OT - child harness - what are your thoughts?

[betty]

Child harnesses - like the walking reins type thing
has anyone used one? what are your thoughts on them?
I don't really like them, but think I might need to get one.

the story
DS is a runner. Usually I put him in the stroller if we are going to be more than 5 mins, but today at spotlight we were only going to be a few minutes so i let him walk while holding me hand.
At one point though he ripped himself free and run down and aisle, I went after him and he was gone I did a circle around where we were and no DS I called him, no response. I ran around but there were shoppers everywhere and no sign of him.

I quickly dropped the stuff I had and went out the front and he was playing in the car ride we looked at on the way in (obviously he felt he hadn't had enough time in it). I was so happy to see him but so annoyed as he always runs off, but never out of sight before.
A metre from where he was, are the automatic doors that lead to the carpark, he could have gone out there.

So either I get one to use or he needs to always be in the stroller. He isn't happy to be carried either.

[Ali]

if you want one, I've got one I'm not using, happy to send it to you. I tried them with my first (who's 11 now LOL) he continually ran off at the shops and thought it was hilarious.
I must confess, he hated it, and every time I put the thing on him he just sat down and refused to move until I undid it again - so it never really got any use LOL
Yes, he was a stubborn little one.
I think if he will appreciate the freedom of walking and not react too badly to them they can be great.

Luckily for me, my other two are both very different personalities, and don't generally run anywhere!

ALi

[Emilysmumma]

We have considered these, and I dont mind the idea (DF hates it).

I see it as a safty thing. I dont like Em more than 2m from me when out, but she can be so quick and wiggly!

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

[megsie]

we have the same prob with tully at the moment tanya. She does runners alot. She loves to walk but i try to make sure she is by me or holding hands if on the street. it can be hard though esp holding asher too. Lach and i joke about getting a harness but i've never liked them. I have seen ones where they just attach to child's hand which might be a bit better.

My friend told me a funny story about a girl she knew who used to put her daughter in one and herdaughter would get down on the ground and bark like a dog. how embarassing

[Leah]

Geez Tanya glad you found him safe, its a terrible feeling isn't it!

Before I had Eliza I always thought those harnes things were horrid, but now I at least understand why some people have to use them. If you have a child who is a bolter it's better than them getting run over or lost or taken IMO.

Our rule is hold hands or you are in the pram! (if we are not using the ergo) It took one tantrum at the shops and now its all cool

You can get one that is like a backpack that looks like a monkey and the monkey tail is the lead (for want of a better word). Maybe a bit nicer than that harness or wrist ones??

[johT]

yep they look awful but have their place
similar thing happened to jade as to ali's story - she hated it, cried and refused to walk - she really wanted the freedom of running off, lol. so she had to learn that safety is not a compromise, mummy says pram or walk holding my hand (used with the 'leash' for a day) - well she hated the leash so she co-operated...

ETA we had a crappy wrist one coz it was cheaper..

[MadMumof3]

Well i musta dmit we have to use a wrist strap with Liam. he bolts and has from day one. he is ok with it and is fine . took a few weeks but its better than him running off.

the wrist straps still give them the feeling of just holding hands and we still get liam to hold our hand on the pram its more for those times when he forgets to hold on and runs off.

kaelin well he is happy in the pram or being carried atm. and when he walks he is soo slow you can still catch him. though when he decides he doesnt want to be in the pram or be carried it will be his turn to use the writ strap so we are using it a little now to get him used to it.

the wrist straps are about $7 and are well worth it imho.

hth

[~Miss Cinders~]

My thoughts...

If it's going to save your child from getting lost or being hurt (or something alot worse) they are worth every penny.

I have a velcro arm strap one. One end goes on the youngin, the other to me. However I used it when the older three were littlies. I had the youngest IN the pram, and the older two walking either side of the pram. I would put a wrist band one one walking child, wrap it round and round the pram handle over to the other side, and then attach it to the second child. So they were both attached to the pram. I never once had a runaway while out

Some people made comments about it being inhumane to "tie up" my kids. I seen it as mine were right where they were supposed to be.... pity about the person who made the comment... her's would run amuk through department stores, and even run away when she was out shopping!! So who had the better idea??

[MadMumof3]

i get soo many comments the opposite Donna ppl comment that the wrist straps are a great idea cos the kids still can walk far enough away that they can adventure to an extent but not run off

[johT]

do you have a ring sling tanya?
you can also use them as harnesses?