Do you use a backpack "leash" for your child?

Mrs. Dwigh

If you do, do you get a lot of rude comments from strangers about it?

Answer
Yes we use it occasionally. And I'm going to use it more, as I cannot keep up with my 2 year old as her little baby brother is growing inside of me. :) I'm 27 weeks. I wish I used it at the wic office the other day actually. Definitely taking her monkey backpack harness-aka child leash- with me when we visit Seattle in the next couple weeks. It's actually pretty cute and they can hold like their snacks or a cup in there. :) My daughter will run like crazy anywhere, so it is very handy to keep, I just keep it in the car. I have the tail part wrapped around my wrist and let her hold my hand. Then when she get's her eye on something, she can't run off too far. :)
I haven't really got any rude comments about it but I'll tell you a funny one a little boy made a comment on it. We were in Costco and we had her monkey"leash" on her so she can walk around. Well a little boy in the grocery cart goes. "Mommy! mommy! That girl has a leash on!!" I just smile oh so sweetly, then he looks at my bf and repeats. "she has a leash"... My boyfriend retorts back, "yeah, but you are in a cage!! LMAO!!! kid's face just dropped and his mother and I were laughing hysterically. :)
But I don't care what people think. My daughter's safety and more important than people's opinions. Better safe than sorry.

BTW... A LEASH IS WHAT MOST DOGS WEAR AROUND THEIR "NECK"... just to the people referring these things to walking a dog... :)

Child Harnesses/Leash?

Vaas

Is it just me or is it the funniest s**t you've ever seen? Although I do feel bad about the kids being brought up like that by their parents.

Answer
Feel bad about what? My kid loves his. Don't waste time feeling bad about something he likes. It offers more freedom than holding my hand & he feels like a big boy that he has a backpack on.

I think the funniest s**t I've ever seen is people wasting time feeling bad for kids that wear backpack harnesses rather than feeling sorry for kids whose parents don't care if they run off or leave them at Chucke E. Cheese because they don't keep track of their child. Or feel sorry for the babies screaming baby in a carseat while mom is busy shopping & talking on her cell phone. Don't waste time feeling sorry for my child who is grinning ear to ear & so proud of his backpack. It is a waste of your time..unless you just have nothing better to do, then I guess feel free to waste your time on it. ;)

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Child Harnesses/Leash?

Vaas

Is it just me or is it the funniest s**t you've ever seen? Although I do feel bad about the kids being brought up like that by their parents.

Answer
Feel bad about what? My kid loves his. Don't waste time feeling bad about something he likes. It offers more freedom than holding my hand & he feels like a big boy that he has a backpack on.

I think the funniest s**t I've ever seen is people wasting time feeling bad for kids that wear backpack harnesses rather than feeling sorry for kids whose parents don't care if they run off or leave them at Chucke E. Cheese because they don't keep track of their child. Or feel sorry for the babies screaming baby in a carseat while mom is busy shopping & talking on her cell phone. Don't waste time feeling sorry for my child who is grinning ear to ear & so proud of his backpack. It is a waste of your time..unless you just have nothing better to do, then I guess feel free to waste your time on it. ;)

Need your opinions... Baby 'leashes' ?

Xan & Zaqs

I have a 9 month old that stood for the first time a couple of nights ago, and is beginning to learn to walk.

I decided to post on my Facebook that he had done so, and my father and I had a joke about bringing the leash out.

A girl my age completely went spastic at me calling me a lazy mother and that I should learn to carry my child not restrain them with a leash as this is morally wrong.

I believe that if your child is capable of walking, it won't be long before they can actually get themselves out of their pram, even with restraints on and begin to walk off. The last thing I want is my son to be snatched or hurt because I listened to the taunts of another girl.

Lately, I have been given a leash that is like a backpack on the child, but has a restraint system in case you need to grab the child to stop them running off. Is it wrong to use this, or is at as the other girl said, lazy?

