WDYT - Backpack Harness

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

I'm sure i've seen a thread before but for the life of me can't find it but i was wondering what everyone thinks of the backpack harnesses for kids?

Personally i always thought i would NEVER put a leash on my kids, more the ones that were JUST a harness and nothing else.

BUT recently i've been thinking about them more and more for outings with both girls.
We have the double pram and both girls are generally happy sitting in the pram but when we go to places like the Zoo or the Healsville meet DD1 wants to get up and run around.

Now we're going to the Zoo Meet in Sept and i was thinking as it's just me (well and all other mumma's) that it might be easier to have the backpack as an option, and slip the handle on the pram if she wants to walk.

I really don't want one of the fluffy animal ones but i have seen ones that look like a 'normal' backpack, she could put her drink and some snacks in there and i would have piece of mind that she's ok.

The problem: DP does not want our daughter 'wearing a leash'

So what does everyone else think of them?

[OceanPrincess]

Can of worms ZF... Can of worms! Be prepared for a whole raft of responses...

I have one for DD. I hated the idea of it but my fearless DD runs. And I was too terrified to not have one. I just wanted to keep her safe.

But I haven't used it in ages. She's old enough now to understand a bit better.

The only problem I found with using them at places like the zoo is if they dart off into the crowd, it becomes a bit useless really as you have to drop it and give chase through all the people!

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

WARNING: This is open to OPINIONS ONLY, please DO NOT comment on another persons opinion without thinking first, there are other HUMANS on the other side of the screen and whilst i understand not everyone is going to agree i DO NOT want people picking on, belittling or bullying anyone else for their OPINION.

I see both sides of the story, i never wanted a LEASH for my child either but SAFETY COMES FIRST and this might be what i need.

OP - You've seen A first hand now, she's fearless and while she's never really been a 'bolter' i want to give her a little freedom with the option to walk around without me having to worry too much about her, i can hook it onto the pram or hold it.
I was thinking of just the plain backpack for her as then it's a little more 'practical' as she grows as opposed to having a cow or monkey stuck to her back

[Jennifer13]

I agree with your DP. It must be tricky with two, but they do learn not to run off in the majority of cases. I'd try teaching her that first before the meet and see how you go. Start small, somewhere where you can keep an eye on her and spend the time reinforcing your message.

This is from a mother whose DD would not sit in the pram from 12 mths as she wanted to walk. waaaay before she understood how to control the power of freedom! LOL

[Frantelle]

I think that they are a good idea. I will be using one for my ds. Do they sell plian ones?

[HotI]

I don't really like the idea either, but i recently bought one! I get the impression that my LO is going to be a runner. She looks all innocent, but watches out for doors to be open and then Wham- she is off! For now, i can get to her before she goes too far, but when my Mum is looking after her OR she gets faster (or i get slower) i have to go for safety rather than looks. I haven't used the backpack yet, except around the house for DD to get used to it, but have it there.

[Arimeh]

I'd never get one for my kids - haven't needed one so far even if I take them all out, so I doubt that will change

[Emma09]

I have one. The animal backpack kind.
Because I only have the one LO, I use it- slip the loop over my wrist, and hold her hand at the same time.
I'm not leading her around like a dog, but I have it for extra safety.
However, if DD wanted to go one way- and I wanted to go the other way, she would just sit down on the floor anyway- harness or no harness.

[zap]

I bought them but never used them! I think is really is a safety thing more than anything else.

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

Jennifer13 - thanks hun, it's not that she bolts and she's ok at listening when we do walk somewhere but it's more for my peace of mind, she's going through her 'won't listen to anyone' stage and I don't want to be ditching DD2 to chase DD1.

I've never wanted 1 before and personally always thought if you can't control your kid don't go out but I know as a parent kids change our minds all the time it's also wring if me to judge that way.

I'm still in 2 minds


Sent from my iPhone, more than likely while I should be doing something else!

[kelebek]

I personally don't like them but I only have one My SIL got one for her little DD and it is sooo cute, her DD loves to wear and calls it her pretties I will see if I can get a photo for you and put it on facebook.

It is sooo cute that if DS was younger and there was a boy equivalent I would consider one for him.

[Babyluv]

I don't see the problem with them. If you're teaching your LO about safety & not running off etc what's the harm in using one in the meantime. My sister had one for her LO for a cruise they went on.

[FabFiona]

I don't love them but my DS1 is a runner. He thinks it's funny to bolt away. Now that I'm managing him and DS2 I think I will buy one. Whilst they are not ideal I'd rather him wear one than be squashed by a car.




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[little_mrs]

I'm all for them. My mum had one for both me and my brother when we were going thru our 'explore everything' stages and i cannot express enough how they literally saved our lives more than once. Yes she had rude people approch her and ask if her "children do tricks aswell" but let's face it, we've all seen a toddler go running past us in the shops with mum 10 paces behind. It would take half a second for someone to grab that child and disappear before mum caught up, and then there's the danger of roads ect... I think they give the kid some freedom to walk on their own while halving the risks, I will definitely be using one when DD finds her feet.

[krysalyss]

With a lead and harness your child has far more freedom than if they are in the pram. Dogs are on leads so they can have a walk and explore while still being within safety range. This is the same thing. For me it is about giving them some independence and not about controlling them. They can walk around but can't go too far. They are happy, you are happy. If you were going to put a collar on her on the other hand………

[Babyluv]

I'm all for them. My mum had one for both me and my brother when we were going thru our 'explore everything' stages and i cannot express enough how they literally saved our lives more than once. Yes she had rude people approch her and ask if her "children do tricks aswell" but let's face it, we've all seen a toddler go running past us in the shops with mum 10 paces behind. It would take half a second for someone to grab that child and disappear before mum caught up, and then there's the danger of roads ect... I think they give the kid some freedom to walk on their own while halving the risks, I will definitely be using one when DD finds her feet.

I absolutely agree

[blessedatlast]

I'm another one who is in 2 minds about them. The thought of having my child "on a leash" disgusts me to be honest, but if I had a runner, I would consider it. I would hope for me it would be a last resort alternative and with one child I probably wouldn't see the need, however I totally get that with 2, if your chasing one, who's watching the other. So I think if you are comfortable with it then do it. It is better than a child being put in danger..

[indie24]

DD is a runner so we have one. She likes to run when you have things in your hand and it makes it harder for you to catch her. We are at the stage though that she wears it as a backpack and if she continues to run I will use the strap part to hold. She doesn't like that so will stay close by.