What do you think of toddler harnesses?

Question

They are also known as leashes. This is when the guardian to a child puts their child to contain them when they are out in public.

Please don't think I'm taking any side on this argument. I just want to hear other people's opinions--I have a paper to write about the pros/cons of harness use. Any opinion is appreciated!

Do you think the use of a toddler harness could have been avoided in most cases?

Isn't it sad that parents feel this is the only way we can protect children?

Would you ever use a toddler harness for you child?

If so, what is the purpose for doing so?

Actually you are right, Panacea, I have never turned my back next to my child while we were standing next to a street full of cars. Are you crazy!?! Of course I hold his hand and make sure he doesn't run out into the street.

Answer 1

All kids are different. Some kids are bolters - as soon as you put them down, they're off. For these kids, in this stage, yes a harness is a useful teaching aid for a short time. They are not meant to be used as a long-term solution to a problem, but only until you have managed to teach your child that there is a reason why you insist they stay close and hold hands. They are not to replace good parenting and teaching, but only to prevent accidents which can occur even to the most vigilant adult.
I used a harness for my son for about a month, as he bolted the moment he was put down. It took only a short while for him to understand the safety issues and it enabled him to have more freedom than simply being strapped into a pram or being carried all the time. So for some kids, in the short term, they are a useful item but they are not designed to replace intelligent, dedicated parenting.
Thanks.

Answer 2

I believe they have their uses. I hold my son's hand and he is pretty good in places like the zoo or the county fair but I have a tough time at the store. But for crowded places like the zoo, I have seen them being used and I feel they do give the added security even for the most well-behaved child. Wackos don't think twice about grabbing a child from a parent's hand if they want him bad enough.
But when I feel that hand-holding isn't enough, we use a stroller. But think about that - isn't that just another type of restraint? A harness or leash, if you will? One that does not allow any excercise of any kind.
How about a handicapped mother? Or one with an injury that slows her down? A harness in this case is a great idea for a toddler is not yet able to control his impulses or obey verbal commands.
Do I think the harness can be avoided in most cases? Yes.
Do I think it is sad that parents feel that this is the only way to protect their children? No, because it is a case by case situation and I don't know their individual stories. Also I feel that in ultra crowded areas it is a good idea to use one. We live in a time when if your child breaks free you no longer feel secure that some kindly old woman will find him and bring him to a store supervisor or authority figure. Predators are everywhere and many of us are just not willing to take our chances with our kids.
Yes, I would use one if I feel the need to. Every July 3rd we attend a very popular fireworks display and leaving the scene can get very nasty. I would employ any method possible to avoid separation, including a harness. If I found myself in a position that I had to depend on a wheelchair or a pair of crutches, yes my son would be on a harness. Just until I felt secure enough for him to stick close.
For a point of reference, my son is 2.5 years old.

edited to add:
I went back and read some other answers and I have to wonder, Do you people realize that you are actually criticizing other parents for keeping their children safe? Now, THAT is what I feel is sad.

Answer 3

Before answering this question, I read through all of the answers that were already posted. Reading the answers made me want to cry. It seems like many of you judge others without knowing their situation. I have used (and if necessary will again) a toddler harness with my son. He is four years old and has autism. He is a beautiful child who is (most of the time) well behaved. However, he has no concept of danger. He is also very fast! Therefore, if we are outside and he gets away it is extremely dangerous. The harness is to ensure his safety. All it takes is a few seconds (the amount of time it takes me to zip my daughter's jacket) for him to end up in a dangerous situation. Also, holding hands is not always a safe solution. He will suddenly drop and I have feared on numerous occasions the possibility of dislocating his shoulder or elbow. His occupational therapist is now getting him an adaptive stroller as he is too big for a normal one, but in the meantime, I will do what is necessary to keep him safe. Including placing a harness on him.

Answer 4

Before I had kids I looked at people that used harnesses as awful people. That was before I had a little boy. When my son was 2 he started this thing where when ever he got the chance he ran. Usually it was while we were shopping. It was so bad that I stopped all unneccesary shopping trips. Basically only grocery and banks were left. I tried putting him in a cart but he would climb out as soon as I turned to get something. One time he ran away from in the grocery and ran out of the door into the parking lot. Another time he ran away from me while I was at the bank trying to dicuss a problem w/ a teller. He ran into the vault (which of course was wide open) and he closed the door behind him. After these incidents(which happened w/in one week)I bought a harness. I told him that if we went to a store and he could not behave and walk like a "big boy" then he would have to wear the harness. He loved the idea of a harness so I told him people might mistake him for a dog. Which he also thought was great. I never could bring myself to use it. Basically I felt it was for dogs and he might never learn to control himself and I was'nt really sure that it would work. I ended up buying a sling called the "native carrier" which can hold infants up to like 45 lbs. I carried him on my hip but had my hands free. My son is a very big boy but the sling supported his weight very well and did'nt put alot of strain on me. It was great b/c he could'nt escape. I even used it when I was preg. He knew that slings were for babies so usually just the threat of the sling was enough.

