What does everyone think about those toddler harnesses?

[Jodie259]

I wouldn't hesitate to get one.

I was in Ikea once... having lunch in their cafe. I saw two mums with kids... they stopped for a second, and one toddler made a dash... straight through all the chairs & tables & outside into a garden area. The mother was not being neglectful or anything. It happened so quickly! She turned around and had no idea where her child was. You could see the panic on her face. I stood up and got her attention and pointed outside to where her son was.

From that day on (that was about 9 years ago)... I swore that if I ever had children, I wouldn't hesitate to harness them as a small toddler.

Imagine if you child got snatched, or bolted out on to the road into traffic, or simply wandered and got lost & panicked....

It's rare that you can always have another adult with you when you go out... and you can be trapped in your home because you can't go out alone with two kids. Both mothers & kids need to get out and see other environments, do some shopping, go to doctors etc.

I don't care what people think. As far as I'm concerned... a harness is keeping your child as close to you as possible whilst still giving them their independence. They can't get lost or snatched.

Toddlers want to walk - and I don't think it's fair to have them in a pram or trolley all the time. What's the difference there - you're just strapping/restraining them in the pram/trolley?

I was at the baby expo yesterday... and saw those backpacks. For the life of me, I can't find the brochure on it... nor remember the name. But I'm sure it's something like goldbugs? that stock them? If I come across the brochure today - I'll post again with the name.

FOUND IT --- company is called Goldbug. There is a monkey, puppy, bear, unicorn, cow & pony!!!! They are based in Melbourne... but if you were to contact them (by phone or email) they could tell you where to buy them - or maybe sell direct.