Child Harnesses/Leash?

Q. 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. ;)

Moms only....what do you think about using a child backpack harness that has a strap for the parent to hold?

Q. This question is for moms. What do you think about the backpack harnesses you can put on your child with a strap for the parent to hold in their hand? I have a 2 year old who likes to walk and would dart away at any opportunity and doesn't like to hold my hand. We are going to an amusement park and I was wondering what people think of these.

Answer
I personally feel that a child on a harness is better than a child kidnapped or dead under a car wheel.

You are the only person who knows and can anticipate how your child is going to act, therefore you are the best person who can make that choice. The opinions of people on here do not matter, you are doing what you feel is best to keep your child safe. Good job!

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Moms only....what do you think about using a child backpack harness that has a strap for the parent to hold?

Q. This question is for moms. What do you think about the backpack harnesses you can put on your child with a strap for the parent to hold in their hand? I have a 2 year old who likes to walk and would dart away at any opportunity and doesn't like to hold my hand. We are going to an amusement park and I was wondering what people think of these.

Answer
I personally feel that a child on a harness is better than a child kidnapped or dead under a car wheel.

You are the only person who knows and can anticipate how your child is going to act, therefore you are the best person who can make that choice. The opinions of people on here do not matter, you are doing what you feel is best to keep your child safe. Good job!

Are backpack harnesses for children legal in Illinois?

r

I just read that backpack harnesses for children are illegal in some areas. I'm hoping to find out if there are any areas, specifically in Illinois, where they are illegal. However, if someone could provide a list of any places in the U.S. where they're illegal that would be very helpful to quell my curiosity. Thanks!

Answer
They are not illegal anywhere that I can find. There have been cases where a parent has done something with the harness, like drug their kid or tied then up, that was illegal. But not just having the harness on the kid

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Child Harness?

pawys1111

Does any one know where i can buy a harness for my five yr old for when we are in busy places.
I got one of the monkey backpack ones but just takes it off when he wants too.
Thanks
I dont see how putting him in a stroller will help him to learn to walk next to me.
And i dont beleive there is anything wrong with using a harness i like to keep my child safe thank you. With two children the harness was the best thing i have ever used it keeps him safe i know where he is and he likes it too. Just that he can take it off when he feels like it is the problem.
There like a seat belt in a car you might not need it but one day you will and can save his life.
Thanks for your comments and links but i think the ones shown are ment for smallet children and with the chest clip at the front he can still see it to undo it. And some are just velcro i can see that lasting 5 mins. I was hoping for something at the back of him.
I cant beleive people say becuase a child has a harness there treated like a animal. There a child they are still learning right from wrong do and dont.

Answer
I use harnesses but I don't like them. I have to use them because I have a seizure disorder and I don't want them running off if I have a seizure (yes the thought of them being tethered to their seizing mother haunts me). The problem with getting a better harness is that you make a better escape artist. I saw a really good one at Toys R Us with a chest clip. I would also try "Stay with me training". Taking small trips without a purpose (don't tell him that) to teach him the rules. Going to the library without the harness and if he steps out of sight, it is straight home and into time out. If he doesn't hold your hand through the parking lot, straight home and into time out. Three little trips a week and I bet the harness is just a precaution before you know it. (If he removes the harness, straight home and into time out.)
He will be going to school soon and needs to build some personal responsibility for his own safety. Make sure that you have hard fast rules that you can write down about going out in public and that the basics don't change (do not leave my side, do not talk to someone without me, do not touch anything, do not eat anything, always hold onto mom (mom's coat, the shopping cart) when in or near a road or parking lot, etc)
It is hard to do, but ultimately your FIRST job is to teach the boy to be a man. Teach the boy to protect himself, not just keep the boy protected.

Parents... What is your opinion on Child Safety Harness (Backpack w/connecting strap)?

Angiebaby

I'm just trying to get opinions on Child Safety Harnesses (backpacks w/connecting strap)

Bad or Good? What do you think?

