"Leashes" for toddlers

acarleenb · December 2010

There was a time in my life - way before I was even thinking about having children - that I was APPALLED by those "leashes" parents used (like a backpack on the toddler with a long strap that the parents held on to). Now that DD is walking and hates to be in the stroller, I'm beginning to think they aren't such a bad thing. Does anyone else use them? What's your thoughts?

If you do use them, which kind do you have?

madhatter2003 · December 2010

We do only in big crowds (the farmer's market, the airport, etc).

We have a monkey backpack thing from Walmart and a pooh bear one.

My kids love them. We only use them occasionally but they don't mind, and it's saved my sanity on occasion.

Mommy2B_Hart · December 2010

We have the monkey backpack. I like it.

AutumnBride929 · December 2010

I'm guilty of the same thing. I used to think those leashes were hilarious and ridiculous, lol. But... I totally see their practicalness. When we are at the grocery store, for example, DS wants out of the cart eventually and he wants to walk around the store. We could use a toddler leash in that particular circumstance.

ETA: I totally just said "totally" three times in one paragraph. Ugh. I'm taking two of them out, hah!

operaapril · December 2010

We got one. We haven't used it yet because DD isn't walking yet. But I'd rather keep her safe in large crowds and have her on a leash, than lose her.

etude de la vie · December 2010

I am going to get one today actually! I am in the same situation as you. I would rather get the "look" from people than have her dash out in a parking lot of fight me while I try to hold her with my stomach and all!

C.Mo · December 2010

We have the monkey one from Walmart and screw anybody who doesn't like it. I have a runner. I'd rather her look "funny" and be safe than screaming her head off because she's confined. Plus, she loves that thing.

bumpuser511563 · December 2010

We have the puppy one and we have used it only one time at the laundromat. DS threw a fit because he wanted to go where he wanted to go. I don't know when I would need to use it again or just keep DS in his stroller.

dragonsmercy · December 2010

Knowing what DH and I were like as children (his mother's told me enough stories....), I knew we were doomed to have at least one child be the type to run off when your back is turned... so when she was 4 months old and I got my tax return, you better believe I bought one of those suckers! I got her the Monkey backpack one from walmart. Appropriate, since we call her "Monkey" a lot. She's walking now, and hates to hold hands, especially when she walks, so if I'm out somewhere and I can't chase her (because I'm in a lineup, or because I'm on my own and my belly's rather big and uncomfortable right now...), it's good to know that I've got a leash on her that I can hold onto, so she won't go very far.

BTW, she LOVES to hug the monkey, so we stick it on her front, and snap it on the back. She gets to hug and suck on the monkey, and I have a bit more peace of mind. Her daddy likes it, too, since he's such a helicopter parent, and this way she gets a wee bit more freedom, and he doesn't have to go pick her up every 5 seconds like he normally tries to.

sgrl · December 2010

We haven't used one yet but I'm planning to pick one up. I think they're great and I don't care who judges me for it. Stick out tongue

macchiatto · December 2010

We have the monkey backpack ones too. We've only used them once or twice but I think they're a great idea in certain situations. They are more fun and more comfortable for the child than having to reach up for hours on end to hold an adult's hand, and they give them a sense of independence (important at their age to have a little autonomy) while keeping them safe and within boundaries. Win-win!

SailorGray · December 2010

I have to laugh b/c I remember back on thr tri-boards, so many people were against these (not me!). It's funny to see how many people are okay with them now that our babies are here and we know their tendencies. I definitely plan on getting one. I'd rather the looks from ignorant strangers (or even people I know) than a lost or hurt baby.

TSD · December 2010

I have one, I use one, I like it. It's a dog backpack thing. My kid is a runner. I don't give a rat's behind what people think. And trust me, they think plenty- they say it with their eyes. Don't look.

BlairWaldorf · December 2010

I don't think it would work well with Harrison. I think he would be SCREAMING that he couldn't go as far as he wanted or get to whatever he wanted.

He'd be the kid leaning & pulling to go further away. Like a dog that drags it's owner around.

Crap. I just compared my kid to a dog.

AutumnBride929 · December 2010

BlairWaldorf:

I don't think it would work well with Harrison. I think he would be SCREAMING that he couldn't go as far as he wanted or get to whatever he wanted.

He'd be the kid leaning & pulling to go further away. Like a dog that drags it's owner around.

I feel this is definitely a possiblity with Noah, too. So instead of squirming and fussing in the cart or in our arms, he would squirm and fuss and probably throw a floor tantrum on a leash instead. I'm still willing to give it a shot though. Stick out tongue If it doesn't work out, maybe the next kid will be more leash-friendly.

JoLiz · December 2010

we have one that goes on her wrist and mine... it's worked the one time i used it. She stays close to me when we walk, but I still plan on using it in crowds - I think the wrist part might slip off of her so I plan on looping it threw her belt loop.

dragonsmercy · December 2010

TSD:
I have one, I use one, I like it. It's a dog backpack thing. My kid is a runner. I don't give a rat's behind what people think. And trust me, they think plenty- they say it with their eyes. Don't look.

You know, it's funny, but I actually get a lot of POSITIVE comments on Evelyn's monkey leash, and not a lot of side-eyes... maybe because I put it on the front??? I don't know.... but people keep going "Oh, that's so cute, what a clever idea!" almost every time I put it on her.

nic326 · December 2010

Before DS I would have given some serious side-eye to parents that used those. Now, hell yes I use one! We have the Eddie Bauer monkey backpack from Target and love it. DS hates to be in the stroller for a long time so its perfect for the mall, walks up to the park, when we are at the airport. We love it and DS is much happier being able to walk around on his "own". Plus it wears him out that much more having to walk all over

shellybell15 · December 2010

AutumnBride929:
BlairWaldorf:

I feel this is definitely a possiblity with Noah, too. So instead of squirming and fussing in the cart or in our arms, he would squirm and fuss and probably throw a floor tantrum on a leash instead.

Ditto this. While I totally get why someone would use one and I think they are practical we just don't have a need for one. If I traveled a lot or had more than 1 LO, I might get one.

coconutbug · December 2010

I used to find them appalling too, until DS became a runner who darts in and out of crowds and won't pay attention to me and won't hold my hand. We have only used his dog backpack in crowded places when he won't sit in his stroller. I'd rather use it than possibly lose sight of DS.

ckmommy · December 2010

SailorGray:
I have to laugh b/c I remember back on thr tri-boards, so many people were against these.

I was going to say the exact same thing. It seemed like every few weeks this came up as a topic on the Tri boards and then on the 0-3 board as well. I always knew I would have a runner who was very independant and we got the monkey one as a shower gift. We haven't used it yet but now that he really isn't liking the stroller so much, we are going to start using it. Both my H and I had leashes growing up, I've never been against them. I look at it as a safety device.