https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:53:57 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-164144 Mon, 21 May 2012 08:15:10 +0000 eeh 164144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Lozza: I think the primary objection is that people hear the word "leash" and associated it as something used for a dog or other animal and therefore not something to be used with a child. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-164142 Mon, 21 May 2012 08:05:17 +0000 Lozza 164142@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, I don't really understand what the objection is. Is it because it's restrictive for the kids? Because a backpack leash seems like it would give my kid MORE freedom than being attached directly to my hand, right? And I certainly wouldn't want to do it to an older kid (unless there were extenuating circumstances), but it's not like my toddler is going to be embarrassed by it...<br /> I'm not trying to question anyone's stance, and I definitely understand the visceral "oh, that's unfortunate" reaction, but I'm honestly curious as to what the real objections are.<br /> LO is only a year, but he's getting really fast, and honestly, I could see us looking into these- less so because we are planning trips to crowded areas, and more so because I feel like we're often walking around busy streets and taking subways, and honestly, there are times when I need my hands and it would be nice to be able to let go of LO for a minute (assuming the leash is around my wrist or something) without having to worry about him deciding to make a break for an intersection. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-164064 Sun, 20 May 2012 20:09:20 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 164064@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Oceanis723: I was just going to say that I saw a mom with twin 3 year olds and a younger toddler this weekend at the festival we went to and I actually thought it was very responsible (even though one of the girls was pulling as if she was a leashed dog). People were staring and I was thinking 'man, they have no idea!' </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-164027 Sun, 20 May 2012 17:53:20 +0000 chrispygal 164027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used to think they were horrible, until I met some children who 100% needed them. If I had a toddler who was a runner, I would absolutely use one. I think the ones who will judge will be people who have never met super-active kids and understand your fear of losing LO. I wouldn't worry about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-164004 Sun, 20 May 2012 16:26:25 +0000 cyneswith 164004@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was not a runner, and nor was my brother. My husband was, though. (He was so terrible he actually chewed through a leash.) If our kids have the natural "stay near mom" instinct, a leash won't be necessary. If they take after their dad, they will wear a leash in any crowded place. In a big place like Disneyland, I'd probably go with a leash to be safe. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-163985 Sun, 20 May 2012 15:39:51 +0000 Mrs. Train 163985@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With my three boy we had them. There was about a year from the time they were like 1.5 to 2.5 when we used them. We only used them at Disneyland, fairs and other big activities. I had one run away from me in line for its a small world and no one would let me through. He got almost to the front of the line before someone picked him up. </p> <p>I know people judged me or looked down on me for my choices but with three little boys I just felt better with them on. I'm sure I would have been judged if I had lost one too. Now that they are three they can focus a bit and understand lines and crowds so we don't used them any more but I sm constantly counting all day to make sure I have all of them near by. </p> <p>There are so many things moms get judged for, what you feed your child, where they sleep, what kind of diapers they wear. It's just one more thing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-163981 Sun, 20 May 2012 15:34:52 +0000 eeh 163981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I personally don't like them but try not to judge because I feel like they are least trying to be responsible parents and protect their kids even if it's in a way I disagree with. I'm much more likely to judge if you're not paying any attention to your child and they wander off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-163946 Sun, 20 May 2012 14:37:16 +0000 heffalump 163946@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wrote a thread on this a little while ago. Personally I'm not a fan but don't judge. DH isn't a fan, and does judge. He always makes the same joke, "Should I go over there and ask them how old their dog is?" </p> <p>They just had an episode from Modern Family about that, it was pretty funny. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-162607 Fri, 18 May 2012 08:42:14 +0000 Sammyfab 162607@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>After seeing parents frantically chasing after their toddlers in public places I would definitely consider using one too when LO is that age. I prefer to call them harnesses though :). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-162587 Fri, 18 May 2012 08:22:51 +0000 Sweet T 162587@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am against them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-162582 Fri, 18 May 2012 08:20:52 +0000 sulli301 162582@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We don't own one, but the next time we go to an airport or somewhere like Disney, I'd for sure consider it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-162540 Fri, 18 May 2012 07:31:56 +0000 Pipers Mommy 162540@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. bird: I am with you, </p> <p>There are lots of people who are fans though. My husband posted a pic on FB with a guy wearing a shirt saying "Free the Leash People" He got a lot of heat for it, I think it is a very sensitive subject with people. