"harnesses" on young children

[Niecyboo]

I thought they were horrible, too, until my sister brought up a point that I have never noticed anyone else use. When we are holding a child's hand, our arm is in a very natural position hanging down, but when a child is holding an adult's hand, their arm is usually raised at an angle that can get uncomfortable after a while. If you have a strap attatched to their wrist and yours, they can hold their arm at a natural angle as well. Can you imagine walking around all day with your arm raised above your head?

We have brought harnesses to WDW before, but didn't use them a lot, since the stroller was our main toddler transportation, and putting the harness off and on was time consuming. Still, we were glad we had them. On other occasions, though, we found them a lifesaver (Esp. the day after Thanksgiving at Mall of America).

[kadesha]

my kids had them last year when we went and they were a lifesaver!!! They had the ones that look like backpacks and you could snap the "leash" part on if necessary. They were absolutely wonderful!! I didn't need them this year, but they are great if you have young kids who like to get out of the stroller for a bit!

[snifflesmcg]

Those kid leashes? I personally don't like the idea of kid leashes just because it just feels like you're walking your dog instead of being a parent. I would say it's a waste of time, because half the time the kid ends up getting tangled around you (and other guests...which isn't fun), and the fact that some guests are rude and cut the cords.

That's from what I've heard from some parents on some of the boards that I go to.

We have very STRONG feelings AGAISNT child leashes..Thats what they are is leashes. Out of respect for the O.P. and the moderators...Ill just leave it at that.

I agree with these!! I think these "leashes" look horrible! I recently found out that my mother had used them years and years ago on the NJ boardwalk and I screamed at her. Children that aren't able to hold hands or that are too young, especially two year olds, should be put in a stroller.

[murphy1]

I think whatever is easiest for the parent is fine. Incidentally, we went into Jackson Square gift shop at POFQ and they had some there for sale.

[EvilQueen2006]

My child got separated from me coming out of the old "Tarzan Rocks" show. Even though I had taught her to stay put if she gets lost,there were hundreds of people moving in one direction, and she got swept along with them. She was only separated for a few minutes but those few minutes were terrifying for her and for me. I wish she had had a "leash" that day. I did not use them when she was little, and I had the same attitude I have heard here about them. After that day, I will never judge anyone who chooses to do what they can to keep their child safe. You know your child best, you know what your child needs. Don't be scared by how others will judge you as a parent.

Niceyboo had an interesting point about the ergonomics of a child holding an adult's hand for a long period of time. I had never thought about that before.

[crazypoohbear]

I personally don't like them. I never used them on my son's, I just ran after them when needed. And they were fast!

I understand that some people use them and need them and that is their prerogative.

What I find unsettling is that some people use the term "leash" and then say they need them because their children don't "obey the command". This sounds more like dog training than raising children.

My mother raised 8 children, never had to tie any of us down. Just her voice or a LOOK was enough to stop any one of us in our tracks.

My MIL use to tie her kids out in the back yard while she cleaned inside.
I didn't like hearing this either.
BUT for the most part everyone turned out okay

Until someone has spent a day in your shoes with your kids they really should not judge.

[merlinmagic4]

I thought they were horrible, too, until my sister brought up a point that I have never noticed anyone else use. When we are holding a child's hand, our arm is in a very natural position hanging down, but when a child is holding an adult's hand, their arm is usually raised at an angle that can get uncomfortable after a while. If you have a strap attatched to their wrist and yours, they can hold their arm at a natural angle as well. Can you imagine walking around all day with your arm raised above your head?

Now, that is a valid, interesting point that I had never considered. How awful that must feel! I have never used them but I also think it might be better than sitting in a stroller all the time. I tend to not use strollers either in my day to day comings and goings (we def. use them at WDW). He either walks along or I hold him.

[RSGBSG2002]

My son is well behaved and never runs off so I'm fortunate enough not to need a harness or extra measures like that.

Can't say the same for myself, as I actually had a leash. It was a bracelet that fit around my wrist and had a rainbow cord that my mother held. Did I really need it? Yes. I was entirely too independant for my own good before I was five.

So I am all for them when they are needed.

