Moms only....what do you think about using a child backpack harness that has a strap for the parent to hold?

Question

This question is for moms. What do you think about the backpack harnesses you can put on your child with a strap for the parent to hold in their hand? I have a 2 year old who likes to walk and would dart away at any opportunity and doesn't like to hold my hand. We are going to an amusement park and I was wondering what people think of these.

Answer 1

I personally feel that a child on a harness is better than a child kidnapped or dead under a car wheel.

You are the only person who knows and can anticipate how your child is going to act, therefore you are the best person who can make that choice. The opinions of people on here do not matter, you are doing what you feel is best to keep your child safe. Good job!

Answer 2

Okay, I searched EVERYWHERE for these things when my daughter was about a year and a half. They were off the market at the time. I LOVE the new ones that are also backpacks. I cannot believe how people think this is any different than forcing a child into a stroller or holding their hand or even picking them up and carrying them. You are making them do something that is in their best interest that they don't want to do in ALL of those cases. The post that said they are horrible went on to say she "forced" her kids to hold her hand. It has the same effect.

Use the harness and feel proud of your parenting skills!

Answer 3

I am a mom of ten and I have used a harness right the way down. They are fantastic. I have triplets now that go in a stroller but after that my 20month old and my 4yr old always wear harnesses and if we are going somewhere busy like an amusement park I sometimes get my six year old to wear one too-it may seem cruel but you can't take any chances with kids and he would be gone in a second,although because he is a little older I usually give him one warning. To be honest though he generally ends up in one by the end of the day.Otherwise the older kids have to watch and thats not fair when its their day out too. If it suits you to use it and you're worried otherwise,whats stopping you,they are a load off my mind. Good luck

Answer 4

My kid does the same thing so I use one. There's nothing wrong or inhumane about making sure you don't lose your child in a crowded place.

Might I add in....
So why can't a parent put them on the leash and hold their hand at the same time? The leash is for just in case. When the kid sees something that catches their eye, it's all too easy for them to let go and dart off in another direction....and BAM...you just lost your kid. It can all happen in a heartbeat and you can't trust anyone these days! So as soon as a little one takes off, the sooner some creep has the opportunity to snatch them up. Better be safe than sorry I say! Shame on all of you who want to nay-say us who do use the leash. Atleast we have a back up plan!

Answer 5

I have two, and they work somewhat. My son will throw a tantrum when being steered away from things no matter how you steer him.

However given the option of having in strapped in the stroller while he screams, not walking and screaming while I drag him holding his hand or using a leash it's no contest.

Also in any situation where 2 seconds of inattention could result in a serious outcome (hit by car, etc). I think it is only reasonable to use either a leash or a stroller. Sorry but no human being can guarantee they will pay 100% attention every second, particularly if you happen to have more than 1 child. You can't have 100% attention on two things at once.

However as he gets older I use it a lot less. However my son still wears his around the house at least one day a week. Because he brings it to me and cries until I put it on. Then he pets it and snuggles it all day until I take it off to put him to sleep. Obviously he is sooo traumatized by it! =))

Answer 6

I just posted a question similar to this , yesterday. i used the chest harness this weekend with my 21/2 and 5 yr old. I would do it again they are a way for them not to get swept away in a crowd. Yes, I had several people make thier comments( One woman told me how disgusting it was to do this to my kids, while she is expressing her thoughts to me her boy (probably about 3) took off down the Kehma Boardwalk... I actually had to interupt her rant and tell her that her son was headed for the front gates. I would rather be critized for this than having to spend my time agonizing over the fact that my child was abducted or hit by a car.... Yes I will use them whenever I feel it is necessary and criticize me all you want ... but my kids will come home with me safe and sound.. Oh by the way my husband had to help her catch her son before he got to the gates.

Answer 7

Not a mom yet but say yes to the "leash" back up plan. I opted for my sister in law, 4 kids 5 yr old boy, 2 yr old girl and twin 9month olds and a husband who doesnt have ne thing to do with them to get them, while talking to our mother in law she was like gasp no, none of my grandkids will be on a leash. I just wanted to smack her and say do you not see what this woman has to deal with a dead beat husband and 2 wild older kids and two babies. Even if i had one kid that liked to wonder away Id have the litte backpack on them, they could carry there little toys or w.e in it and think of it as a backpack while i can tie it to my hand or pant loop while i hold their hand in case they try to wonder away.They can feel free to walk and I can feel that they are safely connected to me.

Answer 8

We have one for my youngest. I've only gotten positive reactions to it, even he likes to wear it. (My older boys had regular harnesses)

I'd defiantly use it. You can't pay attention 100% of the time and it only takes a second for a little guy to disapear. You might have to pay for something and let go of his hand for a second.

I wouldn't like to walk around with my hand held up in the air all the time either. I don't blame him.

Don't listen to the people who have negative things to say about it. They don't have an impulsive, energetic child. You obviously love your child.

Oh, my mom used the regular harnesses on my sisters who are twins and they don't have any issue about feeling like a dog or anything. They hardly ever bark at all. LOL.

Answer 9

I don't see anything wrong with it under those circumstances. However, you still can't let him run willy-nilly around people, he'll have to stay close. If I was you I would use a stroller for your little escape artist and put him on the strap when you are sitting and relaxing. Then, at home outside, I would teach him that he doesn't get to walk with mommy unless he holds your hand. When he lets go, pick him up and take him straight back in the house and try it again when he has calmed down. It's hard work training kids to do what you want, but it's your responsibility to teach them what is and what isn't acceptable. Start while they are very young and you'll save yourself a lot of effort in the long run. Young parents need to get control and maintain control, emotional and physical control, of their kids. One of THE most important lessons of parenting.

Answer 10

I have 3 kids and I think it's unnecessary in most situations. I always feel really bad for the "leashed" kids I see at the mall.

I guess I'm lucky that my kids have never wandered off.

I have a friend whose child has severe ADHD and so the benefit outweighs the negativty.

If you have a healthy, developmentally normal 2 year old, I think it would be better to teach her that she has to listen to you when you're out. if you put her on a harness every time you go out, she may never learn to listen to and follow instructions.

Say something like "We're going to _________. You MUST hold my hand, or you will not be able to go on the ride." Say this after every ride, or as often as necessary.

At 2 years old, she should not have the option to not want to hold your hand. She is a toddler, you are the parent and in safety situations, you must take authority.