Thanks!
I'm not sure if I want to use one or not. My 15 month old daughter doesnt like her stroller much. She wants to walk, but as toddlers tend to do, she walks away. Serious answers only please.

Answer
We use the backpack "Minnie Mouse" harness with my daughter and she loves it..although we have only had to use it twice, once when we went to the zoo and another time at a fair...both were crowded places. I don't use ours on a daily basis or in places like the grocery store, at home, etc. but in crowded places where she is likely to want to walk around out of her stroller seeing as how were at those places for long hours I use it. She won't really hold our hands just yet and after a minute or two she starts to drag her feet or she resists to walk with us, but with the harness we don't have a problem. I don't see any harm in them what so ever..if your child will walk with you and hold your had without a problem, then that is great and you probably don't need one, but all kids are different, so parents who are quick to judge or make comments like "just hold the kids hand", need to realize not all kids are like theirs and some do resist..like mine. I would rather see a person have a child with a harness on then to see them dragging their kid by the arm or hand if he or she is refusing to walk..that looks worse to me. I don't get the whole "dog" comparison to child harnesses either. Leashes are attached to a collar that is worn around the neck....this is a backpack, so I don't agree with that argument. We harness young kids into everything...car seats, strollers, high chairs, etc. so what is the difference. Someone could be just as quick to say that putting a child in a crib is treating them like a dog as well, because it resembles a cage to keep them confined...when really we know that its all about safety, so if it keeps the kid safe and he or she doesn't mind it, I don't know why others have to make a big deal out of it.

We use our stroller always when on long trips or when an outing requires a lot of walking and our daughter is mostly in her stroller, but in crowded places like the time we went to the zoo, we spent 6 hours there (it was a big zoo), so my question is...would you want to sit for 6 hours straight and not be able to get out some and walk around..considering my kid won't hold our hands..so I use the harness in that instance and I will continue to use it. Hand holding is great if your kid cooperates, I agree, and yes, to someone who said "how many children do you know that have been hit by a car when holding their parents hand?", I know one....she was an almost 2 year old who got loose from her mom's hand and ran into the road..she was hit by a car and killed instantly. Do whatever works for you as a parent, whether it be by using a child harness for your child or by simply holding your child's hand, its all about safety anyway, that is the real aspect of the matter, so I really don't know why some make it a point to judge a parent on how they restrain their child....I say mind their own business, raise their child the way they want and leave others alone, ....its none of their concern. There is far worse in this world than a parent using a harness to restrain their child...at least they do have safety as a concern, they wouldn't be using it if they didn't. I'd be more concerned about the parent that lets their child run around like a chicken with its head cut off.....now that something to worry about.

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Parents... What is your opinion on Child Safety Harness (Backpack w/connecting strap)?

Angiebaby

I'm just trying to get opinions on Child Safety Harnesses (backpacks w/connecting strap)

Bad or Good? What do you think?

Thanks!
I'm not sure if I want to use one or not. My 15 month old daughter doesnt like her stroller much. She wants to walk, but as toddlers tend to do, she walks away. Serious answers only please.

Answer
We use the backpack "Minnie Mouse" harness with my daughter and she loves it..although we have only had to use it twice, once when we went to the zoo and another time at a fair...both were crowded places. I don't use ours on a daily basis or in places like the grocery store, at home, etc. but in crowded places where she is likely to want to walk around out of her stroller seeing as how were at those places for long hours I use it. She won't really hold our hands just yet and after a minute or two she starts to drag her feet or she resists to walk with us, but with the harness we don't have a problem. I don't see any harm in them what so ever..if your child will walk with you and hold your had without a problem, then that is great and you probably don't need one, but all kids are different, so parents who are quick to judge or make comments like "just hold the kids hand", need to realize not all kids are like theirs and some do resist..like mine. I would rather see a person have a child with a harness on then to see them dragging their kid by the arm or hand if he or she is refusing to walk..that looks worse to me. I don't get the whole "dog" comparison to child harnesses either. Leashes are attached to a collar that is worn around the neck....this is a backpack, so I don't agree with that argument. We harness young kids into everything...car seats, strollers, high chairs, etc. so what is the difference. Someone could be just as quick to say that putting a child in a crib is treating them like a dog as well, because it resembles a cage to keep them confined...when really we know that its all about safety, so if it keeps the kid safe and he or she doesn't mind it, I don't know why others have to make a big deal out of it.

