Toddler Harness, What's the Big Deal?

I used one for all 5 of my kids. It gives them the freedom to talk freely with out holding on to moms hand... me the control where they can't take off running!

Im all for it, I guess if people give you strange looks you could bark at them ;)

There's a reason why someone came up with this contraption. Oh I know how it looks but I used it anyway. I have one of those kids who would take off on a sprint in 2.2 secs.

It is not like you'll put the kid on the harness and tie him to a tree.

I don't see it as a pet leash thing. I see it as a safety thing. If you have a runner who doesn't understand staying nearby, then by all means get a leash. Some people are lucky, but then there's me who had a kid out the second door at Staples in the time it took me to get a credit card out of my wallet. It's like holding a kid's hand, with a longer reach.

Well, here's my thought:

You can either have a screaming kid in a stroller and others judging you

or

You can have a happy toddler walking along safely with a harness and have others juding you.

Pick your poison! :)

I think it's strange b/c my son is my son, not my pet. I think teaching a child to obey his parents is much better than just putting him on a leash. I am not trying to judge. But it's just not for me. My husband wanted one for our son, but I said "no way. He's a kid, not a pet."

BTW - I honestly am NOT judging. I only have one 3 yr old that has rarely ran off. He refuses to sit in a stroller, but will sit in the grocery cart, mostly b/c I don't give him an option. Once I have two or three little boogers, who knows? - I may be a harness user.

While I totally agree that you should do whatever you think is right for your situation, I personally could never imagine using them on my children. I have never used them for mine (I have 6), and actually was shocked by the concept when I first saw it. I do think it looks like the child is reduced to a pet, but I understand that if you can't control your child you need to do what you can to keep him safe. I personally prefer that my child learn to obey me and stay by my side, holding onto the stroller if he/she chooses to walk instead of ride. Yes, I had some who preferred to run, but they just weren't allowed to do so in crowds or near streets (at a park it was fine, within reason). I don't mean to sound "sanctimonious" but this was just my reality. We work hard at home to teach and discipline our children so that when we are in public, they know how to behave and what is expected of them. Not perfection, but certainly not out of control either.

You'll get looks because they are kind of weird - but if you want it for your kid's safety, why do you care what they think? I do what I feel is necessary and safe for my kiddo's and if other people don't like it - oh well!

People who dont have the kind of kid who needs a harness are the kind that are giving you the looks.

My son DEFINITELY needed a harness with he was @ 2. I could not take him and my newborn daughter out by myself if I did not have one. Yes, I discipline. Yes, I give consequences. Yes, I pay attention to my son. But he is strong willed, willful, independent, curious, and determined and FAST. If he wants to do something he will find a way to do it. WITHOUT a harness, I lost my 2 year old at the State Fair of Texas. WITHOUT a harness he ran out into a busy street and was nearly hit by a car. WITHOUT a harness, he ran away at the mall and nearly got to the escalator before I could catch him. He would NOT hold hands but would fall on the ground so I either had to drag him, let go, or pick him up and carry him.

My daughter, now 19 months, would never need a harness. She stays by my side and is very nervous if I am not within eye site. if I tell her "stop" she stops.

People who have kids like my daughter think its a parenting issue. People who have impulsive runners know its a safety issue.

OMG!! Some people are so ridiculous!!! I used harnesses with our twins. Safety comes before caring what ANYONE thinks of my parenting skills. I refused to risk their lives to meet the approval of other moms. The harnesses I had were cute and I actually had people stop me at the mall and ask where they could buy one.

Edited: Harnesses don't delay obedience. That is silly. I get compliments on my kids' behavior by complete strangers all the time in various settings so that argument is just not true. Not bragging, just making a point.

I try to be understanding of other's parenting choices but don't expect this to be a perfect solution. Almost every 18 month old that I've ever encountered has been "strong willed", that's what toddlers are, it's in their nature. That's not to say some aren't more rambunctious than others, but as a rule, a toddler is going to push buttons, try and run away and just generally try and do what they want to do.

The real question I see is what are you going to do when you have him harnessed and he still doesn't want to do what you want him to do...? You can't drag him along just as you wouldn't necessarily be able to wrestle him into the stroller and strap him down.

