I've thought about getting them. Right now when I go out with both kids they have to stay in the carrier and/or stroller unless were in a kid safe zone because I can't handle them running in opposite directions. I feel bad that they don't get to walk more like they would if I had one to one defense.
My kid is an adorable, rotten, fearless little runner that likes to be chased so I would absolutely use a leash if necessary. Plus my H works most weekends. He is not yet a stroller hater so we haven't had to buy one but if that happens you bet your ass I will be marching to the store to get one.
I wish we had one at DTD. E threw a fit in the stroller and would take off from us as a game.
But otherwise she's pretty good and DH said he wasn't into one (although after Disney I think he realized they're not bad).
There was a little girl on a leash at our last consignment sale. She was pulling that thing so hard to get away from her mom. Her mom said she was afraid she would need the leash until college her daughter was such a runner, lol.
Up until very recently my 3 yr old was a runner and I kept saying that I should buy a leash but never did. If they can keep your kid close and safe, go for it!
Post by chickadee77 on Aug 13, 2015 7:50:05 GMT -5
Before having/knowing people with kids, I remember kind of side-eying them, but I was young, lol.
Now, I have no issue (though I'm not to the point yet of even knowing if I have a runner, lol). And let people judge. I'd rather give someone a good story to tell on FB or whatever than have a hurt, lost, or dead kid.
DD, who is generally not a runner, bolted from me in the daycare parking lot yesterday. I had DS in the bucket seat on one arm and had both of their daycare bags on my other arm, so my grip on her hand wasn't good enough, nor could I move very quickly to chase her through the parked cars. We have one of those skip hop backpack leashes that we've only ever used as a backpack, and it may very well be used as a leash for a while because that was absolutely terrifying.
I think they are great. And I am tempted to buy one many times but I stick dd in the ergo instead. There are so many more worthy things to judge. Leashing your kid should be no big deal. At least the parents care to keep them safe and close.
Post by penguingrrl on Aug 13, 2015 8:00:15 GMT -5
We used one when my girls were little. We lived in Harlem and drivers were absolutely not watching for kids bolting in the street the way they do in a suburban cut de sac. It was how we practiced walking with me instead of riding in the stroller. Once they showed me they would stay with me, hold the stroller or my hand and not dart off they didn't need it, but in that interim period it was a life saver, quite literally.
I genuinely have no idea why leashes are something anyone would judge.
I think it's the idea that it's dehumanizing to put a person on a leash, like a dog is. I'd argue that it gives my kid more freedom and autonomy than me holding her flailing in my arms.
Yes. 1 comment we received was from an older man saying she was on a leash like a dog and pointed to a dog who was outside waiting for its owner at TJ's. Another was a guy who was driving in a shopping center, slow rolled in his car and yelled out asking if she was on a leash ^o)
You know what I do judge? The dad I drive by every morning who is walking his dog and lets his toddler (~18 months I would guess) walk along behind him, sometimes a little out of arms reach, right next to a busy road. He turns around to check on the kid every few seconds, but what if the kid bolted?
we have one, though we haven't used it yet. i bought it for the airport because i often travel with R alone and i don't take a stroller. he is either in the tula or he's walking. i'm the only adult and i'm also wrangling our carry-ons, i'm not risking him running off on me.
Exactly this. For now, the tula is way easier because she tends to flop around on the floor like a dead fish if she doesn't want to do something. Leash wouldn't help that.
R has just started the dead fish thing. Omg. Baby wearing for lyfe if I have to deal with this for many more months.
swizz, at home I'll say "oh you're practising your fish! Come find me when you're done!" He'll flop around, look out of the corner of his eye to see if I'm paying attention, flop some more, then sigh. It's tough going through all the dramatics only to be ignored.
Post by lizlemon19 on Aug 13, 2015 10:05:36 GMT -5
I used to judge. Then I had a toddler boy who was a bolter and would go with anyone. We used it at the airport (esp because we were carrying luggage) and a couple amusement parks. He hated the stroller past 2.5.
We avoided them because DS was an only. I was afraid of being judged.
He had the potential to bolt, in retrospect partly because of ASD, and I was all but crippled by plantar fasciitis. We both looked normal/healthy to those who place conditions on such things.
I had a runner who was 100% not scared of strangers, getting lost, etc. Luckily she was my first & only at the time.
Had it been DD2 or 3, I'd maybe needed one. Fortunately they never left my side, unfortunately they tried to climb back in my uterus every morning the first few weeks of preschool.
Not for me. I mean, I'm not going to be a bitch to someone that has one but I just don't see the need for it. Like one of the PP's, it's one of those weird things I feel strongly about. I'm going to assume that's flameful and I'll zip up my suit.
Post by serendipity on Aug 13, 2015 13:05:59 GMT -5
I was totally against them until I had kids, lol! DS is a a bit of a runner, I purchased one but have yet to use it. I won't hesitate though if he starts to try to run in a crowded place.
Post by sunshine608 on Aug 13, 2015 13:12:26 GMT -5
Nope. Won't happen. And we had a runner. Just can't do it- too much like a dog leash for my tastes. I don't judge though- your life. Just not for me or my husband.
ETA: My husband had the same reaction as @stilljustash.