OT - child harness - what are your thoughts?

[~Melissa~]

Originally Posted by vba2c0105

had a bit of a google, this is what i was trying in vain to describe
http://www.twinsuk.co.uk/product.php?id=100387

Strolli rider

How cool is that ??? My girls would love one of those!!!

[johT]

milly - i couldnt fit a double pram in my boot if i wanted too - but it was all good as i discovered slings instead! newbie went in sling, older dd in pram

[Emma]

What an interesting discussion

Just so I can contribute, my friend reluctantly decided to try a harness because she lives in Tokyo with her bolter DS. (Apparently there are lots of roads with no footpaths where pedestrians walk inside a painted line on the road?) She can't wear her two year old because of her bad back and Tokyo is not a pram/ stroller friendly city. She had one of those monkey backpacks and her DS loves it. Until he figured out that when his mum holds the tail her can't bolt He insists on wearing it all the time, but also insists on holding the tail. I'm not sure of the exact time frame of it, but it worked as a harness for less than a week.

[KristyMum]

I just need suggestions of how to keep my child safe, apart from harness and stroller, has anyone got suggestions for a 19 month old?
holding hands doesn't work, either does reasoning

politics of why and why not are great, and what I asked for, but I need practical solutions because I have a 19 month old who was missing for 5 mins yesterday
anyone who has had a child go missing knows that feeling

just figured I would ask again so that this doesn't become a political debate and I have no ideas/answers on how to deal with my very real problem (bit selfish of me)

PMd and bumped this bit up for you

[~Milly~]

Joh,

I have a babbasling (sp?) and have no idea how to use it LOL - I got it when DD was born as a gift and I'm not sure I was doing it right so I used it maybe 3 times. I felt she was a bit too curled up in it where her back was arched too much, but have since found a store that can show me... so I will defiantely be trying it out when bubs comes and will take the baby and sling with me to get some advice!

There was a stall at the expo which I should have gone too, but DD was such a rat I forgot all about it in the end. They would have explained it much easier, but I figured it would be better to try out with an actual baby rather than a doll

[~Gullygirl~]

I have never used one, personally don't like the idea of them. To be honest, Jack was a runner, but it was a phase that passed. Now he goes most places holding my hand. He learnt quickly that if he ran he was buckled into the pram or picked up and carried (required lots of strength on my part, as you know Tanya, he is big, I am small lol). He soemtimes still runs but I am vigilant in wathcing his every move, even if it is peripheral and its rarely an issue. I have let him feel the fear of not seeing me (froma safe distance, I could see him, it ahd to be in an unfamiliar place too) and he now runs to me if he feels I am not close enough yelling "hold mummy's hand!!!"
I certainly don't judge anyone who uses them, but I think there might be other more effective ways to keep kids safe in these circumstances, which are probably different solutions for every one lol. Not much help am i?

[johT]

milly slings with wider shoulders might be more comfy for you....

babies have no problem being 'squashed' up in the sling as its similar to how the are in the womb - its actually the rigid (popular) BB baby carriers where they hang by the crotch that is bad for their spine and pelvic bones

maybe you can look at their website? there are lots of good babywearing sites with reviews of slings, explaining the different types of slings, and also telling of all the benefits of them if you want some links let me know

[kyton]

Tanya, my thoughts when I was reading this whole thread was that it sounded like forethought on your part for your upcoming trip. I could only imagine how excited your little one will become with all the new sights and experiences in India. I don't think that anyone would judge you for using whatever means you need to keep him safe. From what you see and read about India the traffic - both pedestrian and motor - seems to be out of control so any safety issues need to be ironed well before your trip. I personally think that harnesses have their uses - like everything - in a safe and controlled environment.

[mumstheword]

Originally Posted by Emilysmumma

The one I have considered was the type that look like a backpack, wiht a long tail for the cord.

I am currently trying to get hold of one of these ones but can only find them on ebay unless i want to travel 4 hours to get one.

[adalheid]

wow this is an old thread hehe

Ashton was/is a runner and I ended up buying him a plain harness from our local baby shop (mumstheworld this shop has those type of harness, looks like a monkey or a dog backpack)

I really don't like them but had to do something he was getting to much (strollers and slings he didnt like)
anyway glad to say we have only had to use it a few times and Ashton thought it is much better to walk with mum tho we do have a few slip ups I just mention would he like to put the harness on and he rethinks about running off... ok I know in a way I'm threating him I dont like doing it but sometimes its a lot safer and has to be done (was a god sent when Ethan was a tiny bub)