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-   -   Child Leash: should I get one? Opinions wanted (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=412307)

  • Nov 3, 2009, 10:06 AM
    mudweiser
    Child Leash: should I get one? Opinions wanted
    As most of you know, I'm going on a trip, in 2 days. And as most of you know, airports can get busy.

    So I was wondering, should I get a leash for my 2 year old? I don't want to lose her at the airport while I'm trying to check in or while I'm tying my shoe or something like that.

    I won't use it other than being at the airport.

    With all these missing kids, a leash seems like a good idea.

    http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V9sor1SAqS...ld_leash_1.jpg






    Anywhozzils I just wanted your opinion.

    Thanks!

    Sarah
  • Nov 3, 2009, 10:07 AM
    JudyKayTee

    I HATE the strap around the body kid leashes. The wrist leashes I understand.

    Just my opinion.

    Oh, if I ever get married again I do plan on using a Husband Leash.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 10:11 AM
    redhed35

    There are the best thing since sliced bread!

    Go for it..

    There is also a tracker device you can get.. sounds bad,but really helpful..

    It's a little button that you attach to the child (child proof) you have one too,and you can set the distance from each device,example 2 feet.. when your child goes beyond this it alarms... handy for near pool etc.. get the lease get the alarm get everything,you can never too to cautious or too careful with a small child.

    I know it sounds over the top,but with so many child abductions better safe then sorry.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 11:09 AM
    Curlyben
    Yes yes and yes.

    They have got to be one of the best inventions.
    The child feels as if they have their freedom, but you have full control of them at all times.

    A MUST have for any active child.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 11:15 AM
    justcurious55

    I think they're great. I wish more parents would use them.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 11:22 AM
    Silverfoxkit

    I think they are excellent! I wish they had those when I was a kid. My mom just used my ponytail...

    They have so many cute styles like the picture shows that you can have your two year old pick out which one she wants. Then she'll be likely to be quite happy to wear it.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 11:24 AM
    mudweiser

    Thanks guys!

    I'm more worried about someone grabbing her when I'm in the middle of looking for something.. airports can get hectic.

    Thanks again!

    I'll be looking for one today!

    Sarah
  • Nov 3, 2009, 11:37 AM
    ScottGem

    I used a harness on my little one until they came out with the wrist types. But either way I would do it and not just at the airport. In malls, stores, anywhere curious tots will wander while your attention may be directed elsewhere.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 11:58 AM
    mudweiser

    Hmm well I saw one at Wal-mart. It's a backpack AND a harness. I'm pretty sure I'll get that one. She can put her snacks and things in the backpack. I'm sure she'll enjoy it.

    I'd rather risk evil glances than a lost child.

    Sarah
  • Nov 3, 2009, 12:09 PM
    justcurious55

    I smile at the parents who use the harnesses. And save the evil glances for the parent's who don't even realize there child is running around wreaking havoc...
  • Nov 3, 2009, 12:09 PM
    spitvenom

    I am not saying this is right but if you happen to come across my wife in your travels don't be shocked if she see's you with a leash and asks how old your dog is and can it do any tricks. I have seen her do this.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 12:11 PM
    NeedKarma
    God I hate those leashes.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 12:13 PM
    mudweiser
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by NeedKarma View Post
    God I hate those leashes.

    Did mommy put you in a leash NeedKarma ;)

    --why do you hate them?

    It's not like I'm going to be taking her to the park with it on- haha


    Sarah
  • Nov 3, 2009, 12:16 PM
    asking

    Yes on the leash!

    No need to apologize, either. I'm betting it will make your trip a lot easier. They weren't around when I was raising my kids. I think they are a totally reasonable solution to having a frisky toddler.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 12:39 PM
    NeedKarma
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mudweiser View Post
    Did mommy put you in a leash NeedKarma ;)

    --why do you hate them?

