Toddlers: 12 - 24 Months

anyone use one of those "leashes"?

I know this is probably not a popular topic, but I have to fly cross-country with DS by myself for my sister's wedding in April. Anyway, I am really nervous about the layovers, getting all the gear and DS from gate to gate, the crowds, etc. I have had a couple of instances in the past where DS has bolted and scared me for a second not knowing where he is. 

 I am probably going to buy one of those leash/backpack things but I am already fearing getting dirty looks from people in the airport.  I know it's none of their business, but there's a part of me that feels guilty using a leash even though it's for DS's safety and my sanity.

Who has a leash and what has been your experience in public?  Any problems, likes/dislikes or recs of where to buy?

TIA.

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Re: anyone use one of those "leashes"?

  • I got mine at Target. I don't care what anyone else thinks about them. Would you rather get dirty looks or chase your toddler through a crowded airport and possibly lose sight of him?
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  • I have one, I use it in busy places, and I got it at Target. I get dirty looks all the time and I could care less. I'd rather have a leashed baby than a baby laying in the middle of a busy street or a baby running into a crowd of strangers.
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  • Who the F cares - I'm SO pro leash.

    LEASH LEASH LEASH!!!!!

  • imageteacherjess:
    I have one, I use it in busy places, and I got it at Target. I get dirty looks all the time and I could care less. I'd rather have a leashed baby than a baby laying in the middle of a busy street or a baby running into a crowd of strangers.

    thank you. exactly my thoughts.  Dirty looks are worth my peace of mind!    I just needed some reassurance I guess. Smile

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  • My mom bought the monkey backpack one for DS because she thought it was cute, and I had no idea they were such a hot topic in Bumpland.  I know a lot of people who use them IRL and have never thought anything of it.  We used it on DS when we went shopping on Black Friday.  He thought it was a lot of fun and the only comments or looks people gave us were of the "oh, how cute is that?" sort.

    Another idea if you're taking a carseat- check out the GoGoKidz Travelmate.  I use that when I travel solo with DS and it's a total life saver.  He loves riding in his car seat through the airport and it saves me from having to lug the seat around. 

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  • My friend has two for her 19 month old twins.  She always says uses them in busy places and says they are a lifesaver with busy little ones.  I would definitely not judge you.  I think it's a necessity for that situation. 
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  • I've seen the leash back packs at Target and Wal-mart.  They usually have a plush animal as the back pack.  I really want to get one for DD#1 because she's not the best listener (DH vetoed b/c he said she'll bark and we'll get looks).  You have to do what's necessay especially being by yourself.  I wouldn't hesitate you'll get looks if you are trying to wrangle him too.  It's a no win situation IMO.  Try it out before you go and see what your experience might be in a less crowded area.
  • I have the backpack one from Target.  I use it in busy places when DS refuses to be in his stroller (which is happening a lot lately).  I haven't paid attention to other people, but I have had several people comment on what a good idea it is to use them.
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  • I personally am all for them.  I am scared schitless of losing Lil in a crowd.  DH can't run or even walk very fast so I wish he'd ok one, but he's so against them its ridonk.  I am tempted to just buy one anyway and use it when he's not around.  :)
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  • I don't have one but I'd like one. What a gerat way to make sure LO doesnt get lost or venture too far away! Esp in a busy mall, airport, etc.
  • We are flying to FL next week and we will be using one in the airport.  I don't care the looks I get.  DS is going to want to walk around a leash is the safest way.
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  • I don't have one yet, but I am considering it a must have item for when I am officially chasing 3U2 around.
  • I have the monkey one (bought it for my oldest) and have yet to use it. We are taking the boys to the Mall of America this weekend though and am going to bring it along just in case for DS2. He has a tendency to bolt in public places.
  • I got mine at Walmart for $10 and used it on my one twin when she and I flew to FL at Christmas. People didn't give me dirty looks, they thought she looked adorable (I got her the puppy one). She loved it and actually played with it a lot on the plane. She kept wanting to buckle and unbuckle it, and cuddled with it like a stuffed animal.

    Since I have twins, that I take out daily by myself, and have to run errands by myself, because DH is on the road 90% of the time, I don't care if people give me dirty looks. I would get much worse looks if one of my kids bolted away from me and I had to leave the other to go catch her or something. You don't know these people and will probably never see them again. Better safe than sorry is how I feel.

     

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  • DS would throw the world's biggest tantrum if I put him in a leash and he was suddenly stopped at the end of it, so that wouldn't work for us
  • DS has the dog backpack.  He loves it.  We used it in the airport and it was great.
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  • we have the monkey from walmart.  i had to fly cross country from NM to IN at 34 wks pg with DS (he was 14 months).  he LOVED the leash.  we practiced with it in public a gew weeks before so he could get used to it.  he still begs me to put it on him, so much so that i have to hide it sometimes.

    people mostly just smiled at him.  some looked at him, my belly and me and made a comment about having my hands full.  duh.

    but it really was a great way to let him burn off steam and get tired before the flight :)

  • We use one that we got at Target. We love it. I wouldn't dare go to the mall or the store without it. I've only ever heard one smartass comment while at a fall festival (think over 500 people walking, vendors, crowded areas, etc). I don't care though, I'd rather know where my DD is and that she's not going to run off or get snatched away.
  • Don't worry about other people.  Do what is best for you and your child.  I will be flying alone with DS in the next few months and fully plan on getting a backpack thingy.
  • I used one with DD but haven't had to use it with DS yet.

    DD loved it and wanted to wear it anytime we left the house.

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  • I always swore I would not but now I see why people use them.
  • imageSnowy_Owl:

    Who the F cares - I'm SO pro leash.

    LEASH LEASH LEASH!!!!!

    this x a fafillion

     

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