Safety Harness

cnctf · June 2014

I know our L/O's aren't walking/running yet, but I was looking into safety harnesses for DD when she does. I like the Skip Hop backpack/harness, any of you STM+ moms used that or rec something else? Or any J14 moms suggest any others?

SandFHasse · June 2014

I've been looking at the Skip Hop ones too. I said I'd never use one, but my goodness does DD like to run. I'd probably use it on vacations and really crowded places. She hates the stroller.

cnctf · June 2014

@sandfhasse I also said I'd never use one, but I've heard some stories about L/O's booking it!

ccip82 · June 2014

JazElsMomma said:

I just can't. I think it looks too ridiculous and would rather teach LO to hold hands or keep him in a stroller.

I teach DD lots of things...and guess what sometimes she acts like a two year old and doesn't listen.

The skiphop backpacks are great. I do not have the kind with the harness, but in hindsight would have made traveling and city living a lot easier. I'm still debating whether or not to get one for DD.

sugarland726 · June 2014

JazElsMomma said:

I just can't. I think it looks too ridiculous and would rather teach LO to hold hands or keep him in a stroller.

You know what looks ridiculous? Me running around an airport screaming for my child because she ran off and is lost.

sugarland726 · June 2014

We have this one. It has worked well the few times we've needed it. Luckily DD is not a runner. If she uses it now it is mostly just as an actual backpack and not as a harness. She stores her snacks and treasures in there. Treasures mostly being rocks that she's found.

valigrl21 · June 2014

JazElsMomma said:

I just can't. I think it looks too ridiculous and would rather teach LO to hold hands or keep him in a stroller.

The Safety Harnesses aren't to replace teaching LOs to be careful in parking lots or busy places like airports or Disneyland. It's to help out while you teach them.

It's not like they just wake up one day walking and the next day you home school them on how to stay safe around cars and in public. It's a process. You teach them every day, every time you are out in public. Sometimes they forget and you remind them. This goes on for years.

BUT during that process, you may find that a harness is necessary. Either because your kid is a runner and no matter how many times you try to teach them not to run, they do anyways. Or because you are going through a busy airport alone with luggage and your worried that when you pull out your ticket to get through security that your kid is going to run away.

OP - I don't have any advice as to which one to get because we haven't had to use one yet. But good for you for prioritizing your kid's safety over looking "ridiculous".

Lena122 · June 2014

JazElsMomma said:
I just can't. I think it looks too ridiculous and would rather teach LO to hold hands or keep him in a stroller.

The first time you lose sight of your child in a crowded area for even a split second will likely change your mind. This is one of those "never say never" issues. Hopefully you won't need it or wish you had it. But maybe you will.

OSUWifey09 · June 2014

I did not use one for DS, but I can see the need for one. Toddlers like to take off. I am considering one of the Skip Hop ones for DD if I feel like we need one later on down the road.

CopperT0p · June 2014

We have been lucky that I've never needed a harness for DS1, but if he was a runner we definitely would have without a second thought. We do hold hands and I still bring the stroller with his seat when we're at the mall, that way if he's being testy I can strap him in.

I think a harness is better than the ones that are just wrist straps. Wrist straps just seem like an arm/wrist injury waiting to happen.

SandFHasse · June 2014

We hold hands with DD, but she can easily slip out of our grip. If something catches her attention, like a bird, she tries to run or if she just plain feels like running she runs. Her newest "game" is while we are in the driveway. She thinks its hilarious to run around the car and try to sneak over to the neighbors house. I hate it.

Deblondie1 · June 2014

You just reminded me I need to look into getting E1 a harness before we hit 6 Flags next week. Thanks!

sugarland726 · June 2014

Well congratulations on winning the "most judgmental" award of the day @JazElsMomma. I'd rather you judge me for leashing than judge me for losing my child, especially considering you seem like a sanctimommy who will definitely judge someone for losing their child. I don't like to do this but when your child is older, you'll understand why some kids and some situations needs leashes. And when you have another baby, you'll understand even more. Just you wait.

cnctf · June 2014

Deblondie1 said:

You just reminded me I need to look into getting E1 a harness before we hit 6 Flags next week. Thanks!

@Deblondie1‌

which six flags? I'm jealous!

Deblondie1 · June 2014

@cnctf‌ The one near Vacaville/ San Fran. I've never been to a 6 Flags so I'm pretty stoked.

ababymaybe · June 2014

I have one for older DS but haven't used it yet. That said I also don't go many public places with both kids without an extra set of hands -- ODS is that much of a handful. So I definitely don't judge anyone who needs one because I know what it's like to have "that" (crazy yet totally awesome and loveable) kid.

