Toddlers on a Leash--Sit, Katherine, Sit

on October 24, 2008 at 1:27 PM

Eddie Bauer 2-in-1 Harness

Child safety harnesses have come a long way. Remember parents walking their children in those glorified dog leashes? I'm sure there are still a few kicking around. I never used one, but there were times I wish I had. Too many close calls with my tots wandering away at the fair, or slipping through my grasp in the parking lot.

I saw a toddler wearing one of these less-obvious versions the other day, and thought it was kinda cute. Then I started investigating and found lots of different options. One company even designs a double harness for twins that comes in 12 colors to blend with your tyke's wardrobe, including Woodland Camo and Berry, as well as a hands-free version that mom can attach to her belt.

A number of gals in the Toddler Moms group swear by gear like this stuffed animal harness.

Of course, the critics are out there: The children are being treated like animals; parents are too lazy to teach their children how to listen; the practice stifles a child's independence, etc. Here's an article by one mom who vehemently opposes harnesses. Definitely food for thought.

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: gear, safety, summer vacations, travel, twins & more

Comments (24)

mamak57

on Oct 24, 2008 at 2:42 PM

better a harnessed child than a dead one who got away and ran into traffic. i love the cute harness they have now. i just used a stuff animal and a long rope.

Report this comment

MAyers

on Oct 24, 2008 at 4:05 PM

My brother always yells at me when I put my 2 y/o in her harness. If it is just me and her walking I dont b/c I can pay attention to just her. But when we take my youngest DD whose 10 months, I can't just pay attention to my oldest so I do keep her in one. I don't do it b/c I'm lazy or anything like that, I do it too keep my oldest safer.

NewArmyMom2008

on Oct 24, 2008 at 5:47 PM

I had 3 boys, and had a leash for all 3 of them!! I had one that loved to run off, and got a leash that was attached to me. I always new where he was !! Better a harnessed one, than a dead one!!

pwebster12

on Oct 24, 2008 at 11:01 PM

I haven't had to use one yet but if I ever feel I need to in the future then I won't hesitate, my daughters safety is my number one concern and if people don't like it I don't care... Before I had a baby I thought they were terrible but I had absolutely no idea back then.

evythecute

on Oct 25, 2008 at 1:06 AM

i use a small wrist leash as a "time out" wile we are out and about. if she is being crazy and trying to run off a bunch. i just put it on for a couple minute then tell her she can have it off if she is good and stays by mama. it usually works. but i am lucky i only have one and she is a pretty good one at that!

i am definitely not opposed to them for crowded places! like a fair or disneyland. if we ever go to a real crowded place with Evy i will get her one of the harnesses! i saw one for little girls that was like a little across the chest purse that had a leash that could clip to it! if i ever need one that is what i will get. most people wouldn't even notice u had your kid on a leash.

aidensema

on Oct 25, 2008 at 9:28 AM

i use our puppy or monkey harness at the mall. i see nothing wrong with it. i have gotten nasty looks, compliments and a wow. i have never seen one of those before!! i dont care as long as my son is safe

mykidsmommy

on Oct 25, 2008 at 10:09 AM

I used one with my oldest but honestly never thought about using one with my 2 year old until recently. I'm planning on buying one, just haven't gotten around to it yet. :)

bfly2000

on Oct 25, 2008 at 11:07 AM

I bought mine at walmart when my daughter was 13 months, I like it.

sweettigeress

on Oct 25, 2008 at 10:26 PM

I have a puppy dog one made by the same people who made the teddy in the picture. My DD loves it. I don't know what I'd do without it.

AndreaOkeefe

on Oct 26, 2008 at 7:47 PM

I have a harness/leash that has a wrist wrap for him and a loop for me to hold. It makes it easier when he doesn't want to hold my hand while crossing the street, etc. Gives him a bit of freedom, yet he can't run away. Not too long ago, he ran from the pet store where he was looking at pets with my husband...across the mall hall to the Verizon store, where I was completing the paperwork for new cell phones. Very scary....He's much faster than my husband.