OT - child harness - what are your thoughts?

[Jeni]

Yup, I used a harness regularly for Dyllan.. major runner (and hider!). He never protested to the harness so I was happy to use it. Havn't needed with JD as i just dont go places anymore! lol

One time I did need a harness I used my wrap... I used one of the wrap to strap to JD in front cross carry style, and then used the other end to hold.. I actually thought it heaps better then a standard harness as it fit him properly and really supported his cheast.

You could try getting say two or three meters of spunky flannellette and hemming it up at about 25cm wide and use that .... lol actually.. I might try whipping something up now....

[KristyMum]

Child harnesses - like the walking reins type thing...what are your thoughts on them?

I posted my thoughts in a thread elsewhere (and at request posted detailed reasoning), Jeni knows the thread I mean
suffice to say I strongly disagree with them, personally.

[Lexi]

Oh I feel for you! We have a little bolter here as well & it scares the crap out of me. I've dragged her out from under the racks at Spotlight by her ankles (she runs and hides!) & is just generally a nightmare to take out to those kind of places. Alot of the time it's just easier to not go out, but that's a bit sad too!

My paticular fear is her bolting at a train station and falling on the tracks or onto a road and being hit by a car.

If we walk hand-in-hand I usually end up holding her around the wrist in a bit of a death vice, as they can slip out of your grip so easily. So that's not very nice either.

I have definately considered a harness for when we'll need to catch the train regularly next year. I don't know, I'm so undecided as I think they're a fairly awful concept, but am so scared of her getting hurt. At the moment we use a stroller to keep her contained when needed, but it's not convenient for a lot of small shops/aisles - so that's always tricky.

In a dangerous situation you just need to restrain them until they're old enough to use their own judgement. I can explain and model till I'm blue in the face, but sometimes it's all a bit to exciting for her to control herself & I wouldn't really expect that at 2.5 yrs IYKWIM?

I don't know what the answer is....

[betty]

ali, what type is your harness? does it go around the body or wrist?
joh, how do I use the ring sling as a harness?

I like the idea of the wrist ones better, but DS is a master at opeing velcro, so I think he would just take it off

[~karen~]

ooh yes lolly is the fastest bolter i've *ever* seen
we haven't had this issue yet
did consider the alarm ones where if they go more than x distance it alarms
i used to let ally walk but i just can't now - i can't pick her up without suffering terribly for the next 48hours at least (back injury) so i've taken to using the stroller. if it's both of us i use greg (not an option for everyone) and when he takes her out by himself he lets her walk/explore so she still gets to do it just not with me like i used to back when i slung her if she got tired.
i think all you can do is try it, go with his reaction and your gut - you'll soon know if it's right for you
hugs
kaz

[KristyMum]

Betty some people prefer the ones disguised as backpacks... not sure if you know the ones I mean but I'm sure someone will have a link or two for you?

[Emilysmumma]

http://www.jumpingjackflash.com.au/product.php?id=1470

[lesley4]

Here's a link Tanya http://www.safety4baby.co.nz/ though they are in NZ, but you can get them here at Baby shops. But you can see what they look like.

Cheers

[johT]

last time you posted that link kristy it said it was for forum members only

tanya you just loop the sling around their torso, tightn with the ring and hold onto the tail end of the material...

im curious kristy if you have had a child who is a runner?

i dont like the idea of using them, but found it was a helpful 'tool' to teach jade not to run. as i said, it only took a day, she leant that if she ran off, she would have to wear the 'leash' because she HAD to hold my hand or go in the pram. id explain to her that it's not safe, all that - but she totally didnt 'get it' until i had the 'prop' to show her it had to happen nicely...

[betty]

Originally Posted by Lexi

I can explain and model till I'm blue in the face, but sometimes it's all a bit to exciting for her to control herself & I wouldn't really expect that at 2.5 yrs IYKWIM?

that is the exact situation for us. DS is 19 months and just gets that excited with all the colours and people etc and has to interact with it all.
And like you said, we can't not go out.

Even at playgroups etc he will run towrads the road or the river and i am forever after him.

I'm sure more gentle guidance and discipline may help, but his personality is so inquisitive and interested in everything, I don't want to subdue that too much.