I'm planning on taking my son to Disneyland for the first time (yay!) and am seriously considering buying him one of those backpack leashes. I used to say "Oh I would NEVER let my kids wear one of those" but now that we have a very active 2 year old, I'm freaked out about losing him at a crowded public place, like Disneyland!
Do you judge other parents who have their kids wear backpack leashes? Would love to hear your thoughts!
hostess / wonderful honeydew / 32460 posts
Haha. Lily wore a leash on the last last episode of Modern Family. 
I think the backpacks are funny. If it means you don't lose your super active toddler, I say buy one!
GOLD / kiwi / 613 posts
I'm in the whatever floats your boat camp. I know that personally I'd stay on the side of caution.
GOLD / eggplant / 11517 posts
If it is between getting stares from other parents and potentially losing my child in a crowd, I'll take the stares.
hostess / wonderful persimmon / 25556 posts
I judge but, that being said, if my LO was out with my Mom or Dad in a crowded place w/o me around? I might suggest THEY use one.....
GOLD / wonderful coffee bean / 18478 posts
I bought one for legoland but never used it. DD was surprisingly good about holding my hand but I had it just in case!
pomelo / 5178 posts
My mom used a wrist leash on me when I was little, and if my husband wasn't so opposed to them, I would totally buy a backpack leash for DD!
nectarine / 2039 posts
For a crazy place like Disney, I could see them making sense, but not for most situations.
Once, my DH and I were babysitting my little cousins and we went to an EAster Egg hunt outdoors with lots of kids. There were two of us and two kids, but we still almost lost them!
grape / 93 posts
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.
GOLD / squash / 13464 posts
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.
pomegranate / 3503 posts
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.
bananas / 9357 posts
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.
GOLD / pear / 1845 posts
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.
pineapple / 12234 posts
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.
pineapple / 12234 posts
@chopsuey119: lol or, you could buy your super active toddler heels so they don't run off
clementine / 826 posts
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.
bananas / 9628 posts
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.
pear / 1861 posts
I plan on taking Baby Bear on a cruise next year and I plan to buy one.
clementine / 861 posts
I think they work for places like Disneyland but I wouldn't use one all the time.
grapefruit / 4291 posts
I'm all for them, there's nothing worse than a crazy toddler on the loose in a busy area!
But seriously, if helps to keep your LO safe, then I say do it.
hostess / wonderful watermelon / 39513 posts
I think I would use one at a place like that!
pomegranate / 3414 posts
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.
GOLD / pomelo / 5167 posts
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.
blogger / wonderful cherry / 21628 posts
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.
kiwi / 537 posts
@mrs. bird: I am with you,
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.
pear / 1764 posts
We don't own one, but the next time we go to an airport or somewhere like Disney, I'd for sure consider it!
pomegranate / 3383 posts
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 :).
GOLD / wonderful grape / 20289 posts
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?"
They just had an episode from Modern Family about that, it was pretty funny.
persimmon / 1341 posts
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.
blogger / pomegranate / 3300 posts
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.
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.
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.
persimmon / 1202 posts
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.
persimmon / 1205 posts
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.
blogger / pineapple / 12381 posts
@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!'
pear / 1837 posts
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...
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.
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.
persimmon / 1341 posts
@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.
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