I don't feel like at 18 months he necessarily needs independence in walking through the mall or in a crowded location. I guess I see that if you are somewhere where strollers can't be taken, then yes maybe this is a compromise (not for me personally, but maybe..I'm trying to be less judgemental) but for the most part I feel like he can gain independence in other ways. This is an age where it's hard to take them to the grocery store or the mall or get anything done actually. It's part of life with a toddler. It gets better and when they get older they learn how to stay with you. I find that this is true regardless of whether or not you harness them or strap them in a stroller...it's a developmental thing. The hardest part is getting there. And, I'd like to add that I don't have "perfect" children who stay with me. My son is a maniac and we have our issues too.

I don't get the uproar over them. I think it's a lot better to let your kid walk, jump, run & be mobile & safe, then sit them in what amounts to a rolling straight jacket - which, for some reason, is oddly the preferred choice. Society is effed up that way, isn't it?! Hmm... worry about what people think, have your kid screaming in a stroller, or a happy kid, walking safely with a harness. Not a hard decision. Unfortunately, not everyone has a docile kid.

Personally, I can't stand them...I want to walk up to the kid and say "OHHH what a cute puppy" Of course I would not!! :)
My kids either held hands, or rode in the cart/stroller. When they are responsible/old enough to do so, then they can walk by themselves. That's just me...and MY take on it.

Do what you feel you need to do to.

Ohh I love you. I lived in Portland 10 years ago and I am so darn glad I'm not raising a family there! Listen, I don't see what the big deal is if you have one of those kids always on high speed, who runs away from you with out ever looking back. The people who judge you have not likely experienced the terror of loosing their toddler in a department store or theme park. That said I bought one when I was too pregnant to chase my little one and she flat out refused to be harnessed. She was 2.5. Yours may be young enough to take to it. But since you do live in the socialist republic of Portland, expect to be cited for stifling your child 's need to explore. Yes, its a thing as you wondered (for those who have not been in your shoes).

I would rather have a kid tied to my hip than loosing a child... My son has the tendency to disappear whenever I turn my back. In stores, in the park... YOU NAME IT..

rather be safe than sorry. I had near nervous breakdowns too many times to count because I did not get a harness...

He also escaped my grip at a parking lot and made a run for it... straight into oncoming traffic!!!

No I am all for the harness. The sooner the better. He will get used to it.

I loved mine and so did my son. I bought one for my nephew and he and his momma love it too. You do what you have to do for your kids safety. Screw the sanctimonious ladies with thier noses in the air.

Who cares what others think, if that is what is going to keep your child safe then go ahead and use it. Some kids are more apt to run away and not stay with the parent and in that case the harness is a safe alternative.

My daughter was a runner when she was a toddler, when we went to the Bronx zoo, I did not want her to get lost or stolen so I used a harness, she was free to run over to the animals without going too far and getting lost and I knew she was safe. And yes, I got a lot of dirty looks, but my daughter was safe.

First of all, it's your family and you make rules for your family.

I never used a harness because I'm a pet lover. We have 3 dogs.

I associate a harness with a leash and my child was/is not an animal. She's now a well adjusted 16 yr old. She learned without a leash how to act in a store, at a park, etc.

Maybe that's why you got harsh looks. Some people may think you use a harness because you can't control your child without one, therefore demeaning your child to pet status.

I apologize if that came across wrong. I have no intention on insulting anyone. Sometimes I just don't get the logic.

I'd like one for my husband. He wanders off more than our son does!

IF I coud have gotten my son IN a harness I would have bought one in a heartbeat. He was walking behind me at Wal Mart a couple of months ago and I went one way and he went another. Those three minutes I couldn't find him were the WORSE three minutes of my LIFE!

ALL I coud think of was that b!tch Nancy Grace grilling me asking why I didn't watch my son better because the world is LOADED with pervs and killers.

I consider those an extention of hand holding. Works for me.

I tried one with my oldest. Have you ever led an untrained dog around? Same thing except you get some really strange looks. My favorite was him spread eagle on the floor of the mall doing some amazing passive resistance.