    It's not like I'm going to be taking her to the park with it on- haha


    Sarah

    No, none of the five of us were. I have two kids and didn't use them either. Seems oh so dog-like to me. That's my opinion of course. I've had no problems picking up and carrying my two year old if the situation demands it.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 12:59 PM
    MsMewiththat

    I don't mean to offend, but I don't care for the leash. Just the name alone suggests something not fit for children. I think whatever you decide works for you or that you need for peace of mind is what you should do.
    However, don't use the leash as an alternative to getting your child to understand through communicaton and discipline, the importance of being safe and well mannered.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 01:18 PM
    justcurious55

    I agree that children should be taught to be well mannered and stay by your side in crowded areas. But I trust that you're teaching her that anyway and a leash isn't necessary when you go grocery shopping. But, airports are busy, crowded places and it seems like there's always a million things going on. I'd stick with your decision to use the leash. Better safe than sorry.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 01:23 PM
    ohsohappy

    My mom had one for me and my brother. When I was young, and she was pregnant, about 7 or 8 months, with my brother, she had a child leash on me under my winter coat, it was not visible. My mom had a hold of the leash, she turned around for just one second and she felt a tug on the leash, and a strange man was picking me up. If she had not had the leash on me, I might not be around. She could not have chased the man in her pregnant state, and I was too young to defend myself. There are bad people in the world, Keep your baby close to you in busy places. I'm not sayinge over-protective, but in an airport situation, YES YES YES.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 01:47 PM
    MsMewiththat

    I fully understand the draw to wanting to take steps and extra measures toward safety. My fear is this: The leash can cause a false sense of security for you and the child. I would be willng to bet that these creeps out there have a fix for those leashes too. With your back turned because you think your safe... leashes can be unhooked. Again you have to use what makes you feel secure and I know you will be cautious. It's all just my opinion.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 01:51 PM
    JudyKayTee

    I absolutely agree with you - when the "leash" is used solely for the purpose of making sure the child is safe in a crowded place, I have no problem.

    It's not like you are using it so the child comes when called!

    And as far as someone unclipping the "leash" and still grabbing the child - my feeling is Mudweiser is going to be very close by and I think it's the same as stealing from a homeowner. Someone wanting to grab a child would distract the child and get him/her to walk away from the parent, unconstrained.

    I see no point in frightening the OP with "what ifs."

    And, of course, this is just my opinion.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 02:06 PM
    I wish

    When in doubt, just do it. Better safe than sorry.

    I would suggest wrist over neck leashes though.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 02:07 PM
    justcurious55

    While the "what ifs" are possible, I agree with judy. Even people who are sick enough to want to steal someone else's child still have some basic human characteristics. Why take a child that you have to do extra work to take when you can lure one away from a parent not paying attention or with their back turned?
  • Nov 3, 2009, 02:17 PM
    spitvenom

    My best friend was a leash kid. But he would run away from his mom and hide in the close racks at the mall. So I see the point of them. Unlike my wife I would never belittle someone for doing that. Now I will belittle you if your kid is acting like a little terror and you do nothing about it. So I say do it.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 02:22 PM
    adam_89

    I never liked the idea of them before and when I seen then out in public I am sure people thought they got some pretty weird looks from me. After reading all this on here it sounds like a good idea so I would get it if you haven't already.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 02:59 PM
    mudweiser
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MsMewiththat View Post
    I don't mean to offend, but I don't care for the leash. Just the name alone suggests something not fit for children. I think whatever you decide works for you or that you need for peace of mind is what you should do.
    However, don't use the leash as an alternative to getting your child to understand throught communicaton and discipline, the importance of being safe and well mannered.

    Oh trust me I won't.

    Rachel doesn't run away at stores, or when we go for walks-- in fact she insists on me holding her hand whenever we are out. I don't have a problem with that.

    To be honest, I'm a nervous traveler, and a messy one. Even if I have my passport at hand I always find a way to complicate my travel, whether it's dropping my juice on my documents to forgetting my wallet at the check in. Really, I'm not a good person to travel with. I trip. I lose things. I'm just all over the place. Ahaha

    I'm mostly worried about some creep-o trying to give her a lollipop when I have my back turned for a second or while I'm trying to get her snacks from my bag... just anytime I don't have my eye on her.

    I am going to use the "child harness" solely for the airport.

    Thanks for your input.

    Sarah
  • Nov 3, 2009, 03:09 PM
    MsMewiththat

    Sarah
    YOu are most welcome. I was always really fussy about traveling with my son. They do get so curious in the environment. I understand your position and by all means you have to do what makes you feel secure. Honestly.
    Safe travels to you. ENJOY!
  • Nov 3, 2009, 03:25 PM
    mudweiser
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MsMewiththat View Post
    Sarah
    YOu are most welcome. I was always really fussy about traveling with my son. They do get so curious in the environment. I understand your position and by all means you have to do what makes you feel secure. Honestly.
    Safe travels to you. ENJOY!