Plus, honestly? There are so many truly shitty parents out there doing things that are actually harmful. I can't bring myself to get worked up over minor shit like this.

last14real · June 2014

@JazElsMomma‌ I will agree with you that to some people it may look a little silly to have your kid on a leash, but isn't your child's safety worth it? I feel like as moms we have to accept the fact that ensuring their safety and happiness may make us look all kinds of ways to others overprotective, mean, neurotic, dorky or even silly. I personally am fine with that, I know my 3 yr old is safe, happy, and healthy. I feel no regret over putting him in his harness at the zoo. Especially when I am wearing dd and DH is at work so it's just me and them. I take his umbrella stroller as well, but he likes to get out and look at stuff not be confined the whole time. Yes I could hold his hand the entire time but when they are like 2 that's a pain in the ass bc you have to hunch down to hold their hand. Are you going to spend several hrs like that to avoid looking silly? DS could walk at 11 months that's a long time to be walking hunched or restricting him to a stroller. Your comments about teaching lo's in daycare and preschool to me is irrelevant. Yes you can teach them to stay with you doesn't mean they will always listen. My son goes on walks at daycare and they have a ring rope all the kids hold on to. They are not strapped to it, but it's a useful teaching tool. Are you against this? Also when you were teaching the kids you were in a school environment. I doubt parents would have been ok with you taking a bunch of 2-3 yr olds to a busy amusement park, zoo, airport whatever to test how well you taught the kids. Most of these pp are talking about certain situations where they would use the harness as a safety precaution. They are not saying use it all the time instead of teaching the child, it's just a safety backup.

ccip82 · June 2014

JazElsMomma said:

OP - I don't have any advice as to which one to get because we haven't had to use one yet. But good for you for prioritizing your kid's safety over looking "ridiculous".
Honestly, do what you want, but I still lol when I see it. After teaching in a nursery and preschool early learning center I have taught LOs how to walk and listen for years. Call me old school, but I have lived in a time where kids made it out of the toddler stage safely without being tied to a rope like this:

The bolded part is what I have issue with...

Yes, child harnesses are not for everyone and people are entitled to their opinions. Some parents are lucky their kids are not "runners". However, your attitude and subsequent reasons for not using/liking the harness is ignorant.

Andplusalso I couldn't give two fucks about all your child caring experience and expertise.

::Goes back to praying fervently for a "just you wait moment"::

blue_elle · June 2014

I was anti-harness pre baby, but I've come around to them. I felt like they were restricting, but I see now how they actually give the child independence to by allowing them to walk on their own while remaining safely with the parents.

My mom was huge on holding hands, staying right by her side, etc. I wasn't a runner as a toddler, but the mood struck me once and I disappeared in a crowded mall for over 2 hours. It took all of a second and i was gone. My mom and grandmother were terrified of course.

Side note - had anyone seen the Modern Family episode where they put Lily in a harness at Disney? The whole episode they talk about her like a dog - "Lily come!", " Lily stay!", "She's chasing squirrels!" (Chip and Dale). Hilarious!

bethughknee · June 2014

@JazEIsMomma Let's just not even get into standing on internet memes in a discussion on child safety. Let's just...not.

BFD you worked in child care and taught those toddlers better than any of us will ever parent. Blah blah. I hate that argument. Kids behave better for people who are not their parents. It happens all the time. My DD already loves to show off at daycare. I couldn't get her to nap in a crib despite trying for a month. At daycare it took them 3 days. I bring her in on mornings when she's been fussy and fighting everything and I'm all "I'm so sorry for what you might deal with today..." and I get her back at 4pm with a "SHE HAD A FABULOUS DAY!!" note on her daily report. That shit happens all that time. It's not an excuse to sanctimommy those who are putting their child's safety above what judgey people like you will think when they see it.

I hope I don't need one but you bet your ass I will buy one JIC.

FTR, the OP asked for the advice of STMs. She didn't ask to be judged by anyone like you and I who have never parented through that stage yet. Child care work =/= parenting.

last14real · June 2014

@blue_elle Love modern family and this thread made me think of that episode also!

bethughknee · June 2014

ccip82 said:

JazElsMomma said:

OP - I don't have any advice as to which one to get because we haven't had to use one yet. But good for you for prioritizing your kid's safety over looking "ridiculous".
Honestly, do what you want, but I still lol when I see it. After teaching in a nursery and preschool early learning center I have taught LOs how to walk and listen for years. Call me old school, but I have lived in a time where kids made it out of the toddler stage safely without being tied to a rope like this:

The bolded part is what I have issue with...

Yes, child harnesses are not for everyone and people are entitled to their opinions. Some parents are lucky their kids are not "runners". However, your attitude and subsequent reasons for not using/liking the harness is ignorant.

Andplusalso I couldn't give two fucks about all your child caring experience and expertise.

::Goes back to praying fervently for a "just you wait moment"::

@ccip82 "just you wait" now always reminds me of the "Oh you're going to be strict with your kids? That's cool, I secretly hope you get a bad sleeper." moment from that YouTube video "To my friends who don't have kids yet" or something. It's close to the 1:00 mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36OKi1DRgoA

last14real · June 2014

@bethughknee LOVE this video! Nap time at my house is "leave mommy the hell alone time", even to DH. Since I've been back at work since DD was 6 weeks I only get the nap time break on weekends. One day I try to sweep, mop, speed shower, and do any other chores that are difficult to do when they are awake. The other day I take a long shower, groom certain areas, and actually shave my entire leg, not just knees down like during the week:) Then I sit down for like an hour (usually while folding laundry) and get to watch an "adult show". By adult I mean not freaking Wonderpets or Backyardigans, not porn. It sucks when DD will not take an afternoon nap at the same time as DS, but most times it works out. Sadly the first thing that gets sacrificed if she doesn't is me shaving my entire leg.

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