Just don't delude yourself into thinking you put it on he will follow you. That just isn't going to happen. The amount of training to get a stubborn child to heal is far more than teaching them off lead, ya know?

people has issues with parents who actually parent their children. I am all for the harnesses, it is for the childs safety as well. I say get one and if anyone has anything to say tell them to mind their own business and own kids!

My husband has ADHA and apparently he just could not be controlled when they were out. His mother says, he could not remember the 3 step rule. Stay 3 steps next to me. He would not hold onto the stroller. and would dash away. He could not remember "hold onto my hand".

He could be told every time they went out what the rules were, but it never worked. Spanking swatting, yelling.. none of it worked, so they got the harness.

He says he is glad he has no memory, but we saw photos and he looks happy..

Better safe than sorry.

I've never needed one. But you'll get no judgment from me.

It's funny...because I lived in germany before I had kids (actually had my first son there, and came stateside a few months later)...and it seemed to me that many (most) of the kiddos there had 'harnesses'. They also were VERY tolerant of breastfeeding...either in publc, OR had nursing rooms in what few malls there were...

Of course, they also have a 'generous' maternity leave...and 'pre' kinder gartens for ALL...but that is another story!

Do what you must to be safe...and to hell with anyone with a sideways glance!

Best luck!
michele/cat

I have used them with both of my older boys. Better to look a bit silly and endure the sideways glances of people at the mall than to let my kid get hit by a car because he slipped from my grasp and I couldn't save him in time.

ETA: Kiki- I am LMBO at the thought of the "rolling straight-jacket!" So true!!

Yes, it's because you live in granola Portland! LOL
I think that when we say we are getting a leash or harness for our child people think that you are talking about a dog leash. I would expect that you will use it appropriately and not be dragging your kid around while he is laying on the ground screaming. haha
On a side note....who cares what they think? If you think this is going to work then let them look at you funny. At least your son wont be running in traffic.
L.

I'm not going to blast you. I've always said that there may be some kids out there (the kind that run into the street, I'm thinking) that are just safer if their on the "leash." But I've never liked them and this is why: I notice that the parents are paying less attention to the kids on the harness and the kids pull and lean, knowing that the harness is holding them up. Toddlers are hard. They just are. It takes a LOT of repetition and consequences (not punishment, but consequences--If you run out into the street, I have to hold your hand for the whole walk or buckle you into the stroller or whatever) for them to know where the boundary is and how not to cross it. It means talking to your kids *and* listening to them. And it doesn't happen on its own. Putting kids on a harness often means that parents are too tired to do this work up front. Which means that that hard work doesn't get done when they are young and it only gets harder as they get older. I'd keep the harness, but only use it as a last resort (or in really hairy situations, like big crowds.) At 17 months old kids really, really want to walk and they want to climb and whatnot because they're learning it and they need to practice in order to get good at it. They're driven to master walking, talking, running, jumping and they do need the practice. I would let him walk more. Even if it's just around the block. It's all the better if you don't have anywhere to go because then the only agenda is to let him walk and explore.

because child rights supercede parental rights. to a lot of people this is demeaning to a child.....I am all for one if a parent needs it

Harnesses and other restrictive devices can delay your child in learning obedience. If they can learn to obey and respect authority at age 2, I figure you have a shot at better teenage years.

Your son, so you do what works for you and ignore the parents with the funny looks. They don't have to use harnesses if they choose not to.

And there are some cute harnesses out there that look like stuffed animals I'm sure your son will love, and be safer at the same time✿

Every time I've seen a kid wear a harness tha parent wasn't really paying attnetion to them, and letting them run off untl they got flung back. I see a point if your kids a runner in big places like the zoo and such, IF you have mroe than one or have a disability where you can run after them and watch. I only had one, sure sometimes shed run off, every 18 month old does, if I wasn';t tired I'd chase her and we'd have fun, if I was she HAD to hold a hand or sit in her stroller. They know how to listen at that age. I don't think its horrible but I do think unless its absolutely needed its lazy. If I had more than one and one was a cute devil and escape atrist , then I'd see a point

