Child Leashes?

Question

I am going to be bringing my 3 year old to one of the largest fairs in New England. We will be going multiple times and I am thinknig about getting a 'leash' so she doesn't have to sit in her carriage the entire time. Walking with her in not a problem, she just doesn't like to hold hands for too long and I figure a 'leash' would be perfect. My question is.. what do you mommies out there think of them. If you saw someone using one on their kid, what would be the first thing that pops into your head? It'll only be used for crowded places (like the fair or the mall during Christmas shopping), places where she could just run off and get lost in the crowds.

Answer 1

They may seem odd, but they are a good idea. I'd rather look odd and KNOW where my child is than take the chance of having him/her run off in a crowded place.........

Answer 2

I actually have a leash for my child and have only used it a handful of times, like when we are in the airport or other very busy, hectic places. I know that they look awful and it can be embarrassing at times, but in my opinion, I would rather have my child safe and alive than worry about what other people think. I know some people think leashes are only for animals, but don't you love your child even more than you would a pet, and don't you want to protect your child even more than you would an animal?! That is how I see it. You would never let a dog roam freely in a very busy public place, because you would lose it. I am not trying to say that your child is like a dog, but I am saying that children are even more precious and when they are so young, they do not always listen and enjoy playing games and running away, so if you don't have an extra hand and they will not stay in a stroller, sometimes it seems necessary in my opinion to use a leash. They are not inhumane if you use them properly. Obviously parents should not be draggin their kids by a leash or anything like that. If used properly, I think leashes can prevent kids from danger of cars, kidnappers, getting lost, stair falls, etc.

I have learned to put my family's needs ahead of what other people may think and use a leash in certain instances and I think you would be wise to do so also should you choose to.

Answer 3

I have three children. The older two are girls, the youngest a boy. I never considered a leash until I had my boy. It was Christmas Eve and the stores were packed. I had to use the bathroom and had a 6 year old, a 4 year old, and a 3 year old. My trick was that they came into the stall with me, but this was an extremely small stall, room for just me. So, I told them to line up at the door and let me see their "piggies" (thier toes). Although I talked to them non-stop and make a joke of them moving their piggies for me, one set of piggies disappeared.......my 3 year old boy. I couldn't get my pants up fast enough, and out the door I went (no I did not stop to wash my hands!) It took over an hour to find him and I was at my wits end. A store manager found him hiding in between the hanging clothes. He could hear his name, but thought he was in trouble. I bought a leash that day. I got all kinds of stares, but I always thought I could handle the stares and shaking of the head much better than I could handle getting separated from my children. I actually had more mommies of children my sons age ask me where I had purchased the leash. It is so easy to get separated in large crowds. People don't look down and realize you are tethered hand to hand with a small person. I believe the leash is a safety precaution, and a good thing for mommies who love their little ones....little ones who have an adventurous side and like to follow their own little worlds instead of our big one.

Answer 4

There is no ethical problem with a child leash. Be careful how you use it. Your child can become entangled in it. Someone can still get between you and your child if the leash is not short. If the leash is too short, you child cannot fall properly if your child accidentally trips. In short, watch the leash at all times.
Next, watch the child. My child played with it in a manner I deemed dangerous. I corrected my child. My child also decided to play like a dog. Looked funny, but the child was OK. Just follow the directions and pay attention. Finally, a leash does not guarantee that your child will obey. It just keeps you in contact with your child. Mine sat on the ground in rebellion.

Answer 5

my older son is a runner. Any time he got out of the stroller he took off running. I used a leash when we were in crowded places and he wanted to walk. I think they are great. Why take the chance of losing your kid? Who cares what anyone else thinks. At the end of the day your child is safe and that's what matters

Answer 6

I know people will say your child isn't your dog. But, they have never been in a crowded place with a wild 3 year old. I would get a leash. Can you decorate it so it isn't so "leash like". Put little bears or such on both the wrist parts and add some ribbons and bows.

Answer 7

Yes!! Great idea!!

If you want to find out why a
child gets tired of holding an
adult hand, just walk around
for 30 minutes
with your hand straight up
in the air - same position your
child has to be in.

First your arm gets numb
and then it hurts....bad!
It is torture.

The heck with what people think.
As long as you know what you
are doing is helping your child
those people can be ignored!

Answer 8

It just looks strange, when i see this little kid walking with a leash, its safe so it is a good idea, but then i worry that the parent doesn't pay close enough attention to what the child is touching or getting into has long has they arent to far from the parent. Then i wonder well if someone really wanted to kidnap that kid couldnt they just run up and snip that little leash? I dont know I think they are strange.

Answer 9

I am a true believer in the leash. Why risk loosing your kid? I was at the fair this weekend and used it on my 17 mo. old. Saw lots of other parents using them too.

Answer 10

I know that a lot of people think they are horrible, but recently I have seen one that is a little less "offensive". It is actually a backpack designed to look like a little stuffed critter (bear, bunny, etc) and the "leash" is attached to the backpack. It is multi-purpose as small goodies can be kept in there as well!

Answer 11

It's a great idea. We had them for our kids at that age. It only takes a second for some pervert to grab your kid in a crowded place.

It's funny when your child looks at you seriously and offers to hold your end of the leash for you. :)

Have a blast in New England!