Child harnesses?

Question

I dont like the idea of putting my kids on a leash and think it makes your kid look more like a pet. BUT....One of my kids(how'd you guess? a boy!). He wont be quite 4 when we go to Disney. He is very active and FAST. We will have a stroller and we do hold hands but were thinking about putting a harness on him or at least having it available, just because its a scary thought to lose him in such a big crowd. Id like the public's opinion on this. Would it be forgivable at Disney or just as abusive.

Answer 1

I think you should put your child's safety first, and not worry about what random strangers will think when they see him wearing one. If you know he has the tendency to run away fast, then I see nothing wrong with it. I wouldn't do it one a normal basis, because I feel like you do. (When I see a child wearing one, I think 'Oh yeah, I need to walk the dogs when I get home') I couldn't imagine losing my daughter in Disney World, so I say go for it. Completely understandable and forgivable.

Answer 2

If you really don't like the idea of putting him in a child harness then try talking to him about the trip beforehand and what your expectations are about him staying with you. Talk to him about it, show him pictures that you can find that show how crowded it really can be at Disney. Don't scare him, just let him know how important it is to stay together in such a big crowd. If he is almost 4 he will understand that he needs to stay near his family.
However, Disney is a place where kids get totally excited and bounce all over the place, so maybe you should think of a backup plan for when you actually get there. he may see his favourite character or something may catch his eye and he will run, forgetting the things you talked about. I would prepare for that, and bring something to keep him close to you.
I work in a daycare, and when we go out for walks with the younger kids, we have a rope that we attach to the children's wrists with hair-ties, and staff holds on to each end of the rope. That way the children are safe and they aren't harnessed. If you like that idea better than being strapped into a confining harness try that (I agree with you about the harnesses).

So you can bring that with you, and let your little guy know that if he runs off, you will have to use the rope for safety. Give him a chance first, (I always do the three strikes rule) and then if you need to use it you have it there, but it's not as degrading as a harness or a leash.

Good luck, and remember what's most important...have a GREAT time at Disney!!!

Answer 3

I don't think its abusive at all - I think its more abusive NOT to, and risk losing your child at Disney. Look, noone likes the look of a child on a "leash". I was the first one to be horrified. Now I'm the mother of three young kids, at the time they were 4, 2 and 1 - and my middle son is mildly autistic and a "bolter". We actually did lose him once and had to call the police to find him. WORST moment of my life. Anyways, I don't hesitate to use a harness in crowded, public places, like aquariums, etc. I would do anything to ensure his safety, and a harness is NOT abusive.

Trust me, its SO MUCH WORSE to lose your child than to put up with a few stares. Besides that, at Disney literally every other kid has a harness on. Go for it!

Answer 4

I too have used a harness on some of our children when in situations where there will be an unusually large crowd of people. I do not think it is in any way abusive, and please don't worry about what other people may say or how they may look at you. You are doing what is right by wanting to keep your little one safe. We have 4 young children, and the harness has never been an issue, because 1st of all, it looks like a backpack with a cute little puppy. His paws wrap around the child. My little ones actually like wearing it. It is very comfortable, probably more than holding hands with someone! Second, most people who give those unaccepting looks and stares are the same ones who don't really keep a close eye on their own children. You can NEVER be too careful. It only takes one second for someone to get out of your sight. So, I think strollers and harnesses are the way to go.

Answer 5

I agree with you on disliking the harness. However, I think you may have to put that aside at Disney. If he's as active as you say, there's no way you're going to be able to keep him in the stroller. I have a niece like that and she'd be gone in a heartbeat! My lil one, on the other hand, won't go anywhere without holding my hand... hates strangers! lol

I would say use the leash. Even if it makes him look more like your pet than your kid, at least you know where he is! lol

Answer 6

I think it is forgivable to use a harness in any situation, not just a trip to Disney. I plan to use a harness as soon as my toddler starts walking. I will not use it all the time, but when we are near traffic or crowded areas, I will shamelessly use it and dare anyone to make a judgmental remark.

I have spoken to 3 people who experienced a life-saving situation due to a child harness (either they used the harness on their child or they were the child). There is nothing abusive about keeping your child safe and you will find that many "critics" don't even have children. Do what you feel is right!

Answer 7

Don't feel like you're a bad mom, keeping your son safe in a busy place like Disneyland (or World) is a challenge at best, and if you use a harness you aren't demeaning him, but rather ensuring his safety. Using a child harness, in my opinion, isn't demeaning a child. Rather it's a tool that parents can use in situations that could potentially be dangerous. You know your son. You know that he's an active and fast boy who can potentially disappear at a blink of an eye (I have a boy like that!).

And if ANYONE casts one of those glances in your direction, ignore them. It's far better to get those glances when your child is safe, then having the same people looking at you with scorn because "you" lost your child.

Have a great time!

Answer 8

I would do it and not just for the fear of someone grabbing my child. If you think about it everyone will be more relaxed and not so on edge. You and your child will both enjoy the park more. Also, think about your child just wondering in a different direction and being lost. This could be much more traumatic than using the harness. I think you will a feel more comfortable at the park and am sure that from reading the other responses that you won't be the only one using a harness.

Answer 9

they have some really cute harnesses out there that dont look that way they look moore like a back pack than anything.they come in monkeys bears dogs . you name it there is also a security device that one part clips on your kid and the other is on your key chain too. you can set the distance on it from 6 to 30 ft i think. it beeps if your kid gets out of that range which would be use full but it depends on how fast your child moves and hes going to go crazy at disney world thats for sure.

Answer 10

I used to see kids on leashes, and think "What horrible parents!" Now that I have a very active 2-year-old of my own, also fast, I realize the intelligence of that. I would definitely put one on him.

My friend has one that looks like a froggy backpack for his son, with the leash connecting to her wrist. It's very cute and useful for carrying things like snacks, cleaning wipes, etc. It doesn't look abusive at all. I recommend looking into something similar.