Updated

Every time I've seen a kid wear a harness tha parent wasn't really paying attnetion to them, and letting them run off untl they got flung back. I see a point if your kids a runner in big places like the zoo and such, IF you have mroe than one or have a disability where you can run after them and watch. I only had one, sure sometimes shed run off, every 18 month old does, if I wasn';t tired I'd chase her and we'd have fun, if I was she HAD to hold a hand or sit in her stroller. They know how to listen at that age. I don't think its horrible but I do think unless its absolutely needed its lazy. If I had more than one and one was a cute devil and escape atrist , then I'd see a point

My husband is VERY anti-harness. He calls them leashes and says that children are not dogs! I understand it to an extent. I can see the usefulness of it at a large fair, theme park, or zoo. You seem to have a specific reason for the harness, which makes sense to me, but before you try the harness, I would try holding his hand both ways, and skip the stroller all together. If he is anti-stroller then I would try this by going on short walks around the block so he can get used to the walking. If that is not working for you, then I would use the harness, as a last resort. Some parents use them to keep their children in one place because they do not want to watch them themselves. This is lazy parenting and is not OK. I am sure you have seen it at least once . . . a parent holding the harness while chatting with someone for 20 minutes, not even taking a glance at their child the entire time. Or when the are practically dragging their children around, not paying attention to the fact that they are walking too fast.

didnt need one for my daughter but lord it was a life saver with my middle boy, waiting to see how my youngest is gonna do, thinkin bout one of the backpack harnesses, i say go for it, but some think they put lil ones at the level as say dogs on a leash. i say if they r needed then use it thats y they were made i loved mine when i nedded it.

I didn't use a stroller. We went straight from babywearing to independent walking. For my son, I did use a harness in a variety of ways. We called it his tail. These were the ways we used it:
1. He could choose to wear "the tail". He chose "the tail" sometimes to feel more secure in a crowd, or simply because he liked tails.
2. He could walk alongside me holding my hand or stay within the boundaries I set.
3. If he ignored the rules and ran off, "the tail" became a mobile time-out, a mark that I didn't trust him to follow my directions.
4. In certain situations (like transferring onto a boat), I required him to wear his "tail" because it made a good handle to be able to lift him one-handed without dislocating his shoulder.

There are people who will glare at you. Ignore them. These are generally people who either don't have kids, or have a single kid with a compliant personality. Harnesses are a great tool for strong-willed young toddlers. Just make sure it isn't your *only* tool, and you also teach your child to come when called, hold your hand, etc, etc.

Have fun with your little one.

I have a harness for my son, and I got it for him when he was about 18 months old. I've only used it a few times, but it really is handy! I got it because we were going to a baseball game, and I couldn't imagine trying to deal with a squirmy toddler that wants to walk on his own in such a crowded place, and the stroller was not an option in the ballpark. So, we got harness. I got the one by Safety 1st, it's very inconspicuous. I think the ones with the animals are more obvious and a little ridiculous looking. We really only use it when going into a crowded situation where the stroller either can't go, or isn't enough. Like the zoo. Whose kid doesn't want to run around at the zoo? We took the stroller, but he wanted to walk. The harness was wonderful because it let him explore, and it let me enjoy the animals too without having to watch him like a hawk every second. I did put the harness on him at an outdoor art festival once, and I heard a few snickers from a couple young ladies sitting on the grass with their dogs. Whatever. They obviously don't realize how quickly toddlers can get away from you! I actually got a lot of women at the zoo telling me what a good idea it was. I'll admit that I feel a little silly sometimes with my son on a "leash" but I consider the alternative, and I'm okay with it. Next time I use it, I will probably loop it through my beltloop and hold his hand, so if he tries to run I'll have him, or so if he wants to walk by himself a little out front, it doesn't look like I have him leashed. For your own peace of mind, just get the harness. To hell with what other people think, you have to do what you can to make it through the day with what works best for you and your family.

I don't get it either...we didn't use one with our daugther but sure as heck did with the little man. He loved his bear...he is one of the kids that takes off and is fast.

When people gave me looks like the one you described I said "better to have him within two feet of me at all times than running around yelling his name"...and he refused to ride in strollers. His dad is an engineer and he figured out the belt fast!

I wish they would of had them when my teen was little. He was a holy terror! Do what you gotta do mama!

