Kid's Leash/Harness

What are your opinions on them and using them?

I'm asking because there was a debate on my FB earlier this morning and a few mothers said that their children weren't animals and will not put a "leash" on them. A few of the other mothers said it's actually called a harness and it's useful especially if you have a LO that needs to sit in the cart because they cannot walk yet or for other reasons. One mother said she used it because her youngest DD wanted to be like her older DD and walk like a "big" girl next to mommy but still had a habit of running off.

Personally, I think they're great and useful for crowded places like state fairs or carnivals. Plus, now they make them with backpacks like a monkey (which DS had) and you're able to put things in the backpack (not very much but like spare clothes and a cup).

So, I just wanted your opinions on them.

I don't put my child on a leash, but she's the only one I have to chase after. If I had a bunch of little munchkins running around, I might leash them. It's hard to say. I can understand why someone would do it. Kids can disappear so quickly in a crowded area.

I'd rather use one than have to chase my kid around for hours every time we go out.

I dont and wouldnt use one but I have an only child who loves strollers, wagons, etc.

I'd use one when I deemed necessary, like in huge crowds, etc.

I think it would depend on the child...I'm not going to make a final judgement yet, since I do not want to end up eating my words once I actually have children, but I would probably use one if my child had a tendency to run off in a public place. That way the freedom would still be there, but you could still keep an eye on your little one.

I used one and I loved it!!! I didn't use it because I didn't trust my child, I used it because I didnt trust OTHER people. A lot harder to sneak off with a kid when it's attached to me! lol

Quoting Mrs. Reynolds:" I used one and I loved it!!! I didn't use it because I didn't trust my child, I used it because I didnt trust OTHER people. A lot harder to sneak off with a kid when it's attached to me! lol"

Good point! I've never thought about it that way.

I see nothing wrong with them. It's better to have one than not and your child running off and something horrible happening to them. I needed one as a child. I was wild as all hell.

i wouldnt use it to keep my child from running off because DS knows better and DD isnt walking yet but i would use it to help keep them close at the zoo or something just so it would slow down someone who may try to grab my kids

i would use one if my child was a runner and tried running !! i had one for my son but he never needed it and would try to take it off!

That and I have a really screwed up short term memory from an accident. I have walked away from my cart with my purse in it a few times, even took someone else's cart on accident and didn't realize it for a whole aisle! So it would help me avoid doing that with a new baby LOL

Quoting Mrs. Reynolds:" I used one and I loved it!!! I didn't use it because I didn't trust my child, I used it because I didnt trust OTHER people. A lot harder to sneak off with a kid when it's attached to me! lol"

exaclty you cant trust people!

I wouldn't use one.

I find them useful when used properly. There are places that I go where a stroller or other device is either prohibited or more trouble than it's worth such as the farmer's market or baseball stadium. I'd rather be judged for being a "lazy" parent for having my child on a leash with freedom than being judged for my kid running off.

I've used a leash for my oldest only. I haven't had the need to for my daughter, but they have different personalities.

Now I totally get why people would be against them. The other day I saw a girl (I wouldn't call her a woman in any way, shape, or form regarless of the fact she had a kid) DRAGGING her kid around by a leash. I was like wtf, you give us all a bad name.