4.5 yrs ago when there was not the back pack ones around, I had the walking harness for dd2, this was my last resort, just before christmas when she stripped naked and ran around kmart, she was so tiny she could slide under the stands etc, after 30 min chassing her and everyone laughing I finnally got hold of her and dressed her, marched straight out to myers and brought one there. She wore it for about 3 months till she learnt to hold my hand and not run off. I used it by having the lead bit over my wrist so when she pulled out of my hand I could catch her before she ran off.

I got alot of negative comments but also some positve ones too. I think it is better to be safe than sorry. Resently the same child has started to bolt and as I still have the harness, I used it as a threat ie if you keep running off I will get it out again, this stopped her in her tracks.

So I think they are great for safety reasons.