We use our stroller always when on long trips or when an outing requires a lot of walking and our daughter is mostly in her stroller, but in crowded places like the time we went to the zoo, we spent 6 hours there (it was a big zoo), so my question is...would you want to sit for 6 hours straight and not be able to get out some and walk around..considering my kid won't hold our hands..so I use the harness in that instance and I will continue to use it. Hand holding is great if your kid cooperates, I agree, and yes, to someone who said "how many children do you know that have been hit by a car when holding their parents hand?", I know one....she was an almost 2 year old who got loose from her mom's hand and ran into the road..she was hit by a car and killed instantly. Do whatever works for you as a parent, whether it be by using a child harness for your child or by simply holding your child's hand, its all about safety anyway, that is the real aspect of the matter, so I really don't know why some make it a point to judge a parent on how they restrain their child....I say mind their own business, raise their child the way they want and leave others alone, ....its none of their concern. There is far worse in this world than a parent using a harness to restrain their child...at least they do have safety as a concern, they wouldn't be using it if they didn't. I'd be more concerned about the parent that lets their child run around like a chicken with its head cut off.....now that something to worry about.

Thoughts on a child backpack harness?

sarah beth

I have use of 1 hand. I have 2 boys ages 1 and 2. My 2 year old doesn't need to be in a stroller all the time. He loves to go for walks with mom and dad and explore. But when dads not with us it's hard for me.. Pushing a stroller and walking w my oldest whether he gets in between me and the stroller and helps push his brother, or holding my weak hand. (which he's stronger than) he's a very good boy about walking like that but a little puppy or monkey bookbag harness would make us much easier/ safer which is my priority!! I was just wondering thoughts on them. As I know pol in the neighborhood not knowing us will talk.

Answer
I think it sounds very sensible. And, honestly, so what if people talk? What are they going to say -"can't that woman hold her child's hand instead"? Well, no you can't, based on what you've written here!

But it is important to make sure your child also understands about walking safely (which it sounds like you are doing) - a harness should be an emergency backup in case he makes a toddler mistake and forgets the road safety he knows, not the only thing stopping him running across the road every 5 seconds.

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Why do parents put their kids on leashes?

best child backpack harness image

la_la_la

I have noticed that many parents at malls, entertainment parks, tourist attractions, and similar venues put their kids on what appears to be a leash. Usually, it's a contraption that has a front harness on the child and then a length of fabric or cord that the parents use to walk them.

I was at a tourist attraction over the weekend, and I noticed a child of about 3 years of age in one of these devices, and she kept falling down and getting tied up in the thing because her parents weren't paying attention. It was disturbing, to say the least.

I was just curious to see if there are any parents out there who use this device, and what the thought process is behind using it. If they have them on the market, obviously there's a need for such a thing, but I'm not getting it.

Does it hurt the child? Do you receive any dirty looks for using it when you go out? Do tell.

Answer
i plan to buy a leash for my son, but only to use in crowded places (airports etc)..the type that is like a monkey backpack with a clip in the front but it has a leash seems to be the best fit.
Bottom line, i trust my kids I JUST DON'T TRUST THE CHILD SNATCHERS OUT THERE...
I also do not undestand parents who use the leash as substitute for teaching their children right and wrong. This is not a crutch, you still need to pay attention to your child and teach them to stay close to you at all times. your child is still learning this (and him/her not knowing yet does not make them 'bad" or "poorly behaved") and needs to know that you trust them (so the leash should not be used 24/7).
it is like all things in life, with moderation and in the appropriate circumstances. I wish that our kids were growing up in a enviroment where said leashes are not needed...but until the day that child snatchers no longer exist, you need to take care of your kid as much as possible,
And personally, who care what other people think...it is not their kid.