I agree with many comments. It let's kids get exercise but gives you confidence they can't wander off when in a public setting. I actually found one that was a little backpack with an attachment. I loved it and my son liked that he could put snacks or toys in the backpack.

Who cares what other's think about it? If it works for you and your kid as a safety precaution I'd do it. Be prepared to have him struggle and wrap it around you tho...lol... it's kind of like putting a cat on a leash sometimes. Try to find a cheap one in case it doesnt work out.

I know a lot of people who think they're not the thing to do, but honestly I think they're great. They do give he child some independence while at the same time giving you control so they don't run out into the street or behind a moving car in a parking lot, etc. So, don't worry about what other people think. If it works for you, it's great. By the way, my daughter got one for my grandson that slipped around his wrist. He would just take it off. So, don't get one where the child can take it off!

The stuffed animal "backpack" harnesses are pretty decent looking and appear to work. You don't say that he runs away from you, though, which is why I believe most people use them, especially in crowds, etc.

We haven't used them, but there are times (especially when we are flying and in the airport) that I wished I had one! The only reason we don't bother...once my daughter went to take off running, I grabbed the back of her shirt just in time. So what does she do? She pulls her feet up, so now I am holding her completely up in the air by the back of her shirt while she is giggling madly. If we tried to put the harness thing on her I am positive that she would spend the entire time using it as a toddler yo-yo.

Do whatever works for you and your son. You are in control, not others. I think people associate them with dog leashes, so that's probably the funny looks. Have fun with his new found freedom!

No, not because you're in Portland and not because people who don't like harnesses "let children do whatever they want". I have 3 kids. We had a harness only for when we went to the Grand Canyon when my daughter was 16 months old. We had her in a stroller, but she wanted to walk at some points too and there was no way we were willing to risk anything there!

Personally, I don't like them because I do feel they are demeaning (to me, it is treating them like an animal). I have 2 dogs, we have harnesses and leashes for them. I love my dogs but they're not my kids! I personally feel there are other ways...but of course that's just me. I know at a certain point they don't like the stroller anymore. I have always just let them walk and dealt with it. ANd sometimes we have used a wagon too - my kids loved that when they didn't want to ride in a stroller but sometimes we needed to get where we were going or it would've been too long a walk.

I don't have a problem with someone else making their own choice.

Those giving you those looks have never had a toddler that is exploring and learning the world! I thought the same thing before my daughter was born. And then we had her and she was all over! The last straw was when she tried to run from us in the store and my husband held her wrist to keep her from getting hit by a cart and her elbow dislocated. I would have much rather had her in a harness safe than in the emergancy room like we did.

Your job is to foster learning in a safe environment. Cheers to you Mommy for finding a safe way for your kiddo to learn.

I used one with my oldest boy. He liked to run into crowds and play chase me. Then one day he ran into the parking lot at McDonalds. So, we put the harness on him, and it worked well for everyone.
He doesn't have issues as a high schooler and is a very independant person.

I live just across the river from you and I survived many outings in Portland with my son in a harness. I only used it when we were in areas where there were large crowds or if there was a large parking lot to go through. It kept my son from being snatched and also kept him from running into traffic or away from me. I ignored the negative looks I got and any comments I received were positive. Harness him up and be proud knowing you are keeping your sweet son safe.

I used a leash for my son.
He had overalls with a handle built into the back of them and the leash attached perfectly there.
Sometimes I wish people were required to leash their kids till they were teens.

I dont think it is a big deal. I havent used one but havent needed to. If you feel like it is best for you then do it!

I had three kids within six years (including one with ADHD) and I just never saw the need for one (my ADHD kid hated the stroller too!) But, I if your kid is a runner I could see where it would give you some peace of mind, especially in crowds :)
p.s. I taught my kids how to hold onto me if my hands were too full to hold theirs (such as holding onto my jacket or handbag) but like I said, if your kid is a runner, I get it, do what you need to do!

I know!! I got one when we were traveling -- so afraid that she might get separated -- you know how it is juggling documents, bags and kid. why do people think soemthing is wrong with this, when surely the most important thing is keeping your child safe?