[K8screen]

I agree with the previous post. We are not just talking about badly behaved kids running off. Some people, kids and adults, just get so caught up in the moment that they lose track of everyone else. I have a forty something friend who nearly always gets lost when we go anywhere. She just enjoys herself so much that she forgets the rest of us! We have threatened to put her on a leash, but she is such fun to be with we let her off!

[disneynarula]

I am going to get one when we go to WDW with my DS3. He is pretty well behaved and would never run off on purpose. However I can see him getting distracted at a place like WDW. It is also easy to get lost in a crowd.

It is also uncomfortable to hold someone's hand all day long. It can get sweaty.

I hate to strap him in a stroller all day long. I want to give him a chance to stretch his legs and get some independence. I think a harness is the best thing for us.

I can't see how it can harm a child at all. I think they are a great idea!

[MNNHFLTX]

We've never used them, but for those parents who feel that their child might be at risk of suddenly wandering off when they're out of the stroller, I think they might be useful. I agree that animal backpack "harness buddies" are cute and more discreet than the harnesses of old. You can find a good selection of them online at Amazon.

[browneyedgirl12]

I think the harnesses are a good idea. Im sure the child would rather be harnessed to their parent than being lost in such a large place like WDW.

[TexasPrincessAurora]

With the world in the state it is today, you do what you have to do to keep your child safe...even in a relatively safe place like WDW. If a harness will help you keep your child close by and accounted for, then it is serving it's purpose. Personally we used it on one or two trips with DS, but once he got to be 3 he refused to wear it anymore. He was happier holding hands and was much better staying right next to someone. You just have to do whatever will work for your child and keep them with you and safe.

[TiggerRPh]

I personally can't stand them....I've never used one or thought of using one on any of our three kids.

IMO...if they can wander off that easily...they go in the stroller and only get out to get into a ride or an attraction.

[Grim Grinning Marathon Runner]

I think the point about ergonomics is great! Our Olivia is pretty small for her age, so add to the bad body mechanics of her having to stretch upwards that mommy and daddy have to stoop down to hold her hand. I never thought about that, but it just can't be that great on your spine.

I thank you all for keeping this civil. My wife and I were APPALLED at the harnesses when we went to Disney before we adopted our daughter. Now, we see things a little differently. Our daughter is fairly well behaved, but she's a normal two year old - she gets excited about things. I was looking in the children's book section of a book store, and she got out of my sight for a split second. In that split second, horrible things went through my mind, and I saw her just a few feet away. There was no one else in the section where I was.

Consider that Disney has tens of thousands of people, and that could spell nightmare. We're trying to accept that we can use the harnesses for safety reasons, but we're still a little bit on the "how can you do that" side. I guess you have to look at it from the child's perspective, as Walt would.

[TiggerRPh]

It is also uncomfortable to hold someone's hand all day long. It can get sweaty.

That's why you hold their wrist...not their hand.

We've gone to WDW probably 20 times with the kids....never used one...never felt the need. Strap them into the stroller while we're wandering the park...and either carrying them or holding onto them else where.

[Melanie]

We used a harness one time, and it just wasn't for us. It lasted maybe once a day. We never used strollers either, except on one trip to WDW when our youngest was just 3. They weren't wanderers. The newer styles are cute and I wouldn't be opposed to them if needed.

On the holding the wrist thing, I just won't do that to my kids. I have vivid (bad) memories of my dad doing that to me as a kid. It's not comfortable, at least how he did it.

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Kids are kids.
2) Pets are pets.
3) Hand holding is for kids.
4) Leases are for pets.

[Jenemmy]

1) Kids are kids.
2) Pets are pets.
3) Hand holding is for kids.
4) Leases are for pets.

Regarding #4.....Ya know, my dog has been asking for his own place, but we told him he probably couldn't get a lease.....

Tee hee hee -- SORRY -- couldn't resist!

[mttafire]

1) Kids are kids.
2) Pets are pets.
3) Hand holding is for kids.
4) Leases are for pets.

Finally, The MOST perfect answer. Simple and to the point. No political correctness, Just a completely accurate answer.