I am also 20 weeks pregnant, and it will be even harder to carry both children, or put them both in a pram.
Exactly, allow them to explore, and follow, do not lead them. =D
The sling would be used to for the second child for a little while, my son is still too young to really run off, but he is a non listener. If he wants to crawl, he will be off, and will not stop, no matter what is in his way, or how much you tell him no.
Spastic was the only word I could really think of.
She is pro abortion and believes that no one under the age of 20 should have kids. She used to be a friend before she began hounding me about how I raise my son.

Answer
my sons 18 months and hates being in his pushchair, he just wants to walk everywhere.

i've had a harness for a while but hadn't had to use it of yet. my son has a genetic condition that effects his eye sight, so when he walked he never let go of my hand because he couldn't see that far ahead of himself.

the last couple of weeks though that's all changed, he's gotten braver and doesn't want to hold my hand anymore. so a harness or "leash" is a must for me, its a god send. he's a bit weary of it, and tugs on it trying to get away, but he's slowly getting used to it.

i've had a few other mothers preach to me about restraining him, i take no notice. i have to use one for my son, he doesn't have good depth perception, doesn't see small steps or curbs til the last minute when he's tripping over them, or know how far cars, people etc are away from him. i can honestly say if my son didn't have his harness on he would have walked out in front of a car by now. and he's a good child and always listens to me, its just he doesn't realize theres danger there, because it cant see it.

i've been told many times by people i should "keep" my son in his pram (by other mothers who know of his condition) but i want my son to grow up with some independence, not matter how little he can see.

even if my son didn't have this condition, i'd still use one. a few years ago a woman was shopping at our local supermarket with her toddler daughter. her daughter was standing right next to her, the woman turned for a second to pay the cashier and when she turned back her daughter had gone, someone had snatched her. luckily security manged to find the person that snatched her right before they left the store. but that story has always stuck with me, if she'd just had a harness on her.

i also agree with previous statements, they should be used to follow while your child investigates, not used to lead your child.

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How do I stop thinking about this?

baby backpack with leash image

Nicole

Today, I was watching my father hold my newborn baby daughter. I realized although I knew he wouldn't dare harm her, any guy could. I have a trust issue with this now and now I don't know how to stop thinking about it. This is vague and impractical, but can someone just give me an answer?

Answer
That's is such a very hard question. You cannot protect her from every guy and from every harm. But you can do your best from the biggies. Always keep her in your sight and within arms reach in public. When she starts walking and you don't have enough hands, it's time for a backpack leash. Know who what when where and why. Get a nanny cam. As she gets older your safety concerns will change and so to will your worries. Remember to pick your battles, some things she will have to learn the hard way, like don't stand on your rocking horse, Others you have to teach that are non negotiable like don't talk to strangers. Worrying for her is normal, but don't let those worries control you and ruin the joy you have with her.

I am flying with my 2 year old boy who is very active and cannot stay standing in line or anything?

septemberk

I would need some tips and advice as to how to keep him occupied in ONE spot while I do my ticketing, go through security, and wait until boarding time. He will not stay in his stroller for long
He is 28 pounds. Should I rather use a baby carrier?

Answer
The best way to go about it would be to bring him lots of entertainment. Books, toys, markers and paper, etc. If you put him in a stroller but he has things to do he should be able to sit there, plus you'd be able to keep track of him easily. But like someone else suggested, you could also get one of those "leashes" which are really just backpacks for the child with a string and handle attached. Here are some inexpensive ones: http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=Child%20Leashes&adid=22222222220018687822&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=b&wl1=g&wl2=&wl3=14210570032&wl4=That way you could keep track of him and he could keep his entertainment in the backpack. And ignore the people who comment that it's "wrong"...it's just a way to keep track of your child! It's not like just because you have one you'll treat them like a dog!

Good luck :)

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Would you use a leash on your toddler?

baby backpack with leash image

I always see the animal backpacks (at the store) with a leash attachment for toddlers. I never see parents using them on their kids. I can understand why these products would be good for parents to be sure they have their kid controlled while walking on the street or whatever. Does anyone ever buy these though?