B/c some people think it's lazy parenting and restricts the child's independence. Not every child will stay in a stroller, hold your hand.... my two kids would take off running in two opposite directions at that age no matter what form of parenting or discipline I tried. So, I could choose to chase after one and let the other get away in a crowded place, or I could put a harness on them. I only used the harness crowded situations, usually I used a double stroller, but one kid was an escape artist early on. Now they are great at staying with me.

I think you've heard the range of opinions by now! I think that people tend to generalize what works and doesn't work and what is needed and isn't needed based on how their own kids behave. Most people have kids who are reasonably good at sticking close to their parents. Some kids, though, are runners through and through. It isn't that they are disobedient, they are just runners, bolters, dashers. They're like kids who scream. Some kids don't scream ever. Some will shriek a building down and there isn't anything that their tortured parents can do. (I'm convinced they ditch episodes with those kids on the super nanny shows.) Don't worry about people judging you. If it is truly a matter of keeping your sanity and keeping your kid safe and you know that you are attending to your kid's needs and not ignoring them, then use the harness! But make sure to show people that you are being a great, attentive, loving parent at the same time.

When my daughter was about 16 months old we went on a long trip to visit my M.. We bought a pink-puppy "backpack" child harness for my daughter. My grandmother told me that she actually did get a dog harness when my uncle was little because he was a "runner" and so she was excited when the new ones came out- considering them a wonderful idea!

I was SO happy we had it! In an airport there is SO much activity, and I needed to be able to let her "run" off some energy between flights without risking her losing my grip. Even the best behaved 16 month old can get distracted and run off, and in a bustling airport, it just seemed too dangerous!

We also used the harness at the zoo, and at a large "historical village" we visited. Funny enough, one of the re-enactors laughed when she saw us toting our daughter around, and told us an interesting "historical fact"- parents back in the 1800's and earlier would tie a rope around they're children for safety as well! the would even tie it to a table leg or post to keep their kids from getting into the fireplace or other trouble while "M." had to work or cook. We also used the harness when we visited Yellowstone, because one stray step there could be your last!

I don't see the harness as a "baby leash" so much as it is a BACK UP to your already instilled discipline. My daughter still was supposed to hold my hand and come when I called her... but the harness was there just in case. In "familiar" places like our local grocery store, we didn't use the harness ever, and those are the places that we worked the most on her "in public" listening and following directions the most. She is almost 3 now and I never use it anymore, but now she is even better disciplined, and less easily distracted. When my second is that age I wouldn't think twice about using the harness again though.

So my advice, get a harness... but consider it you SECOND line of defense... and discipline is your first!

-M.

Let's think about this one. Is a baby bed like a kennel? Yeah, kinda. Doesn't mean I'm treating my kid like a dog. Sheesh. Do not worry about what people think. They just like to judge others to make themselves feel better anyway. I've used a harness a few times. When I wanted my toddler to get some exercise and not be stuck in a stroller for hours (which is good for him!) and we were in a very crowded place. Last time it was a museum. It's a tool just like special snack cups that don't spill, or, um let's see, STROLLERS. We strap the kid down in one of those. Why wouldn't that be seen as demeaning? We don't even have pets so there's really no reason for him to feel like we are demeaning him in some way.

Ignore those people. We have used one for both of our kids, we still use one sometimes with our 3.5 year old. He asked to walk and not be in a stroller anymore about 2 months ago, this was the compromise because he is a runner.

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I see not issue with them. I never used one, but some toddlers like to wonder, better safe than sorry in my book.

We used one for both of our kids, mostly my son who is a "typical" boy and would just jet out in the street, run away, etc. So I never cared what anyone *thought*. I did what I needed to do to make sure my kids were safe and with me. End of story. Do what you think is best and don't worry about the rest. =)

I think I had one for my daughter and maybe used it once at the mall. She wasn't a kid who ran off, so I never really used it after that one time. Whenever I see someone using one, I think - there's a M. who is giving her child some freedom & excercise while keeping him safe from running off. Honestly, I don't get what the big deal is either. I don't think the child is being treated like a dog.

I love the toddler harness. I got to the point where I would tell people if they didn't like it to just keep their traps closed about it. My kids loved the freedom they felt like they had with it on, and I loved how I knew they could only go so far. I felt it was a total win-win. Have fun watching him explore!

