I used a backpack leash, but you need to be careful as you can put the kid flat on their back if the take off and you jerk the leash.
These leashes have been around for decades. I have a deaf cousin, and her parents (my aunt and uncle) had her on a “toddler leash” when she was a toddler. We’d walk in a crowd and she had the freedom to walk around she didn’t get lost. The alternative would have been not taking her out in a crowd or keeping her in a stroller. Neither of those options seem less restrictive than letting her walk with the toddler leash.
Both Mrs. Submareener and I used harnesses and leashes on our boys, and they are both alive today because of it.
I felt the same when my 92 year-old dad was put on a leash by his home caregivers. But I quickly learned it was a good safety precaution and only used later in the day when the ‘sundowning’ started.
That apparently stopped after one family get-together where the older relatives let her have it.
I don't remember it, but I have been told it happened, from multiple relatives.
It seems disgusting and not safe.
What kid likes being dragged around the mall with their little arm held constantly held high enough hold onto an adults hand?
As a youth, I worked as a recreation assistant at a local park. One day a lady arrived with her kid on a leash. It traumatized me. I ran up the adult park ranger. He was shocked by the sight and asked the lady to either release her kid or else leave.
I “get” the safety argument if in a high danger zone —-just reporting that it still bothers me many years hence. It was a very upsetting thing to see.
Your mileage may differ.
I can’t imagine someone walking up to a parent and telling them they were a bad parent but apparently it happens. Some people are over the top busybodies.
We used used one in Hong Kong
Well, my Thai wife and I got one when we took Little Flash A to Thailand, when he had just learned to walk. Except we never really used it, because, like you said, if you try to restrain the kid, you’re likely to knock him over.
My mom used a leash on me and my two brothers when we were little and camping in the forest. A smart move. Toddlers can disappear really quickly.
We did it at Disney. It was a cute little backpack thing. I’d rather get the stink eye and know where my child is vs crying on TV because m child was lost/taken.
The wrist things are awful.
I used a toddler leash on my 2 year old at the state fair.
Got a few dirty looks, but most didn’t care and a few smiled.
The wrist things give the child the ability to lean into it and destroy your wrist and make it as uncomfortable as possible for both of you. And the child has no freedom of movement.
With the harness and leash, she could toddle along without literally being tied to my wrist by hers.
Ok, sure.
You stick your hand up in the air, now leave it there for an hour. Hurts don't it?
People wonder why children cry and get cranky after being out for a bit.
When I married, I inherited three boys ages 3, 4 and 5. The Toddler was a handful from the git-go, so leashing him was the only kind thing to do! Tying him to a cinder block in the yard also worked - he could run away, but at a very slow pace, LOL! (I’m certain I’d be arrested for that these days!)
We played, ‘Red Light, Green Light’ with the other two when we were at a Mall or at the Fair, or just out for a walk after supper with the dogs. That worked well, too. They were ALL trained to FREEZE IN PLACE when one of us yelled, ‘RED LIGHT!’
We had twins, and used a halter style tether (people like that term better than “ leash”) for them. They had more freedom and we had more control. Both of their hands were free. Occasionally we’d get a disapproving look, but that never bothered me, especially after people asked if our boy-girl twins were identical. My stock answer would shut them up: No. Her pen is is a little larger than his.
I had my kid on a leash at 4yo in Grand Central Station in NYC in the early 80s heading back home on leave. Wife was glad I thought of it.
To many freaks let alone the normal dangers. Today, if I had to be there I’d be in tactical gear fully armed and the wife and kid in an armored up SUV with an escort team.
Haven’t been there since the late 80s and stay away from any city.
You do what you need to do to protect your family at all cost.
Never used one. But there were times when mine had a rocket in his pocket. He could be gone in a nanosecond.
I always thought it was a great idea at the mall or anywhere there’s a crowd.
I used to have my kids on steerable leashes when they were youngings just learning to ski.