Baby Leash

I never called it a baby leash. I called it a love line. I told my son that I loved him and didnt want to loose him and I never did. It was also the same thing I told people who were outraged at treating a baby like a dog. (Actually I got mad enough to say to one lady "he's my dog and I dont want to loose him")
When my son my mother and I went to Disney - he was around 4 or 5 - and we were explaining precautions to him he actually packed all his old love lines himself just in case.

Before I had a child I was totally against those things. I would be one to mutter under my breath that the parent thinks she/he's walking a dog. But now that I have a child I can totally relate to having one!!! My daughter is a bit older now and will stay by me and hold my hand, but if I had a leash 3 years ago I would've used it! There is nothing scarier than turning around and finding your kid is gone. Specially when you had her securely strapped into the stroller and she figured how to get out! The panic is incredible! Than to find her hiding in a clothes rack laughing at you.... grrrrr!!!! So yeah, if you got one use it!

YOU are doing what you need to make sure your child is safe. THAT is the most loving thing for him. YOU DO WHAT YOU FEEL. If others don't like it TDB. There is NOTHING "wrong" with it. Someone invented them and they are being sold...so they are NEEDED. You do what YOU have to for your peace of mind AND you son's safety.

Hi C.,

I absolutely think you are doing the right thing. I've even seen the wrist "leashes" for when the children get a bit older. I think they are a great idea.

Hi C.,

I definitely think it's okay. My son is one (or he will be tomorrow!) and I think it's time to use it on him. I don't know what kind you have, but they make one that looks like a cute backpack. We have one that's a monkey backpack that the baby wears and there's a "lease" that you hold on to. Don't let anyone look at you strange. Yesterday I was at Toys R Us and a couple was walking out of the store with what looked like their 2 year old son. The mom was on her cell phone and the dad was carrying packages. Of course the little boy took off out into the parking lot! The mom yelled stop (not that she even ran after him) but he could have easily have gotten hit by a car right then. Those are the people we should be looking at like they're doing something wrong! Loving your son and wanting him to be safe AND happy is not a bad thing.

I have to admit I'm a little torn about this! Before I had my daughter when I would see someone (very rare) that had their child on a leash, I would think HOW PERFECT! I swore that when I had children, they'd be on a leash! A friend had given me hers awhile back, and I tried it on my daughter, but I absolutely hated it. I don't know if it was just a bad brand, but it just didn't seem right, the fit. I gave it back to her, but now that my daughter is running, and refuses to listen while outside, I'm starting to think that maybe I should have kept it a little longer. While I feel horrible putting a leash on her (also feeling like I'm treating her like a dog)I definitely feel that they were purely made for safety! For others to look at you with disapproval, is just wrong on their part! You're just doing this for his safety, AND your piece of mind. That's all that really matters. As for feeling like you're walking your dog, that's just something you'll have to get over. Hopefully I can get over it myself, like you, I need the piece of mind that my child is safely w/in my grasp just incase they decide to take off. Don't let the looks from them bother you.

hello, well ignore the faces I used the same thing for my child when he was little he was the same way he would run and I just did not feel safe, specially when we used to go out. Don't mind the people
they are not the ones who have to worry that your child will run away. there were some people who look at me funny others thought it was a great idea. This way you will teach your child the proper way to go out and be outside, remember repetition;always repeat over and over so it stays in their mind that being outside specially crossing the street you have to pay attention. I can only tell you my child is a special child and he learned and he knows that he can never run towards the street.
good luck, keep using till he learns forget the people....
G.

I was the same as you. I always thought leashes were horrible. Then my son ran into the street. Thankfully, I caught him. A few weeks later a little girl, 2 years old, was killed on my corner running into the street. Get the leash. I'd rather the looks than not have a child at all.