Answer
We did use one for our oldest son. He was a bolter. In an open space he would run. At 18 months old he was a baby who would scream blue murder if placed in a stroller. Not just when placed in the stroller but for the entire time he was in the stroller. He wasn't at an age where he understood that if he ran off on a busy street that he could get hit by a car. It wasn't something that we dragged him around in. When he was using it we worked on having him hold our hand and not running away. It was a safety precaution for us.

At just shy of 2 years old we were at a doctor's appointment for my 2nd pregnancy. My mother was with us and was holding my son's hand. He slipped her grasp and bolted in a busy carpark to chase a bird. Luckily there were no cars nearby at the time. Being heavily pregnant I couldn't chase him but luckily my mother caught him quickly. If I had been by myself anything could have happened. So we started using a harness. It worked for us and we never had any negative comments at all.

why do some people care more for their dogs then their kids?

kelly

on more then one occasion i have seen people carrying their dogs, Cradling them like babies and toting them around in purses while their toddlers struggle to keep up in those "backpack leashes".
The world is backwards! Whats wrong with those people or am i just old fashioned for thinking the baby should be carried and not the dog?

Answer
Neither should be carried - they both have legs!!

I hate seeing small dogs in bags etc. If you want to do that buy a stuffed dog. Toddlers of 3 and 4 should not be in buggies either. My daughter hs not used a buggy since she was two. She has legs and walking also wears them out so that they sleep better!!

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How do I stop thinking about this?

baby backpack with leash image

Nicole

Today, I was watching my father hold my newborn baby daughter. I realized although I knew he wouldn't dare harm her, any guy could. I have a trust issue with this now and now I don't know how to stop thinking about it. This is vague and impractical, but can someone just give me an answer?

Answer
That's is such a very hard question. You cannot protect her from every guy and from every harm. But you can do your best from the biggies. Always keep her in your sight and within arms reach in public. When she starts walking and you don't have enough hands, it's time for a backpack leash. Know who what when where and why. Get a nanny cam. As she gets older your safety concerns will change and so to will your worries. Remember to pick your battles, some things she will have to learn the hard way, like don't stand on your rocking horse, Others you have to teach that are non negotiable like don't talk to strangers. Worrying for her is normal, but don't let those worries control you and ruin the joy you have with her.

I am flying with my 2 year old boy who is very active and cannot stay standing in line or anything?

septemberk

I would need some tips and advice as to how to keep him occupied in ONE spot while I do my ticketing, go through security, and wait until boarding time. He will not stay in his stroller for long
He is 28 pounds. Should I rather use a baby carrier?

Answer
The best way to go about it would be to bring him lots of entertainment. Books, toys, markers and paper, etc. If you put him in a stroller but he has things to do he should be able to sit there, plus you'd be able to keep track of him easily. But like someone else suggested, you could also get one of those "leashes" which are really just backpacks for the child with a string and handle attached. Here are some inexpensive ones: http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=Child%20Leashes&adid=22222222220018687822&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=b&wl1=g&wl2=&wl3=14210570032&wl4=That way you could keep track of him and he could keep his entertainment in the backpack. And ignore the people who comment that it's "wrong"...it's just a way to keep track of your child! It's not like just because you have one you'll treat them like a dog!

Good luck :)

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What do you think of toddler leashes?

baby backpack with leash image

Love to An

I have always thought toddler leashes were a great idea. Especially with the psychos that are out there, I have no shame in putting one of those on my baby.

Mind you, they are not literally leashes. They look like a backpack in the shape of a teddy bear for the kid to wear, and there is a strap that the parents can hold on to. I don't see why so many people think it's cruel, but I am curious, what do you think?
Wow! It's so interesting to see the different points of view. Thanks everyone.
I don't agree that it's lazy or cruel. I believe that it is cautious.

I mean really, do we put dogs on leashess to tourture them? No. We put them on leashes to keep them from running into the street and getting hit by a truck, for example.

As I said before, they aren't "leashes" per se, tehy are backpacks with a string!