Do I need a car seat for my 2yr old to be used in an airplane?

EVEC

We will be flying to Texas and I wanted to know if we are required to take a car seat?

Answer
It is never required to use a carseat. That is up to the parents for all ages. Airline seatbelts are not designed for little children and don't hold them very well.

I'm a former Flight Attendant and spent 10 years seeing and helping other parents fly with their kids before I had my own. Little did I realize that I'd be travelling with mine between Europe and California twice a year, plus shorter flights inbetween, virturally all alone. I've been doing this since my 8 year old was 4 months old. Almost all flights were with them in carseats. The only time I haven't was when I was prevented from doing so by foreign carriers.

I assume you're already in the U.S. and you'll be flying an American carrier. That wont happen to you. Since your 2 year old has a seat, you have the right to use a FAA approved carseat.

Check the one you already have for a FAA "sticker" which now is usually simply on the side information bar. Usually there's a little airplane and it says "...has been approved for use on aircraft..." etc. Most U.S. carseats are FAA approved. If it's not, which is unlikely, consider borrowing (trading?) or simply buy another. Good ones go for as little as $40.

I recommend this option over using a CARES harness, which isn't as secure and can only be used inflight. At $75, it seems steep for such a one-purpose gizmo but it's your money to spend as you wish!

Having the carseat onboard guarentees that the it wont be damaged or lost in baggage and you can use it right away when you leave the airport in Texas, assuming you'll be doing so by car. I had a bad experience with a car company rental seat and most Carseat techs don't recommend you use them (wish I had that bit of advice!)

Here's a link for you which shows the FAA approval writing and, if you scroll down, a picture of the CARES harness.
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

To get it through the airport, you have several options. There are carseat bags which you can wear like a backpack. These didn't appeal to me, since I usually fly alone with my three. There is also the pricey GogoKidz cart;
http://www.go-baby.com/Products/gogokidz.html

It doesn't fit all carseats and is expensive at $80-90.

I simply put my carseat on a all-metal luggage cart (a souvenir of the first airline I worked for) and strapped my rather heavy Radian on with extra bungee cords. Worked great and didn't cost anything, since I found the bungee cord but they certainly don't set you back much if you need to buy one.

I have to say that at work, I heard fewer complaints about children who were in carseats than those traveling without them. It does seem to keep children calmer, since it's the right size and familar. It also keeps their feet above the annoying soft zone in airline seats, that kids seem to instinctively kick...(Put your hands on either side of the bottom of your airline seatback and you'll feel what I mean).

Meanwhile, since I get a lot of questions on this subject, I wrote up an article for the local expat community on flying with children. It's entirely non-commerical and I put it on a blog so that I could add to it and edit it more easily (the latter being my weakness). I can also share it better. Instead of cluttering this post up with information you didn't specifically ask for, visit;
http://flyingwithchildren. blogspot. com

Have a good trip!

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Why do parents put their kids on leashes?

best child backpack harness image

la_la_la

I have noticed that many parents at malls, entertainment parks, tourist attractions, and similar venues put their kids on what appears to be a leash. Usually, it's a contraption that has a front harness on the child and then a length of fabric or cord that the parents use to walk them.

I was at a tourist attraction over the weekend, and I noticed a child of about 3 years of age in one of these devices, and she kept falling down and getting tied up in the thing because her parents weren't paying attention. It was disturbing, to say the least.

I was just curious to see if there are any parents out there who use this device, and what the thought process is behind using it. If they have them on the market, obviously there's a need for such a thing, but I'm not getting it.

