought anything of it and it gave us a marvellous feeling of independence with security. Dont think it did us any harm. I say go for it.

[bethsmith]

If you're going to use a harness, then try it out before you go. I had them for my two daughters when they were little (2 and 3). I was a single mom and hoped for some extra "security" when we were out together. I tried to use them several times but each time my oldest daughter would just sit down and not move. It certainly didn't make my life easier.

Then 2 years ago when we were at Disney I got one of those little wrist straps for my 18 month old son. HA. He figured out how to get the thing off in about 10 minutes.

So, although I'm not against the things I've never had great luck with them. I find the stroller strap easier for me to use and harder for the child to escape from.

[larandtra]

The simple fact is they are leashes, like something you would walk your dog on. I see a couple of issues. When walking through a crowd, lets assume you have a kid on one of these leashes. You probably have them on a leash because you can not control them otherwise. Little Billy decides to go running around and that leash becomes nothing more than a rope to trip others with.
Try making the kid hold your hand, carry them, or put them in a stroller. Leashes are a convenient way for someone else to get hurt while the kids still run wild.

[Jenemmy]

I never liked them, to be honest. I always conjured up the dog/leash scenario that others have spoken of. But, I do have a special needs child who has in fact run away in the Magic Kingdom and was MIA for about 15 minutes. Simply put, that was the most agonizing 15 minutes of my life and I would not wish that feeling on another soul.

I will never again put a judgement call on another parent doing what they feel they need to do to keep their child safe. I wish I would have had one the day my little guy got lost. Fact is, no one knows your kid like you do -- Do what you feel best doing.

[Goes4FastPass]

The terminology around this can be inflammatory. Say, "leash" and pictures of pets come to mind. Say, "harness" and the picture becomes one of safety.

I think to implicitly say to a little one, "Scamper, explore, go as fast as you can. You still have a connection to me and you can't go too far." can create a sense of security.