Just like Kat Williams says, Don't put your kids on a leash. I have to agree with him.

We have the puppy dog backpack one. My 4y LOVES it. We went to Disney and Ft. Myers from DC last year when she was 3y and it was a LIFE SAVER in the airport. Hubby who hates it and thinks I'm lazy for using it, admitted that it was useful at the airport.
It also saved my sanity at the circus when I was trying to keep track of her and pushing a wheelchair.

Do what YOU need to do for YOUR sanity and just let the others be jealous.

A love our toddler harness. Its not about teaching a kid to behave, for us its a safetey thing. My son didn't want to sit in the cart but would always try and run off. I didn't want to chase him around the store but I also didn't want him disapearing around the corner. Now he is 2 and has learned that he has to hold our hand if he wants to walk around the store. We got the one that has a little monkey backpack attached to it, and he loves it, and still wears its.

There is no big deal. It's nobody's business. And my eldest son (who needed it) LOVED LOVED LOVED his (a monkey backpack where he got to keep his own hot wheel and some goldfish snacks). He thought he was big, he'd use it as a pillow and doll when it was not a harness. My youngest son LOOKS bigger and tougher, but is markedly more timid, so he stays close by and never needed it, though he did use it around the house for fun just because it was a "doll". You do what you think you need to do to take care of your children, let them have practice walking without getting lost, etc, etc. I've heard that some people think it's lazy, but I can't for the life of me understand WHY. I think it'd be "lazy" to do the EASY thing: stick the kid in a stroller and let them sit there....if they make a noise, stick a cracker or juice in their mouth. THAT is lazy. Giving them an opportunity to practice walking, to explore, to feel a little smidge of independence that also requires me running up and down the aisles and round and round in circles? Not so lazy. And incidentally, I never ever put them on the ground with the "leash" in crowds. If I'm going to the state fair or whatever, they wear orange and I also carry them on my shoulders or daddy's shoulders. I used it more when my eldest was learning how to walk. I stayed close and would "catch" him like those walking wings you see at Babies R Us. Again, it's no big deal and nobody else's business.

Do what works for you! My aunt had twins and a toddler and used them so she wouldn't have kids running in every direction. I haven't used one, but if I had a kid who was a "runner" I would! I would rather have my child out walking on a harness than sitting in a stroller all day. It's far healthier for them. We did get one for my parents to use when they took our oldest on outings. Both had fake knees and needed to get the other ones done as well. They both had arthritis and they simply could not run after him if he decided to take off.

I read none of the other responses, so if I repeat, consider it reinforcement.

I have seen them and before motherhood thought it was wierd and thought of it like treating your children like dogs. After having a child, I see the attraction, though I never had one.

I did talk to a M. with one on her little guy and she informed me that you have to get the RIGHT one because some of them will FLIP THE KID OVER ON THEIR HEAD when you try to help them if they stumble!! You need to get one that will secure in the right place for their center of gravity. Sorry, I am not sure where that is. HTH!

I used these for my twins and I think they're great. so much more relaxing than chasing them all over the place. In fact, I have mine posted on Craigslist right now if you want one ...

I have thought of them off and on but now with my two boys I have never actually used one, just seemed like chaining an animal to me I guess. My oldest son got lost at a carnival once and after that I thought long and hard about it for big crowds, the airport etc, but I still never did it. I actually read up on crowd safety tips and upped my parenting skills. I do know a couple that harness their daughter all the time and she seems fine with it. The harness is like her little backpack and she is not mal-adjusted or anything that I can see. A lot of people think my husband and I are over the top on the protectiveness bc at church for instance we don't let our 4 yr old just go out to the playground with the other kids on his own, he can go if there is some teen or adult we know and trust that has specifically said they are going to be watching him. I know it's church and everyone should be wonderful, but you know what there are woods behind, predators can try to hide in a group of fantastic folks and at the end of the day he is our child to protect and raise. When I see a child on a harness I don't think bad of the parent I have just always felt weird about doing it myself. Good luck!

I say go for it and do not listen to others. It is a good way to get him used
to walking independently.