Does it hurt the child? Do you receive any dirty looks for using it when you go out? Do tell.

Answer
i plan to buy a leash for my son, but only to use in crowded places (airports etc)..the type that is like a monkey backpack with a clip in the front but it has a leash seems to be the best fit.
Bottom line, i trust my kids I JUST DON'T TRUST THE CHILD SNATCHERS OUT THERE...
I also do not undestand parents who use the leash as substitute for teaching their children right and wrong. This is not a crutch, you still need to pay attention to your child and teach them to stay close to you at all times. your child is still learning this (and him/her not knowing yet does not make them 'bad" or "poorly behaved") and needs to know that you trust them (so the leash should not be used 24/7).
it is like all things in life, with moderation and in the appropriate circumstances. I wish that our kids were growing up in a enviroment where said leashes are not needed...but until the day that child snatchers no longer exist, you need to take care of your kid as much as possible,
And personally, who care what other people think...it is not their kid.

Do I need a car seat for my 2yr old to be used in an airplane?

EVEC

We will be flying to Texas and I wanted to know if we are required to take a car seat?

Answer
It is never required to use a carseat. That is up to the parents for all ages. Airline seatbelts are not designed for little children and don't hold them very well.

I'm a former Flight Attendant and spent 10 years seeing and helping other parents fly with their kids before I had my own. Little did I realize that I'd be travelling with mine between Europe and California twice a year, plus shorter flights inbetween, virturally all alone. I've been doing this since my 8 year old was 4 months old. Almost all flights were with them in carseats. The only time I haven't was when I was prevented from doing so by foreign carriers.

I assume you're already in the U.S. and you'll be flying an American carrier. That wont happen to you. Since your 2 year old has a seat, you have the right to use a FAA approved carseat.

Check the one you already have for a FAA "sticker" which now is usually simply on the side information bar. Usually there's a little airplane and it says "...has been approved for use on aircraft..." etc. Most U.S. carseats are FAA approved. If it's not, which is unlikely, consider borrowing (trading?) or simply buy another. Good ones go for as little as $40.

I recommend this option over using a CARES harness, which isn't as secure and can only be used inflight. At $75, it seems steep for such a one-purpose gizmo but it's your money to spend as you wish!

Having the carseat onboard guarentees that the it wont be damaged or lost in baggage and you can use it right away when you leave the airport in Texas, assuming you'll be doing so by car. I had a bad experience with a car company rental seat and most Carseat techs don't recommend you use them (wish I had that bit of advice!)

Here's a link for you which shows the FAA approval writing and, if you scroll down, a picture of the CARES harness.
http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/

To get it through the airport, you have several options. There are carseat bags which you can wear like a backpack. These didn't appeal to me, since I usually fly alone with my three. There is also the pricey GogoKidz cart;
http://www.go-baby.com/Products/gogokidz.html

It doesn't fit all carseats and is expensive at $80-90.

I simply put my carseat on a all-metal luggage cart (a souvenir of the first airline I worked for) and strapped my rather heavy Radian on with extra bungee cords. Worked great and didn't cost anything, since I found the bungee cord but they certainly don't set you back much if you need to buy one.

I have to say that at work, I heard fewer complaints about children who were in carseats than those traveling without them. It does seem to keep children calmer, since it's the right size and familar. It also keeps their feet above the annoying soft zone in airline seats, that kids seem to instinctively kick...(Put your hands on either side of the bottom of your airline seatback and you'll feel what I mean).

Meanwhile, since I get a lot of questions on this subject, I wrote up an article for the local expat community on flying with children. It's entirely non-commerical and I put it on a blog so that I could add to it and edit it more easily (the latter being my weakness). I can also share it better. Instead of cluttering this post up with information you didn't specifically ask for, visit;
http://flyingwithchildren. blogspot. com

Have a good trip!

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