WDYT - Backpack Harness

[Little Chicken]

I have one (two actually), they are great. DD1 wants to walk everywhere now and trying to hold her hand while pushing the pram is very hard. She loves it. It gives her the freedom to walk around away from mummy for a bit (arms length really) and I know she can't run away. She is more a sitter then a runner but I can't take that risk. I have the fluffy animal kind and they do have a small zip up pocket on them to store stuff. I don't think they are at all leash like.

[Beach Mama]

I think they are great, we don't use them ourselves but my parents have a bear backpack one for DS - he isn't a runner, but can take off suddenly at times and my dad is getting on a bit and not as fast so they feel it is a great way to get out and make sure he stays safe.

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

but can take off suddenly at times and my dad is getting on a bit and not as fast so they feel it is a great way to get out and make sure he stays safe.

This is the other thing, DP's mum has the girls on and off and now we know carseats fit in his dads car i was thinking maybe they can start organising some 'outings' together, the girls are very well behaved for Nanna & Grandpa BUT with DD1 wanting to walk more and more i was thinking this might be a good option.
When we went to the market recently DP's dad get's a little pre-occupied and while DD1 is not running away he stops and forgets to check she's still with him.
Having the backpack would mean when he stops she realises. IYKWIM.

[Cranky Kitten]

I'm another that didn't like them until DD did the dash a few times and I could start to appreciate why some would feel more secure having that option there - though they didn't have the cute little backpack ones when DD was small, more's the pity. I might've bought one then.

Ultimately safety comes first and for most, they're a temporary measure until kidlet learns to listen to mummy and to temper the impulsiveness enough to be trusted not to run off.

[SammyRo]

My mum bought me one after DD did the dash in Bunnings and I was 36 weeks pg with DS - I had trouble catching her. Mum's reasoning was that if she did a dash, I would have to leave the pram to give chase, and thats not an ideal situation. It proved useful for about 6months, as I often take the kids on my own to the city, so it was just a bit of reassurance. But I still taught her the "rules" as such for when we're out and about, and after about 6months, we stopped using it. Although, its still in the car, and quite often, she'll request to wear it if she spots it lol! We're off to Hong Kong next year, and I'll take it with us - even though she'll be almost 4, I'm just imagining how busy the streets will be so an extra precaution.