I will be taking an international trip coming up soon with my 4 and 2 year old. We have a layover in New York. Would you consider or have you used a child harness? My 4 year old is very active and I only plan to bring a stroller for the 2 year old. I have mixed feelings about using the harness, but since we will be in very busy airports and a foreign country I am tempted to use one. We are also going to Disney at the end of April. What are your thoughts?
I went ahead and order one for each kid. After reading your wonderfully supportive responses, I've decided who cares what people think. Safety First!
We went to Disney World earlier this month and saw a lot of kid harnesses. I say "yes, use one!" Keep those kiddos close and safe!
(I have not used a harness, since my older daughter is very clingy. Once my younger child is walking, I might use one in crowded places like an airport or amusement park.)
a harness is so awesome. our little girl is 4 now, we have used it from the moment she could walk,. she loved it, and asks for it, it makes her feel safe, and we dont have to constanltly be hollaring for her, adn paranoid too. actually there were prob 40 parents over the years that came up to us and said, i wish we had that when we were raisin gkids... and where did you get that!! it was 95% positive support,, and a few flakes who thought it was cruel.. OK,, do you watch the News?? OK.. then you KNOW that Kidnapping is real! So do YOU know the Adam Walsh Story? NUF SAID!! Get the harness and enjoy your trip, get one for each kid. i like the BLUE first years one, its very comfy to them, and easy to use!
MANY Blessings! Andrea
yes yes yes!!!!!! I have twins and they get freedom and I have two happy boys!!!! I got the backpack puppy from wal-mart. target has different ones let the kids pick the one out that they want you can even put a little something in it and everyone is happy. My boys walk around like they are the king of the world you can't beet that! If someone says anything just respond with I have happy kids and they will not be lost or kiddnapped thanks for your concern!
Good luck and have fun on your trip!
T.
Absolutely - the safety of my child in a crowded and unknown area is absolutely paramount. If you are concerned that you will be treating your child like an animal - don't be. The animals are crated at the airport so putting you child in a harness is not the same at all. Target has/had cute animal backpacks with long tails that you loop around your wrist, I've had a lot of positive comments when my daughter was wearing it and, to be quite honest, I would endure any amount of negative comments to know that my child is safe.
Enjoy your trips - we are going to WDW in April also (I'm too excited to sleep!)
We use a harness that looks like a backpack (bear) and we purchased it at Target. Its cute and no one was the wiser. We do travel great distances and with a 2 year old (1.5 year old) it worked wonders.
My son is also very active and VERY friendly. He doesn't get the concept of strangers. I use the "leash" it connects to his wrist and I hold it. I get alot of horrible stares and comments but I know where my son is at all times. If your up to the comments and stares its worth it. You never know who is lruking in public places ready to snatch a child who is a few feet from their mother. Good luck & enjoy your trip!
I have used it, I have endured the stares from people, and I would do it all over again. To me there is nothing more important than the safety of my sons. And the airport gets crazy with all the people and all the things you have to go trough with security checkes, passports, etc.... As Caroline said, it also helped me to teach my son to stay close to me, when he learnt the the harness was there to stay if he did not stay close to mom.
Good luck!
Coming from experience use the harness. To me, the choice was easy to make as my daughter was all over the place. Target sells really cute ones that have a back pack on the back and are plush. I would rather have my daughter safe and next to me than to worry about the perception of what others think is right. It also helped to teach her to stay next to me as I used it. When she asked not to, the terms were only if she stayed by me. If she violated those terms I put it back on. It took three times before she realized that it was the harness or staying next to me, and she usually chose the staying next to me. I hope this helps, and gives you some good feedback.
Hi M., This is stickly a safety issue. I hated to use the harness on my hyper son, especially after my little neice asked if she "could walk Frank". But when in crowds it was essential! He was able to slip away from me so easily -- I never wanted to take the chance. I lost him once in a small store and the panic I went through was unreal. I couldn't imagine going through that in a larger, more crowded setting. There are directions with the harness: don't tug on "leash" like you would a dog, etc. I believe a Mom's #1 job is to keep her children safe. Don't pay attention to people who look down their noses at it ~ They obviously never had a child like we do!!! Have a beautiful trip,
Vicki C.
I am a huge fan! I'll be honest, the first time I saw it used was at the airport, and I think it's an absolutely wonderful idea. It's not cruel (it's not a leash that we're putting around their neck here) and it's a matter of safety. I would say USE IT!
Much as I absolutely cringe seeing a kid at the end of a harness, I do understand the need for its use. I would work really hard before going on your trips to get your son to understand there's NO running around away from you. If he shows signs of cooperation, great. I would have the harness and leash readily available in case he forgets. No need to take chances. Is it just you and your two kids or is there a significant other who should be helping with kids?
Try to get your son to have a choice in the matter. Either stick close by, no wandering off, or he'll have to look silly with a harness and leash, like a puppy. The thought might horrify him enough to want to avoid it!