However, I do respect everyone's individual opinion. :)

Answer
People have been using them for years, and no harm has come to any child either physically or mentally. I don't understand how people can have such strong opinions over something so insignificant. There are so many kids being abused and neglected in this world and people get in a huff over these contraptions? When I see them on toddlers I think to myself 'that kid obviously likes to run off!' I would rather see a child in a walking restraint then trapped in a buggy screaming his/her head off getting in a state and stressing his/herself and everyone around because they want to walk like human beings with legs! A restraint can give the child the freedom they obviously need/want in a safe way, everyone knows kids can wriggle free from the grip of a hand, or become distracted by a ball/bird and chase it in to the road. A parent who uses one of these things is allowing their child to experience the world around them in a safe way, and most kids I know seem quite Happy for the experience.

Edit: the people saying 'learn to control your child' children are human beings not animals to be trained and controlled, that statement is more degrading to a child then having them walk in a restraint.

How do I stop thinking about this?

Nicole

Today, I was watching my father hold my newborn baby daughter. I realized although I knew he wouldn't dare harm her, any guy could. I have a trust issue with this now and now I don't know how to stop thinking about it. This is vague and impractical, but can someone just give me an answer?

Answer
That's is such a very hard question. You cannot protect her from every guy and from every harm. But you can do your best from the biggies. Always keep her in your sight and within arms reach in public. When she starts walking and you don't have enough hands, it's time for a backpack leash. Know who what when where and why. Get a nanny cam. As she gets older your safety concerns will change and so to will your worries. Remember to pick your battles, some things she will have to learn the hard way, like don't stand on your rocking horse, Others you have to teach that are non negotiable like don't talk to strangers. Worrying for her is normal, but don't let those worries control you and ruin the joy you have with her.

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Do you think its wrong when people put their children on a leash?

baby backpack with leash image

Spencey

Today I saw someone with their child on a leash. It was one of those backpacks with the leash attached to it. What do you think of these? Are they wrong?

Answer
Leashes are not meant just for dogs. We use them to keep our eyeglasses around our neck, our dogs safe from running off and/or being hit by a car, purse straps are a leash of sorts, some people use a leash on their wallets. If we use this device to protect these material things and our pets, why would we not use them to protect our most precious children?

Children are FAST. In just a fraction of time, they can be chasing a butterfly into the road, or lost in the crowd at a mall, etc. The leashes offer a sense of safety and security for both parent and child.

Holding their hands is extremely uncomfortable. They have to hold their arm at an angle that is not natural, it causes hands to sweat, and it gives them no freedom to explore. The tethers keep them safely at your side without discomfort for either parent or child, and they can still use their hands, etc.

Not everyone needs to use them. I bought them when I took my two older children- then 5 and 7- to Disney World. We did not need them, but had I thought they were necessary Iw oudl have used them in a second. My youngest daughter is 3 and we have not used it with her for a while, but we did- she actually enjoyed it but then again she also went through a phase of crawling around and barking and panting. Just a vivid imagination.

In my opinion, it is not wrong. It is no different than using a baby carrier, stroller, play pen, straps on the seat in the shopping cart, etc.

What's your biggest pet peeve to see other parents doing?

�h�

I have two: baby-talking to their kids (high-pitched voice is fine.... blabbering like an idiot to them isn't) and telling me how to parent.

Answer
I'm probably gonna get a lot of thumbs down for this...

But my number one would be a baby with a bottle of formula crammed in it's mouth... Makes me sick to my stomach!

Parents who use those stupid backpack leashes

Moms who have really sad and distant looking kids and the moms are "perfect" with salon hair and long fake nails. And you and clearly tell they pay no attantion to their kids

Moms who force 2 and 3 year olds to walk every where and would rather yell at them to hurry up than just pick them up.

and parents who completely ignore their kids who are wreaking what ever establishment they are in.

Sorry I have a lot. Bad parents rrrreally get under my skin...

