I USED to think that they were so cruel...until I had three toddlers!!! I have been considering buying some so that I can go out for walks with the kids without recruiting neighbor kids to help me catch them when they all go off in different directions. We live in a townhouse with no yard, and we have got to get outside more, but I worry about them getting too far too fast now. I thought I saw some cute ones that looked like little backpacks before, but can't remember where I saw them. Any suggestions on ones that you like?
Thanks!

Tanya
Erica,DJ(David)and Halley
4/07/02 32 weeks, 6 days

Hi Tanya,

We have harnesses. I have used them a few times by myself. Otherwise, I sometimes will use one with one kiddo and my DH will push the other two in the stroller. They enjoy that freedom from the stroller. I have had many positive comments while using them. One gentlemen said to me a few weeks back "I think they are the greatest things. I used one when my children were young". I have had one person say something negative to me...my response was " well when you have three toddlers...you do what you have to do to keep them safe". I would say give them a try. If you don't like them you can always take them back.


Good Luck,

Stacy
Mommy 2 MMM
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*




"Be quick to listen, Slow to speak, slow to be angry"


James 1:12-19

i have one that i use on isabelle when she is throwing a fit in the stroller and wanting to run. she doesn't like it much, and i don't use it a ton, but i love it. its a harness kind with the option of just putting the wrist band part on. i really don't care what people think or say (we get enough comments, right ) but i have peace of mind knowing that she can't get too far.

my sister in law uses a real dog leash that you buy at the pet store for her WILD 2 year old. its the kind that can extend out far, but you can also click the button so it doesn't extend. she just hooks it on a belt loop i think. it offers a little more freedom for my niece, but still keeps her from bolting too far.

Meg

I tried them ( the harness type) when my trio was 18 mths, we went to see Sesame st live and I was afraid one would get away! But it was a disaster for us, they got all tangled up like little puppies and I felt like a fool in front of a bunch of strangers! One of the kids even layed down rather than go any fruther,hehehe! So once we got to our seats I took them off and never used them again!
MIL just gave us a wrist to wrist type leash and I think it looks pretty okay, especially if Im going out with one or two of the kids by myself. I fully intend to give them a try!
Kim

Kim
Wife to Brian
Mommy to BBG @ 32.5 wks)

Oh Kim....
I'm sure it was not so funny at the time. But you painted the picture of your experience at Sesame Street Live so well, my DH and I were laughing hysterically. I love a real good belly laugh, and you get credit for the first one of the day! So thanks!
Laura

Okay, I haven't used them yet, but I got Gerber safety harnesses and hand straps for our kids as stocking stuffers. I'm sure they'll appreciate them someday. My sister will probably give me guilt trips for using them, but I don't care as long as they help keep my children safe and out of harm's way. I am glad to see that others have used them with good results. Ours are the kind that convert.

Anna -- Mama to
Kelsey, Brooke, and Drew
born 1/23/03 at 36 wks

The kids or the harnesses???

Cat w/3 Kittens
Caidan, Carina and Caeleigh
Born at 31 weeks, 1/8/04.

I use them on 2 of my children-my 26 month old DS and my almost 4 year old DD (she has ADHD). I use the ones with the body harness and leash. I love them and don't know why I didn't use them sooner! I got them at Target 4 years ago. Total life savers.

Korrie~
^i^B/G/G 24 w 3d,1/17/00
B 10/31/01
B 1/27/03

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="" alt="Lilypie Kids birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a>

I have to add that I used them at the State Fair and when I take the kids out alone. Funny/embarrassing thing that happened one day. I had the boys it the double stroller and the Girls were walking, with Abby on the "leash", I can't remember now where we were-we might have been on our way to a DR appointment. Anyway, Abby sudden ly drops to the ground on all fours and starts to bark loudly and say "I'm a doggy!" I was mortified! It WAS pretty funny but try explaining it all to a bunch of strangers who are staring at you like you're the most awful mom! hee hee My Dad and Mom thought the whole episode was hysterical! (They heard about it later.) I SWEAR I never taught Abby to do that!

Korrie~
^i^B/G/G 24 w 3d,1/17/00
B 10/31/01
B 1/27/03

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="" alt="Lilypie Kids birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a>

i think in places like airports they are essential. if you are in a safely protected outside area, they might not be necessary, but it sounds like for safety reasons you do need them. i agree, getting them outdoors is important. i don't own any (yet) so i can't offer advice on brands...sorry.
xo tess

tess
mummy to 7yr old ds & the triumverate born 2004

Just wanted to prepare you for if you decide to use the leash... my husband and I used one on our now 6 yr old son when he was our only child. I think we were at Disney the first time and he was around 17 months. Anyway... we had the MOST TERRIBLE comments and stares from mostly older people. It was shocking! I didn't reply to most of them, but for the couple that were just so icky I simply stated that it's a different world now than when they were small and we couldn't trust that our son wouldn't be snatched by some weirdo if he got out of our eye sight for a moment. After that and a couple trips to the airport with the leash system, I decided I couldn't stand the comments and didn't use it again. I know I caved in to pressure. It may be different now, 5 years later. Hope it works for you, it can really be a help!