What do you think of child harnesses?

Question

They make sense to me, and as a blind future mother it sounds like the most logical and practical idea, but what do others think? What do you think of sighted parents using harnesses?

I'd rather look tacky than have my child die because I need one hand for my cane and can't always have overexcited little one in the other arm.

I agree, it is pretty pathetic to see parents who walk their kid on a leash just simply because they can't be bothered to watch them. Wouldn't you agree the harness is a useless tool, but NOT an excuse to be lazy

Newage38: Definitely agree with you. Better safe than sorry

Side note to countryg...: I'm not handicapped. I'm blind, silly.

Nawailoh: Very good point. Maybe in my case transitioning would be a good idea? Start with little one on the harness, and then as they get a little older, tie a bell in their shoelaces.. Then after a little longer just trust them to walk with mommy?

mom3: May need to take toddler with me on certain occasions, and without meaning to sound rude, using the stroller as a cane is about as dangerous as letting the little one run into the street. The cane keeps me from falling down steps, or walking off the sidewalk into traffic, or stepping into dangerous hazards. Basically, anything that could hurt me...the cane hits it first. I wouldn't use my baby as a human shield, or let her tumble down the stairs or roll into traffic just so that I wont.

Answer 1

lol the first time i saw it i needed to go into my room cause when i saw the child i pity him but thought he looked the cutest and funniest thing ive seen but as i see it more often eh its ecmoning normal

yer its a pretty good idea

Answer 2

I live in a big touristy area and Im so used to hearing people whisper and criticize the mothers who use them. But you're right, they make perfect sense to me as well. A more perfect mother would be able to keep an eye on her child without limiting their movement and making them feel like they are on the same level as Fido right? Well a smarter mom knows that its all about security and safety, and for goodness sake if the kid is loved he is NOT going to grow up insecure because of this...lol.

The real question is a matter of WHAT AGES are correct! Because I agree that as the child gets older they will need to learn the responsability of having to stay in mommy's sight on their own.

Answer 3

I personally think if you need the use of this leash?...then why not? All kids are different and some listen while others don't. Or parents might have more than one child to look after. I'm a mother of a beautiful little girl and she drives me nuts!!! I can just imagine those mother that have 2 or more kids, bless their hearts. I think its a personal decision that parents make in order to protect their children. Of course they are some people that will take advantage of it but in the end as tacky as they might seem to some people atleast they do more good than harm.

Answer 4

Some toddlers definately need them! I'd rather see a child in a harness with a caring parent holding on than see a child running faster than his legs allow and flying face first into the ground. I saved an infant from that very fate not too long ago. The mother could not keep up with him. Where was a harness when she needed one?

Answer 5

I think it is appropriate for very young children and definitely great for blind parents. However, sighted parents who have children that are three and older and are just too lazy to keep an eye on their kids shouldn't use them. Obviously, a mom with three young kids (even older than three), might want to use them. I have a 2 1/2 year old and don't need one because she's a good listener and always by my side.

Answer 6

I use it on my little one. She's two and every time we go out, she runs, and hides. She's been done this for quite long time. Once, she was on her stroller, without harness on, she just jumped and ran away. I tried to catch her up. More than 10 minutes passed by, like an eternity, while I was looking all over the place, practically starting to panic. Finally, I saw her and grabbed her. I decided that was it. So I decided to get her on a child harness, or the stroller, completely secured. I don't want to risk her, or to lose her. I don't care if people think I'm crazy. They just don't understand the agony of feeling you could lose your baby.

Answer 7

My child is autistic and hate for me to hold her hands. My arness is the only way to keep her close with out me getting to close. she can walk but is stumbly and if you hold it up a little it protects her from falling. Most of the people that judge them don't have small wiggling children, special needs children, or even care that the child may like it better. They just care how they would look with it, there are no review of the harness being bad or mentally or phsically harting a child.

Answer 8

For sighted parents, in the grocery store, no...At Disney World, yes if they are small! For a blind parent, I don't think there is anything wrong with it, up to a certain age where the child can be educated as to how important it is to stay by you.....Everyone is different, so you have to do what you think is best for you and your child, and not give a crap what people think, it isn't their life or really anyone's business! Just my opinion....

Answer 9

For me, I always thought they were "weird" however blind I can see why it would be a good and safe option. It doesn't really matter what any one on here thinks-you have to do what is right for you and your baby! Congrats.

Answer 10

I would use it for a big crowd or vacation. But reading this makes them much more sensible, Id never thought of them being for blind parents! Good luck being a mommy, and society thanks you for being responsible enough to look after your children!