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How do I stop thinking about this?

baby backpack with leash image

Nicole

Today, I was watching my father hold my newborn baby daughter. I realized although I knew he wouldn't dare harm her, any guy could. I have a trust issue with this now and now I don't know how to stop thinking about it. This is vague and impractical, but can someone just give me an answer?

Answer
That's is such a very hard question. You cannot protect her from every guy and from every harm. But you can do your best from the biggies. Always keep her in your sight and within arms reach in public. When she starts walking and you don't have enough hands, it's time for a backpack leash. Know who what when where and why. Get a nanny cam. As she gets older your safety concerns will change and so to will your worries. Remember to pick your battles, some things she will have to learn the hard way, like don't stand on your rocking horse, Others you have to teach that are non negotiable like don't talk to strangers. Worrying for her is normal, but don't let those worries control you and ruin the joy you have with her.

I am flying with my 2 year old boy who is very active and cannot stay standing in line or anything?

septemberk

I would need some tips and advice as to how to keep him occupied in ONE spot while I do my ticketing, go through security, and wait until boarding time. He will not stay in his stroller for long
He is 28 pounds. Should I rather use a baby carrier?

Answer
The best way to go about it would be to bring him lots of entertainment. Books, toys, markers and paper, etc. If you put him in a stroller but he has things to do he should be able to sit there, plus you'd be able to keep track of him easily. But like someone else suggested, you could also get one of those "leashes" which are really just backpacks for the child with a string and handle attached. Here are some inexpensive ones: http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=Child%20Leashes&adid=22222222220018687822&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=b&wl1=g&wl2=&wl3=14210570032&wl4=That way you could keep track of him and he could keep his entertainment in the backpack. And ignore the people who comment that it's "wrong"...it's just a way to keep track of your child! It's not like just because you have one you'll treat them like a dog!

Good luck :)

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How do you walk your dogs with a small child?

baby backpack with leash image

Bird

I'm thinking about the upcoming Winter months and wondering how I'll manage walking my two dogs with my baby. I'll be living in an apartment so I'll have to walk them, I can't just let them out in a backyard. I'm wondering how other people make it work. Thanks!

Answer
Will your baby be walking with you?

The great thing about dogs is that they can be taught to do just about whatever you want.

First, lets talk about your dogs and their walking behavior. When you walk, do they tug you along? Do they cross the leash, always darting around to sniff and investigate? Do they stop to smell something and refuse to go, even when you call them and tug on the leash? If this sounds like your dogs, then your first step is to teach them some walking manners!

If you have little or no dog training experience, you can join a class! Try calling your local dog shelter and asking if they have information. (They often do: naughty dogs are more likely to end up at the shelter than polite ones.) Also, ask at your local pet store. The chains, like Petsmart, also offer training classes. Shop around for a trainer and a system that works for you. Clicker training is easy to pick up, for both dog and owner.

While you still have options, I would recommend you start walking them both, on leash, for long enough walks that they feel tired. Then you can go home, let them rest for a few minutes... And then take the poor tired dears right out again, but this time with the baby. If your baby can walk, have her walk with you. This is just to get the dogs used to walking in a group with baby, and get baby used to walking with dogs.

Second question is this: How much do you trust the dogs around your baby? I don't mean to imply they might eat her, but are they used to being around each other? Are the dogs interested in baby, or is she family, and just another person they've accepted in their lives?

If you will be carrying your baby, you can get a baby backpack. If your baby will be in a stroller, go ahead and take the stroller with you when you walk your dogs. Get them used to walking with the stroller. That way when you add a living baby to it, it shouldnt be too much of a surprise.

Hope this helps!

(If you decide not to take an obedience class, please do teach them yourself. Check on the Internet for how-tos about leash training, obedience, heeling, and dog/baby relationships.)

Do you think its wrong when people put their children on a leash?

Spencey

Today I saw someone with their child on a leash. It was one of those backpacks with the leash attached to it. What do you think of these? Are they wrong?

