What do other parents think of using child restraint leashes? I'm thinking of using one?

Question

My son isn't walking yet, but when he is, I've thought about using a child leash, but so many people seem to think they're terrible. What are your opinions?

Answer 1

I think it's something that the parent can judge best. Everyone knows what their child is capable of, and whether or not they're likely to 'listen' and follow instructions, or if they're more inclined to run off or dart into the street.
Personally, I would much rather see a child in toddler reins that being hit by a car. I think that whether or not you 'like' them is irrelevant, you have to respect that they exist for a reason, and that these days there are so many risks to young children, both natural and human, that any measures you take to keep them safe is better than doing nothing and putting them in danger.
I honestly don't see how people can make such wild judgements about this, I probably won't use them either (I just prefer using a pusher or pram), but I see absolutely nothing wrong with them. I think it's just another thing for people to get on their soapboxes about! Good luck with your little one.

Answer 2

I'm a mom of two and the oldest is 18. He tells the story, Mom put me on a leash so she would know where I was at all times. I was raised in CA, and I wanted him to walk, better than being carried everywhere, it was really neat. Also at amusement parks etc..it's just real easy to keep up with them. Doesn't hurt the back and when they want to "take off" you are attached. :) They think they're terrible, well I tell you what if that's a relative, have that relative go to the store and "carry" your lil one the entire time they are in the store. When he starts to fuss, say "you didn't want the leash, so carry him." You are the mother, do what you feel you need to do to keep your child close and safe. It's a great thing..I know the dog on a leash theory..but think about it..would you let a puppy run loose in a store, so why would you put yourself through it with a toddler? These people are probably the ones that had children that cried the entire time they were in the store and you wanted to take the parents out and spank them.

Answer 3

I personally HATE them. That being said, some kids are wanderers and all the the discipline and hand holding in the world can not keep them at your side. My sister has 5 kids, and has always made fun of parents who put their kid on a leash, but kid #4 was a wanderer. They would be out and about and she would rip her hand from my sisters and disappear into the crowd in 2 seconds flat! For safety sake she started using a leash. If I were you, I would try without a leash before - you never know your kid might not even think of running off. I believe that the leash on a child that is not prone to wandering off prevents them from learning how to be responsible and safe. But really, don't worry about what other people think, if you are doing what you feel is best for your child and your sanity, use one.

Answer 4

Normally I find these things degrading. A child that is taught how to behave in public wont run away. I never had problems with my son. He always held my hand or if he wanted to walk on his own he didn't run around and into people. But I know there are some kids that need restraint, just recently I saw a child with a cute backpack of a teddy on her back and attached to that was the 'leash' .. looked cute and I didn't even really notice the leash at first. Just wait and see what your child is like when he starts to walk, don't assume you will need a leash straight away. Give him a few goes and if he runs away call him back and tell him he has to hold mummy's or daddy's hand. He will learn not to run off if you give him the chance.

Answer 5

I think its a decent idea, ive been throwing it around myself and I hvaent even had my baby yet (6 more weeks!!!). But, it gives them more freedom than sitting in a stroller (which is more restraining.....) while getting some exercise and keeping those feet moving and still having a safe handle on them. I know a lot of people think it equates children to dogs, but really in my opinion its giving them more freedom than being buckled into a stroller. I actually saw some really adorable ones too the other day, the toddler wears it around their shoulders kind of like a backpack (but it snaps in front) and on the back, where the "leash" attaches, is a little stuffed animal, like a lion or frog. Its cute! The kid will think its cool to wear and youll be able to let them roam and keep them safe. I say, go for it

Answer 6

Has anyone that is against having a harness (they are NOT called child leashes) on a child ever been pregnant and almost had a child get hit by a car???!! Most likely not. They would rather have them sit in a stroller with a bottle of milk getting fat than out walking around and getting exercise. My son almost got hit by a car when I was pregnant and I started using a harness on him. It only took a few times to get him to listen when I told him to stop or I would put the harness on him. I would rather put my son in a harness than to have him get killed by a car. Get real people!!

Answer 7

I think that any product brought for a baby or child is a decision that should be made by only the parents of that child as they know what is best. I wouldnt worry about what people think if it is going to make you feel happy and more secure why not.

Answer 8

properly for one factor, that image would not instruct each and every of categories. I used to have a pair that went from the youngster's wrist to the father and mom and that i like those extra powerful yet additionally have no issue with the type interior the image. To me it quite is a secure practices degree, no diverse than putting a baby in a crib to sleep. you does no longer call that caging a baby like an animal could you? for sure no longer. I used mine whilst my twins have been 2 and that i had a newborn. If we went to the aquarium the place that's dark interior i could use them to maintain the twins close on a similar time as additionally permitting them the liberty to stroll around and notice issues. My teenagers and maximum different teenagers love applying them using fact they love the liberty it provides them. How can or no longer that's seen barbaric? the youngster is taking section in it, the mummy feels risk-free, honestly everyone wins, no longer something incorrect with that. EDIT: For the guy who mentioned ust show your baby appropriate habit, it quite is a daft fact pondering those issues are in many cases used on babies who're too youthful to reason the hazards of working off, that's not approximately undesirable habit. Or like in my case, having 3 babies 2 and under. it replaced into effective to grant my twins the liberty on a similar time as my newborn replaced into interior the stroller. All circumstances are diverse and shame on everyone who judges people who shop their teenagers risk-free. Pnut, i assume you do no longer use a crib the two then precise? that would desire to be seen barbaric to cage your baby like that, I recommend how dare you handle your toddler like a canines by putting him/her in a cage! *rolling eyes* start_cleaning....you're saying provided that a baby is handicaped otherwise a parent ought to hold their hand. What approximately diverse circumstances? that's not merely black and white. How do you carry 2 2 year previous's palms on a similar time as pushing a newborn in a stroller? you're assuming the guy has one baby. all of it comes back to each subject is diverse.

Answer 9

I do agree somewhat. Leashes are more suited to dogs. However, I have seen so many kids running around stores and restaurants clearly out of the view of the parents, that I have to say , in some cases, it is warranted. It depends on your parenting style. If you keep a firm eye on your child like I do mine, there is no need. Some of the no good parents need to have their kids on one. Better yet, someone needs to tie the parents up with a leash and horse-whip them. LOL. Too many pedophiles and molesters out there to simple let your kid run around.

Answer 10

oh my goodness - if i hadnt had my "leash" i would have gone mad with chasing my very active boy around.
i still have mine, i will use it on any child i have, they keep them close to you in crowded situations, no matter how much you "teach" a toddler to stay close, they will wander in an instant, personally i think its an impossible task to teach
use a leash!
in the uk we call them reins, which sounds better lol