Child backpack leash?

[madyryn]

Does anyone use those monkey backpack things to keep a hold of their kids in crowded places? When I used one on my 3 yr old when we went to the Fair, some people looked at me funny. I really dont think there is anything wrong with using them in places where there are alot of people. Its just to risky to trust him to stay right with us, maybe by next summer he might listen enough!
thanks!

[Disco Lemonade]

Many people think it is weird to put your child on some sort of leash like a dog. I on the other hand say, I dont care what they think as long as my child is SAFE and in sight, besides those teddy bear one's are adorable.

[kaiya23]

I always thought it was strange to use a leash type contraption on a child. But considering what happens to kids, I understand how it can cause a parent to feel the need for it. I think I'd prefer to use a stroller, even if the child is on the older side. It keeps them from getting over tired and then cranky because they've had to walk everywhere, gives them a place to sleep if they do get tired, and you can keep them contained. Now, I only have a 15 month old daughter who walked herself out of the day care without holding my hand for the first time today, so I'm at the start of this phase of life. But I would think that by the time they are too old for a stroller, they are also too old for a "leash" and probably are old enough to know to stay close to you at all times.

Like I said though, I'm just starting with the part of life where my child can escape from me...I'm still learning.

[madyryn]

I just dont look at them like dog leashes. it keeps my son safe with me and thats all I care about it!

[Melinda_Jane]

i personally will not use one on my children, but i dont think theres anything wrong with other parents using them if it works well for them then great, i just dont like it personally jmo.

[gostomskiart]

I have no problem with these and if my daughter proves to be a child who takes off (like my sister who would b-line to the nearest gumball machine - lol) then I'll use one too.

These "leashes" have actually been around for ages, I think they come and go in style. My mother remembers wearing one at a young age so they have been used before as early as the 40's/50's.

Bottom line (to me) is if it keeps your kid safe and you feel better with one then why not?

[APEMBERTON]

They Do Look Funny Sometimes But I Think They Are A Very Good Invention. If You Need To Use It. I Don't Want To Use It On My Kid , But I'm Not Going To Say Never. My Mom Used The Wrist One On Me...well She Tried Apparently I Learned How To Get It Off Fast.lol. If It Works For You Don't Worry About What Everybody Else Says. I Think You Are Being A Good Mother By Keeping Him Close!!

[lena241]

I have used one with my DD. I didnt use the harness though, ours came with a wrist strap, and we just used that. Most times we had the stroller with us, but she would want to walk. It gave me peace of mind, and her a little freedom.

I never cared what anyone thought, when I used it. I knew she was safe, and that is all that mattered.

[babydomrocks]

I remember getting lost in Sea World, in California when I was like 3. Other than that, my mom used a leash on all three of us kids. I think the way it looks and the looks you get from other people doesn't outweigh the fact that you could lose your child, or the fact that they could be kidnapped. I agree with the stroller thing, but what about when you have an independent child who wants to walk. My husband and I disagree on the issue of leashes, but I know I will be using one when my baby starts walking

[1st Time Mom - Again]

We live on a busy major road (55MPH) and when my daughter was 2 she took off toward the road and ignored my calling her back. In fact, she was giggling as hard as she could because Mommy was chasing her. (One of only 3X in her life I found it necessary to spank.) That was 20 years ago when I was fairly young and even then chasing her down was not easy (BOY, can toddlers move fast!)

20 years later and 20 years older, I know that chasing down a toddler who is determined to run is going to be much more difficult. At home, not too bad, but in public, much too easy to get seperated from my son.

I'm definitely getting a harness when he is old enough. I like the harness better than the wrist lead because it is less likely to pull the child off-balance and it offers more control while the "backpack" seems more like a toy to the child. Just my opinion.