Child Leashes --- Thoughts?

ColeyJ88 · March 2014

Just wanted to get some opinions on these! Are they cruel?

DS doesn't walk, he runs. We have been trying to get him to walk himself out to the car, but he runs the opposite way and throws a tantrum when we pick him up or make him walk back to the car. He refuses to hold my hand and will collapse onto the ground if I make him hold hands.

I'm worried about this summer because being huge and pregnant there's no way I will be able to catch up to him if he runs away from me!

tumblefluff · March 2014

I live by the phrase never say never.

If its works for you, that's what matters.

cedenton · March 2014

Do what you have to do. I brought one with us when we flew at Christmas time. We didn't need it then, but I bet we would now.

nicnac817 · March 2014

I think, if you need it, you need it. In my opinion, they are made specifically for people in your situation. Try it out. If you feel comfortable using it that's great! If not, then don't. I would have no worries using it if I need to.

ColeyJ88 · March 2014

Thanks, everyone

DH was just worried about being judged for using one!

Jeffreysmom24 · March 2014

I think they do look a little weird, to be honest, but like PPs said, if you need it, you need it. I still cringe everytime I think about the time several years ago that a friend asked me to hold her daughter's hand when we were leaving a restaurant. I apparently didnt have a good grip on her because as soon as we walked outside, she broke free and ran into the street! Thank goodness she was ok but omg that scared me so much!! I still think about it sometimes when I am walking around with Jeffrey!

Edited to add congrats, I think I missed your pregnancy announcement!

vvvvvfee · March 2014

i don't get why people are so against them. how is it any different from being strapped in/immobilized in a stoller? DS won't tolerate the stroller for very long, and sometimes he breaks away from your hand when walking together. DH can still carry him in the ergo, but DS is too heavy for me to wear now. i would definitely think it would be useful in certain situations, particularly in crowded places.

ccam · March 2014

Before having DS, I thought they were crazy. But now, I totally get it.

SJandVA · March 2014

I don't think there's anything wrong with them. If you feel he will be safer, than go for it. It's better to be safe than worry about what others are thinking.

twinkletoes3126 · March 2014

I don't think they are cruel at all and really don't understand why people do. It's a safe way for children to be able to walk and explore while parents can still have a little freedom to shop or whatever without 100% focus on the child. My husband and I disagree on this issue or I would definitely get one.

binklesss · March 2014

DD is just getting into the running everywhere stage. I have definitely thought about getting one if it continues.

piphigirl · March 2014

We rock a backpack with a leash like it's our full time job. I think it's the opposite of cruel: it allows her to do her own thing, be a little independent, and explore where she wants, but it allows us to make sure she is safe. Love it.

HoneyBunn24 · March 2014

We bought a leash backpack from Carter's for Jacqueline. I completely believe in them and with the crazies in the world I feel safer with a tether

ks3pink · March 2014

I have always thought they were crazy, not cruel. But if mine don't get better about hand holding before they outgrow the stroller I might be forced into it. I think DD stayed in a stroller until she was 3 or almost 4 so there is still some time for me.

shakinros · March 2014

I suspect you'll get judgey looks for it. But as pp said, better to have a safe kid, even if it comes with a few side eyes.

SJandVA · March 2014

ks3pink said:

I have always thought they were crazy, not cruel. But if mine don't get better about hand holding before they outgrow the stroller I might be forced into it. I think DD stayed in a stroller until she was 3 or almost 4 so there is still some time for me.

I think people probably get judged more if they have one with a 4 yo than with a young toddler. When DD1 was little, on cold or rainy days I let her wander around Target on foot. We would just go to let her walk around. But I created a monster. When I needed her to be in the cart for shopping she would not go in it without a huge fit. She also never liked the stroller at this age though. Looking back I should have bought one for her. This time around I have decided that DD2 will be kept in a stroller or cart for shopping trips.

SJandVA · March 2014

So I just asked DH why we never got a leash for DD1. He said he wanted one but that I said no. I so don't remember this. I think I must have been afraid of being judged. Which is stupid and not the way I am any more. I guess, live and learn.

jessalynn521 · March 2014

I use one with 0 shame. He likes to walk but he also unexpectedly darts. I use it and hold his hand as well, the leash is there for extra insurance.

Someone said something recently that stuck with me. We love our dogs enough to leash them, and loving our kids way more than that why wouldn't we to keep them safe?

jessalynn521 · March 2014

andplusalso, no one looks at me with judgement. I actually have had people stop me to tell me what a good idea it is.

Reilly626 · March 2014

I've got twins, when I get one out of the car and and then am trying to get the other I'm trying to trap the one with mylegs so they don't run in the parking lot. We are considering them for this reason, but we can't bring ourselves to do it. I worry when I'm alone though...

Msbean22 · March 2014

I would say the judgement thing comes from the fact that we usually leash animals, not humans. BUT I am 100% for them and we're buying a backpack with a tether (sounds better, eh?) for when we're at the zoo in a few weeks.

Toni79 · March 2014

My first thought when I saw this was all the Public Service Announcements in "Talladega Nights" ... "Hi I'm Ricky Bobby and today we're here to talk about kids on leaches". )

Before I had a child I thought they were crazy. But now I totally get it. I don't think all kids should be leashed, and I don't think leaches should replace teaching childen safety. But I do think there are times and situatoins where they are needed.

I really like @jessalynn521 's idea of using it just in case LO lets go of your hand. And her comment about: We love our dogs enough to leash them, and loving our kids way more than that why wouldn't we to keep them safe?

I say if it works for you, then go for it. Better to be safe than sorry!

usarmywifetso · March 2014

I used to hate the idea of them until my son became an explorer. I finally broke down and got one and it works well for us. Every kid is different so I would say find an inexpensive one and try it out. GL

ColeyJ88 · March 2014

So... We got one last week. DS loves it, I hate it! He took full advantage of his new freedom and constantly runs from me in the opposite direction of where I am trying to go. And he falls so much and I grab his hand to help him up that it looks like I am an abusive mom dragging my kid through the store. When I pick him up he FREAKS out and screams, and thats when everyone stares. UGH. I just can't win.

We did make it a rule that he has to hold our hand in parking lots and on the street, and he has gotten a lot better about that.

Reilly626 · March 2014

How long does this running take off stage last???

HoneyBunn24 · March 2014

shakinros said:

I suspect you'll get judgey looks for it. But as pp said, better to have a safe kid, even if it comes with a few side eyes.

DH and I were at the mall last night and DD had her monkey backpack on and I had multiple people whisper loud enough for me to hear them. Things like "Is that a leash? Isn't that cruel?" I started replying to anyone who whispered with "Well at least she's safe isn't she?" I was holding her hand and the leash portion was just hanging off my wrist. There were a few times when she tried to take off, but when she didn't want to hold our hands at least I knew she was safe and still connected to me.

I'm not ashamed, but some people can be so rude!

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