Do people still use reins?

[violentvioletx]

DC 19 months old Wants to do nothing other than walk everywhere. It's difficult to hold hands whilst walking as still slightly too short. DH wants to get some reins but something about them makes me feel uneasy. Do people still use reins? Or are they frowned upon? If you didn't use them how did you cope with a squirming toddler whilst out and about?

[RaisingSteam]

There are those Little Life backpack things with a leash. I had one for DS1, when I see one now I think "aha, you've got a runner too" . You might only need them for a few months but I'd say worth a try.

[CharminglyGawky]

Yes! Loads of people use reins, if you are unsure about them have a look at little life back packs, they are adorable and lots of kids really like wearing them but they add the safety aspect of reins.

I'm not at that stage yet but I plan on using reins/the backpacks/anything that will keep dc safe!

[sleepyhead]

I used reins for both of mine to let them have the freedom of walking without the risk of them dashing off.

I've heard the argument likening reins to a dog on a lead, but I'm OK with that. My toddlers had similar road sense and recall to a red setter.

Got rid of the reins as soon as they could be trusted to hold hands and not run off.

[MaisieDotes]

DS1 is just 2 (but only walked at 17mo) and we use a Little Life backpack when walking.

I hold his hand though, and just have the backpack as back-up. If holding hands was more difficult I probably would use a traditional rein although tbh I generally just insisted on the buggy at that stage.

[thestarryeyedsurprise]

DS is 14 months and we use one of those backpack things. So much easier for us and for him. They do them in most large supermarkets and halfords.

[Leviticus]

Yes!

A rude woman once said loudly 'oh I hate to see them in those' as I walked past with DS on a very busy road. I wanted to reply 'and I really hate to see them lying under a bus' but bit my tongue.

Neither of mine have been the compliant, trot-along-beside-me type. And yes, you'll only need them for a short while.

[thenewaveragebear1983]

Yes, and I'd say get them on early. My ds2 is one next week and can't walk properly outside yet, but he wears the harness part already when we're out. Can you tell I struggled with ds1 who resisted all form of restraint and ran off everywhere? By the time we started with reins he just fought them constantly. Also useful in shopping trolleys with no straps, high chairs etc when you're out.

[Batteriesallgone]

We used/use the Trunki reins. We live near a busy road and deep water - can't take the risk of having an unleashed toddler. People are a bit snooty about them (even next to unfenced deep water!) but I just think fuck em. Some people just love being judgey.

[TheLongRains]

I think they are frowned upon (by some, certainly. I have friends and family that disapprove), but it needn't stop you using them :) we have one of those little life backpacks with a lead attached, and my son loves it so much he brings it to me along with his shoes when we go out, and often wants to wear it around the house.

I don't use it to yank him around, but it's good for keeping him from wandering too far and it saves my back from constantly walking half bent over...

I'm glad we got the backpack (he also carries his own water and teddy now!), despite what others say ;)

[MummyMonkeySnot]

My DS is 18 months old and we use reins with him. It's easier than hand holding as he just wriggles away and bolts. No ones ever said anything about them. It also tires him out more and he gets less stressed than if he was confined to a pram. If you want to use them then use them, shouldn't matter what others think, your child, your rules

[gamerwidow]

I didn't but only because every time I put them on Dd she sat on the floor and refused to get up I don't know how parents of twins manage without them.

[panad317]

I think they are frowned upon by some people. And I understand, it looks like you're taking the dog for a walk. But, I used them with DD, couldn't have managed without them!! She was always running off and like your DC, the hand holding was awkward because she was short, and she didn't want to hold my hand! The little life back packs are lovely, but we got a little ladybird one for about £3 on eBay!

[Tftpoo]

Yup, I use them (or try to when the toddlers let me put them on). I have twins so I find it the best way to keep them safe when I'm out on my own with them. Yes it feels a bit like taking a dog for a walk sometimes but better that than squashed toddlers. Come to think of it, there are a few similarities between my toddlers and dogs: they require daily exercise, they bring me my shoes when they deem it's time to go out and they eat food off the floor that the baby drops...

[HumphreyCobblers]

I do with my toddler, who is slightly deaf and non responsive to commands.

I was at a theme park in France this summer and some woman literally sneered at me because of it. She nudged her friend with an appalled look on her face. Her child was in a buggy. Obviously a greatly superior way of transporting your toddler. I was premenstrual so I demanded to know what her problem was in quite an (dh said) aggressive manner

The french do disapprove of reins in a major way but I had not experienced it in that degree before.

[NickyEds]

My ds is 2.8 and my dd is 14 months and we have little lite bags for both of them! Ds is a pretty good walker but he isn't totally safe, especially when I have the buggy too-I couldn't just run after him. I really couldn't care less if people judge, presumably they have very compliant children!

[polkadotdelight]

I use them for DS who is almost 2. I would prefer him to be safe than worry about what a stranger thinks.

[panad317]

Just spotted these on the Aldi website! Baby event starts next Thursday I think!

[Highlove]

We use them. Have done for a good while now and I wouldn't be without them. We hold hands too but I can't rely on that - she's not great at it and is prone to bolting. I think the snobbery about then is frankly ridiculous - toddlers are unpredictable and squirm out of your hand in an instant.

There's a lady on MN who very tragically lost her little boy when he ran out and was hit by a car. As she says (and you may find she responds to this) if he'd had his reins on, he'd still be here. Anyone who judges me for using them can fuck the fuck off.

[violentvioletx]

Thank you for all your replies! Looks like I'll be heading out shortly to purchase a backpack! They look so cute! She's normally quite good but as you all said it only takes a second and they are off! Have to admit I am pleasantly surprised that they seem to be an accepted solution !

[eternalopt]

Yep. I used reins. For two reasons:

1. Stop him running off and keep him safe
2. Save him from the odd faceplant when he tripped.

Had one snotty comment from an old biddy, but pointed out to her that they kept him safe and meant he could get some exercise instead of being shoved in a pram so I didn't give a stuff what she thought.

Was going to go for a little life backpack, but they don't help with the faceplant as easily as reins.

Do what suits you.

[AbbieLexie]

I use them with my granddaughter - wouldn't be without them.

[MyKingdomForBrie]

What's so different about the backpack and the reins?! I cannot understand the snobbery at all. How on earth can anyone have a problem with a safety device for children. Completely defies logic.

[frikadela01]

I find the main people that sneer and are against reins are people without children (ie me before my sisters had kids and I saw the error of my ways) or older people like my grandma who fully admits that there was far fewer cars on the roads when she had my dad and that it was normal to keep toddlers in the buggy rather than let them walk.

I will definitely be using reins (or rather the little backpack things because they are so cute) with my Ds when the time comes. If people think he looks like a dog then so be it, rather that than dead on the road.

[qazxc]

We have a backpack with a lead and have only had positive comments about it.

[CMOTDibbler]

I used reins with my ds, and they were great. I actually only had positive comments from people, and they meant he had a lot of freedom but was safe. I didn't use a pushchair past 1 (used a sling instead) so reins folded up neatly into my bag.
But I used them for the same reason I keep my dogs on leads in areas not safe for them to run around - I don't want them lost or run over!