Answer
Leashes are not meant just for dogs. We use them to keep our eyeglasses around our neck, our dogs safe from running off and/or being hit by a car, purse straps are a leash of sorts, some people use a leash on their wallets. If we use this device to protect these material things and our pets, why would we not use them to protect our most precious children?

Children are FAST. In just a fraction of time, they can be chasing a butterfly into the road, or lost in the crowd at a mall, etc. The leashes offer a sense of safety and security for both parent and child.

Holding their hands is extremely uncomfortable. They have to hold their arm at an angle that is not natural, it causes hands to sweat, and it gives them no freedom to explore. The tethers keep them safely at your side without discomfort for either parent or child, and they can still use their hands, etc.

Not everyone needs to use them. I bought them when I took my two older children- then 5 and 7- to Disney World. We did not need them, but had I thought they were necessary Iw oudl have used them in a second. My youngest daughter is 3 and we have not used it with her for a while, but we did- she actually enjoyed it but then again she also went through a phase of crawling around and barking and panting. Just a vivid imagination.

In my opinion, it is not wrong. It is no different than using a baby carrier, stroller, play pen, straps on the seat in the shopping cart, etc.

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What's your biggest pet peeve to see other parents doing?

baby backpack with leash image

�h�

I have two: baby-talking to their kids (high-pitched voice is fine.... blabbering like an idiot to them isn't) and telling me how to parent.

Answer
I'm probably gonna get a lot of thumbs down for this...

But my number one would be a baby with a bottle of formula crammed in it's mouth... Makes me sick to my stomach!

Parents who use those stupid backpack leashes

Moms who have really sad and distant looking kids and the moms are "perfect" with salon hair and long fake nails. And you and clearly tell they pay no attantion to their kids

Moms who force 2 and 3 year olds to walk every where and would rather yell at them to hurry up than just pick them up.

and parents who completely ignore their kids who are wreaking what ever establishment they are in.

Sorry I have a lot. Bad parents rrrreally get under my skin...

How do I train my dog to not chew/eat everything in the house?

Artemis

I am also experiencing difficulties with getting the dog to poop outside. She pees outside just fine, but she won't ever poo outside, it always has to be inside.

The bigger problem is that she chews everything. Even her leashes. She is swallowing the little pieces and its causing her to get sick and throw up. We try our best to keep things out of her reach but she chews EVERYTHING!

Help!

**She is a nine month old female Shiba Inu mixed with a Chihuahua. We recently adopted her.

Answer
There are a couple of strategies (that you can use in tandem).

1. Get Bitter Apple spray. Dogs hate the taste of it. It's alcohol-based, won't stain and wears off in a few hours. Spray it on a shoe or purse and your don't won't touch it.

2. Treat your dog like a little kid. You wouldn't leave marbles or jacks on the floor if you had a baby--the baby would put them in his mouth and swallow them. Well, keep the stuff that your dog shouldn't chew out of reach. Shoes go in the closet and close it. Hang things up. Yeah, it's a nuisance but it means the dog doesn't develop a taste for shoes.

3. A bored dog resorts to chewing. So do a couple of things. Give that dog a workout. Lots of walks. Go jogging or roller blading with your dog. Put a doggie backpack on your dog to have them carry a bit more weight on a walk. Do performance sports (agility, flyball, weight pulls, rally-o). Take classes. Train your dog a new trick every couple of days (mental stimulation is also important). A dog that gets a workout and mental challenges is a dog that doesn't engage in destructive behavior. A tired dog is a good dog. A mentally stimulated dog is a content dog. Exercise tires the dog. Tricks, activities or a job of some sort stimulates the dog mentally. A bored or restless dog will engage in destructive behavior (chewing things he shouldn't, shredding toilet paper, emptying waste baskets, trying to get up on tables).

4. Give your dog lots of good things to chew: rawhides of various sizes and shapes, greenies, Kongs stuffed with peanut butter, beef marrow bones, rope toys. We have a dog that loves to chew but he never chews stuff he shouldn't--he's always got something that is okay for him to chew on available so he's not tempted to go for shoes, pursues or other similar items.

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