wrist strap or reins for 2.5 year old?

kr15snw

My neice has one of those backpacks and had one from the age of about 14 months (once she was walking). It was prefect as she had her freedom but her mum didnt need to worry about her hurting herself. It also came in handy if she trips (when she was younger) as her mum had the strap short enough to catch her. If that makes sense...

raq

I purchased reins and a wrist strap and my little boy took it in turns, didn't like it but i am so scared of the roads and some idiots on them he had no chose. Then when another one came along I purchased a buggy board and boy it was definately worth it. He loved it.

At least you are thinking SAFETY, annoys me when you see little one's just running across the path by a busy road and the parents just stood gossiping or away with the fairies. My neighbour being a fine example. Am stood across my side and it only takes a second, my heart is in my mouth and mum is stood there saying, "Oh she;s fine". She's 3 in May. :mad:

1sttimer_2

Hey, I may be from the dark ages, (my dds are 26 & 24) but I made them wear reins (no wrist straps then) and I also used them when in the supermarket trolley's (I clipped them in tight LOL) till they were at least 3 - 3.1/2

I hate to see little ones running near roads/rivers or anywhere where there is danger - it only takes one unguarded second......

I like the story about the dog lead one - great for letting them have a bit more space - but only if the area is ok - but then why use one

*Louise*

Well, I'm off to buy one of those turtle backpacks - my son is 2.5 and he's a little terror for running off. Can't have him in a buggy at any point either cos we have a 6mth old who goes in the buggy.

I think he will like the backpack - he likes anything he can put cars into:D

Rachie_B

Those backpacks are fab,my charges have them
they dont mind wearing them

there are various ones available

http://www.toysrus.co.uk/Product.aspx/BruHome/BruSafety/BruTravelSafetyHarnesses/191841

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Lindams-Toddler-Runner-Reins-Handy-Rucksack-Combo_W0QQitemZ160208858914QQihZ006QQcategoryZ116552QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Manchester-Utd-Baby-Mini-Backpack-Harness-Reins-Man-New_W0QQitemZ300182724835QQihZ020QQcategoryZ116552QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem

I prefer reins to wrist straps,never used one with my 2 boys
always reins,they seem safer ,more sturdy to me

climbatron

I was always of the opinion that reins were for people who weren't trying hard enough to look after their children.
One episode of 'heart stopping as child heads for dual carriageway' convinced me otherwise. If your child is a runner, keep them safe first, and if that means reins, so be it.

Paul

Carmina_Piranha_3

if you don't want to try to look after your child you can always leave them strapped in the pram for safety. i always thought reins were much harder work but it is better for children to walk a bit. depends on what else you're doing with your day i suppose - walking around town is different to walking to a playbarn i aim for a long walk into town then maybe he will sit in the pram while i'm in the bank and market, then walk home again but if it's freezing my asthma can't cope so i have to get the bus, then he doesn't want to sit in the pram when we get to town.

my brother's friend was shocked last year when a young girl walking in front of him in the street slipped her hand out of her parents and was killed by a car within a second. and we don't need to mention names regarding what can happen if you lose sight of your child in a shopping centre.

thriftmonster

I used reins - I read somewhere about how uncomfortable it is for a toddler to hold your hand - they have their arm permanently up in the air above their head.

phizzimum

I used reins with both my daughters, it gave them more freedom than having to hold my hand all the time. they used to like pretending to be horses galloping ahead!

there were only boring plain ones available now but a friends little girl has some really fun reins with a cute soft toy puppy backpack - they sell them on ebay

Gingham_Ribbon

My oldest was too big for reins too. I used a wrist strap on busy roads and going round the lake. I held the hand that the strap was on.

I just think you have to do what's best for your own child and if he's at the stage where you can't expect him not to run into the road, then the heck with anyone who thinks he shouldn't be restrained!