    Oh I'll try my best to enjoy it.

    I'm pretty sure I'm making it worse than it is. I always do that.

    Last night I was up thinking "omg what if the plane crashes..."


    Sarah
  • Nov 3, 2009, 03:59 PM
    ohsohappy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mudweiser View Post
    Oh I'll try my best to enjoy it.

    I'm pretty sure I'm making it worse than it is. I always do that.

    Last night I was up thinking "omg what if the plane crashes..."


    Sarah

    OMG! What if the plane DOESN'T crash? :)
  • Nov 3, 2009, 05:10 PM
    jmjoseph
    My vote is for renting a stroller from the airport. That way you don't have to lug the "leash" around on your trip, plus you won't get dirty looks from people like me. And she won't get tired walking, and you can go at a faster pace.

    Sorry, but I just don't care for them. It simply looks too much like walking a dog. But that's just me.
  • Nov 3, 2009, 06:34 PM
    asking

    Heh. Just to be difficult, walking is GOOD for children. I hate it when people push 5 year olds around in strollers. Besides, if Rachel walks around instead of sitting, she will sleep on the plane. Finally, different kids take to strollers or not. My older son loved nothing better than sit passively. The younger one would scream if I tried to put him in.

    We all get to be difficult about something. :)
  • Nov 3, 2009, 07:06 PM
    jmjoseph
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by asking View Post
    Heh. Just to be difficult, walking is GOOD for children. I hate it when people push 5 year olds around in strollers. Besides, if Rachel walks around instead of sitting, she will sleep on the plane. Finally, different kids take to strollers or not. My older son loved nothing better than sit passively. The younger one would scream if I tried to put him in.

    We all get to be difficult about something. :)

    Who said anything about a five year old? Her girl is two.

    I wouldn't put a five year old in a stroller.
  • Nov 4, 2009, 05:25 AM
    tickle

    If the leash eases your mind, muddy, the get it ! Airports are very stressful for rmoms and little ones at the best of times.

    Tick
  • Nov 4, 2009, 05:42 AM
    redhed35

    I just thought of another idea for you..

    Dress her in bright clothes.. or if she will wear a distinctive cap or hat... the colours will stand out and catch your eye if she strays to far.

    Stripes or dots,something that will stand out.
  • Nov 5, 2009, 09:05 PM
    mudweiser
    20 hours later... here I am in Hudson's Hope B.C.

    I AM tired!

    I left to Toronto from Windsor at midnight, then my flight left at 7ish and from Edmonton I took the plane to Grande Paririe and now I'm in Hudson's Hope :)-- FEWF

    By the way, the airport was not even busy, I had the harness on her and it was just pointless she still wanted me to hold her hand. So I held her and took the backpack/harness off and let her run around.

    It was easy breezy. I'm supa tired though :(


    Sarah
  • Nov 6, 2009, 07:02 AM
    tickle

    Hay, you made it ! Worry for nothing, but that's what we do, eh, mom. Have a great stay in lovely BC. What is the weather like ?

    Tick
  • Nov 6, 2009, 07:05 AM
    excon

    Hello Sarah:

    Have you tried Velcro?

    excon
  • Nov 6, 2009, 08:54 AM
    JudyKayTee
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by excon View Post
    Hello Sarah:

    Have you tried Velcro?

    excon


    I bought a husband leash with a matching choker - would you try it on for me?
  • Nov 6, 2009, 10:13 AM
    jenniepepsi

    Hey hon. I say yes. I accually prefer them to the wrists ones cause I feel safer knowing that if someone does try to snatch my daughter up and run off with her, and it jerks the strap, I know it will grab her body and not grab and possibly injure her wrist. You know?

    *EDIT* sorry hon I did that mistake that eveyrone hates and I replied before reading other replys. Gladl you guys made it safe!
  • Nov 6, 2009, 10:20 AM
    NeedKarma
    Does that really happen is the states a lot - kids being grabbed away from their parents?
  • Nov 6, 2009, 12:11 PM
    ohsohappy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by NeedKarma View Post
    Does that really happen is the states a lot - kids being grabbed away from their parents?

    It happens more often than you'd think. :( I'ts really unfortunate. There's lists and lists of missing people starting at any age, mostly young. It's really sad.

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