Answer 5

Oh, for Pete's sake! Why do people consider this "treating their children as pets" just because there's a tether? I can only assume that the people who say stuff like that have never been the parent of a child who tends to run away. Also, I have never seen ANY child being bothered by the tether, nor have I seen ANYof them start barking like dogs, just because they're limited to a 10-foot sphere around their mother. My dog spent most of her time NOT on a leash, and she didn't start acting like a human!

I don't think that ANYONE thinks this is the only way we can protect children...I think that's a really big assumption on your part. I think that this is a totally viable solution for some families. For example, a mother who has an infant in a stroller, and can't leave the infant behind to chase after the toddler...Or possibly a pregnant woman, who can't move as fast as her two-year-old.

I never used a harness for my daughter when we were out in public. I did, however, use one in her high-chair, as she would climb out of it regularly, putting herself in danger (and yes, I was there, but sometimes, you need to set the bowl of food in the kitchen sink before you're ready to get the kid into the tub!).

I believe the purpose for putting your toddler in a harness and using a leash, is to ensure that they don't run off (some kids will be half-way to Hackensack before you know it!), or to ensure that they're not picked up by some bad guy. In particular, when the parents in question have another factor that limits their ability to be fully attentive to the toddler.

Answer 6

I haven't used one but I can totally see the temptation of it. My son is 17 months and in full swing of the 'I don't want to sit and I'll only listen for 10 minutes then I'm gone' stage. I hope not to have to use a harness. I'm am trying to teach him now to stay close before I'm too pregnant to catch him if he makes a break. If it ever reached that point though, I would at least have some temporary form of restraint ready in my bag even as a threat. But I don't believe it should be a way of life. Of course there are exceptions. And it has nothing to do with children as pets or cruelty. It will show itself later for those who aren't teaching their kids when they can't behave at an appropriate level for their age.

Answer 7

I used to think i would never put my son in one but than this year i decided to take him to the ekka. (It's a big show with lots of people.)
I used one while there because i was scared i might lose him in the crowds.

I also have a friend who sometimes uses one on her girl. I used to think it was mean until i took her to town. She is a wild child and i know smacking doesn't stop her and yelling is just no use.

I think for some children it is necessary to have a harness.
Think about a mother who is pregnant, with a active toddler whilist pushing a pram and trying to do ordinary things like food shopping and paying bills.

Answer 8

Hi

I'm from Australia and Toddler restraints/harnesses are very popular here.

I have read and re-read your answers in regards to this question and I can not believe some of you are serious – take Papabeartex for example – how could you possibly think it’s cruel to use a child restraint and not see anything wrong in “Put the fear of ur mighty hand on their butt when needed and if that don't change them them it's Ritalin time…”?????

Safety Harnesses are recommended by paediatricians here in Australia for use with Toddlers learning to walk - the main reason being the torso is one of the strongest places on a toddler's body. People who don't use safety harnesses and hold their toddlers hand don't realise how much damage they do to the child’s wrist and shoulder joints when yanking the child by the wrist when he/she trips - and don't you DARE say you would never do that, it's instinct to yank up and protect your child from hurting his/her self from a fall!!

Second thing I'd like to say is how many of you have twins or 2 toddlers very close in age and development.... yes thought so - not many of you ... let me tell you it's so much easier having both your babies ahead of you in your line of vision than having one at either side of you and struggling to see what both is doing at the same time through the limited vision you have – because lets face it the minute you turn you head to look at one child, you can longer see exactly what the other is doing.

Lastly, I personally use toddler safety reins not only because I value my children’s safety, and not only because I value their little shoulders and wrists but also because I value and respect them – My twins are independent just like the next toddler and they enjoy the freedom of walking ahead of me but they also need to feel that extra sense of security that joins them to me when they are toddling ahead of me.

REMEMBER - if you don't like the look of the original safety harnesses there are lots of alternatives out there i.e. animal back packs, you're toddler certainly won't feel like an animal on a leash and he/she may actually thankyou for your child safety prevention in years to come!

Lindsey – I hope this helps with your research.
Good luck & Best Wishes to you all in raising your children.

Answer 9

For some people there is a period of time in the twos & threes where a toddler tests their limits -- and any helpful option available during this time is ok. Some want to compare it to a dog leash when they've managed to get through this period without one. Perhaps they went to the park with the other parent or older sibling along. Or bribed the child on outings, or they called out through the store for the child to; sit down in the basket, stay, stay, stay. Good for them -- too.

Answer 10

I have 8 children and 16 grandchildren and never used a harness or leash. They r cruel and unusual treatment for children under five. If u treat a child like an animal he'll act accordingly. I'm against corporal punishment too but I'd prefer a parent giving their child a swift smack on the butt even in public when they act out of their place. Children learn by example and need to be gently taught how to behave in public. When a child doesn't act accordingly a parent should then leave the child with the other parent at home or a paid sitter if there is no other family member to aide them while they have to run their errands. I understand that some children r really rambunctious and need more attention than others that's when u give it to them as needed. Children r a lot smarter than their parents give them credit for, I'm a pro at knowing this with such a big family and coming from a family of 12. Put the fear of ur mighty hand on their butt when needed and if that don't change them them it's Ritalin time.