Child Harness

[Thirteen]

I had one. *sigh* It was rainbow colored, and used a velcro strap to lightly fasten around the wrist (hello 1980s!) -- but it was only used in large public gathering spots (the zoo, amusement parks, parades, etc).

I think the newer, backpack plush-toy look to the kid leash is much easier digested than kids like me, darting out and falling down on one side.
By the time my sister rolled around (8 years later), the harness that zipped in the back was more in-style. Since she's diagnosed ODD, it was probably wise of my mother to use that thing as often as she did.

No matter what, however, I'll always have images of that Mike Myers SNL skit in my mind when it comes to child leashes.

-A

[houseelf]

Like Rapunzel, I have only used one in airports when flying by myself with a toddler. I felt bad about it, but getting kids and all their stuff through security is a PITA and I didn't want to have to worry about losing a kid.

You do what you have to do.

Kelly

[alison]

Dungeon Master - please make a visit to my house?!

[Auspicious]

No matter what, however, I'll always have images of that Mike Myers SNL skit in my mind when it comes to child leashes.

I'm not sure tying your kid to the monkey bars is the same thing. Although that does remind me that my mom as a child (on a farm, unfenced yard, in the '50s) was tethered to the clothesline so she could have the run of the whole yard without wandering off while her parents worked out there. No wonder a monkey backpack doesn't bother me!

I'm not sure tying your kid to the monkey bars is the same thing. Although that does remind me that my mom as a child (on a farm, unfenced yard, in the '50s) was tethered to the clothesline so she could have the run of the whole yard without wandering off while her parents worked out there. No wonder a monkey backpack doesn't bother me!

One of my friend's mothers used to tie him to a tree. Another one used a volleyball net to keep her little monkey-baby from climbing out of the crib.

I am one of the "pre-kids - just appaling" people to the "damn I wish I'd thought to get one when Quinn was little" people. I've never had one, and I don't think I'll need one w/Mattie since she's got an cadre of keepers that travel with her, but I believe there are real reasons to use one.

[ides]

I think they are a great invention. When dh and i were in Mexico city two years ago everyone had them. Such a great safety device for little wanderers in big cities. I would like to use one with O when he's walking. It's for his safety since the streets & sidewalks of nyc is no place to be running after a toddler. Just too much danger from cars, crazy people and mobs. Without something like this I can't see a little kid getting out of their stroller unless in a park. That said it's no parenting device, just a saftey device.

I don't see anything wrong with using a safety harness in a crowded area....she can walk around and explore without you having to worry about her darting out in front of a car or getting lost in the crowd.

BTW, did anyone see the video of the mom dragging her child by one in a Verizon store? Holy cow.

[SuzySunshine]

I heard about that video but haven't seen it.

So I bought one and we went home this weekend and we packed it but DH didn't think we needed it when we went to Crown Center to see the Lego exhibit - yep, bad idea because she'd been in a car for 6 hours and then she wouldn't hold anyone's hand so she got carried the whole time (not by me) so by the time we went to dinner she was SICK of being held or sitting and just want to move around. Oh well, not my issue - I now have one and can use it when I feel its necessary.

[samssugarmomma]

So I haven't read the entire thread, but we have a "leash" that we used to use for Natalie. She loved wearing it. We got it at Walmart and it is shaped like a monkey with a small pouch on the back to be a tiny backpack and the "leash" is the tail. We used to call it "the monkey" and she thought it was a treat to wear it.

We always used it in a postivite light - As in "It's time to go. Let's put your monkey on so that you can stay safe!"

And we would usually still have her walk next to our sides - the "leash" part was just to help with the impulses to run away. She'd walk next to us more or less and if she stopped to look at something we'd stop too.

[samssugarmomma]

that said it's no parenting device, just a saftey device.

ita!

[v-girl]

My son has the monkey backpack. It comes in handy when we don't have the stroller. And at the zoo. Love it!

[BonBon]

Totally agree that it's all about safety. We were given two of those little backpack harnesses. We've rarely used them, but they are VERY handy. I've only got two eyes and two hands with kids 5,3,2, & 2. In a crowded parking lot, it is SO EASY to lose track of a 2 year old and find them darting out from between cars.