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-162528 Fri, 18 May 2012 07:24:48 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 162528@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't like them. My husband always jokes that he is going to get one when we have a LO. He thinks they are hilarious. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-162522 Fri, 18 May 2012 07:19:57 +0000 Mrs. Sunglasses 162522@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not a fan. But understand those who use it in crowded places. I just never had a leash when I was younger and I'm here. So I won't be putting one on my kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-162513 Fri, 18 May 2012 07:04:34 +0000 purrpletulips 162513@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We bought one for our trip to Disney World last fall (DD was 18m) but ended up not using it because she was more comfortable in the Ergo than walking. Having a LO who is very independent I say go for it. You can always get it, put the backpack on your LO to wear but only attach the leash part if absolutely necessary (if you have the kind with the detachable leash). My LO loves wearing a backpack so it probably wouldn't even phase her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-162488 Fri, 18 May 2012 04:31:00 +0000 autumnlove 162488@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think I would use one at a place like that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-162481 Fri, 18 May 2012 02:27:33 +0000 Kemma 162481@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm all for them, there's nothing worse than a crazy toddler on the loose in a busy area!</p> <p>But seriously, if helps to keep your LO safe, then I say do it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-162164 Thu, 17 May 2012 19:38:57 +0000 PBandBaseball 162164@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think they work for places like Disneyland but I wouldn't use one all the time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-162136 Thu, 17 May 2012 19:26:49 +0000 MsMamaBear 162136@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I plan on taking Baby Bear on a cruise next year and I plan to buy one. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-161861 Thu, 17 May 2012 18:05:25 +0000 mrs. bird 161861@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not gonna lie, I cringe when I see a kid wearing one. I'm sure in some situations they might be helpful for some people. I don't think I'd ever be comfortable using one though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-161845 Thu, 17 May 2012 17:58:19 +0000 sandy 161845@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No judgement especially in crowded places </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-161832 Thu, 17 May 2012 17:41:22 +0000 Mrsbells 161832@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think they are cute! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-161830 Thu, 17 May 2012 17:35:59 +0000 holdonforonemoreday 161830@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I actually just bought one today! Funny that you mention it. I tried it out at my OB appt to keep my 15 month old LO corralled. The other ladies thought it was funny. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-161821 Thu, 17 May 2012 17:25:59 +0000 HLK208 161821@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@chopsuey119: lol or, you could buy your super active toddler heels so they don't run off :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-161818 Thu, 17 May 2012 17:23:29 +0000 HLK208 161818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I never judge those who have their kids on backpack leashes since it's usually for the child's safety. I'll probably use one once our second child arrives so our first doesn't wander off easily. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-161815 Thu, 17 May 2012 17:17:50 +0000 Mrs. Superhero 161815@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used to judge, but now that I have a two year old? I say buy the leash! Just for crazy places like Disneyland or big airports. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-161808 Thu, 17 May 2012 17:13:09 +0000 mrskc 161808@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I could see the use for one at Disneyland. If it makes you feel better, then go for it. I think it's kind of odd when parents use them all the time though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-161803 Thu, 17 May 2012 17:08:07 +0000 BoogieBea 161803@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We got one as a gift and LO never took to it. But I agree, it might be useful at an amusement park if your kid tends to wander off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-161801 Thu, 17 May 2012 17:05:33 +0000 MamaMoose 161801@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's weird when people use them everywhere. Is it really necessary when you are just outside for a walk? But at Disneyland I would say its a great idea. Too many opportunities to get lost in a crowd. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-feel-about-those-backpack-leashes-for-kids#post-161793 Thu, 17 May 2012 17:00:56 +0000 baby98765 161793@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just bought one! Mine isn't even walking yet but I fully intend to use one. I can already tell I've got an independent little guy who is not going to hold hands or stay in his stroller. </p>