Poll: Reins - wrist strap or backpack?

[Ewe]

What did you use?

Is there a benefit to one over the other?

There seems to be so so much on the market, am confused!

[ithinkimtallandblonde]

Back pack was the only thing i used with dd and by the time i discovered it she didn't really need it but liked it all the same.

[BEAUTlFUL]

Reins are better for younger, just-walking children. You can use them like a puppeteer to stop the child falling over.

Wrist-straps are good for 2 y/os upwards. They are great when walking by busy roads, etc. But they really come into their own when the child is 3+. "If you do that again, I'll put the wrist strap on you" was the only way I stopped DS1 running out into roads.

[CMOTdibbler]

Reins - you can pull them out of danger if you need to (like when they decide to sit down in the middle of the road) and v secure.

We have a backpack one, but I like to keep the reins in my pocket and use them as needed - the backpack is a pain if you use a sling

[BEAUTlFUL]

What is a back-pack? I mean, in this context?

[nickytwotimes]

We used both at different stages.
I got a cheap wrist strap from the pound shop, so it needn't be pricey.

[Ewe]

The backpack has a harness with a lead type thing attached...

Like this

[CherryChoc]

The wrist-strap ones are dangerous as if the child falls over their arm can get dislocated, I think?

[Ewe]

This is the standard harness

and you can get these wrist link things

DD is just one and has no sense of danger or the word no.

[Ewe]

Does the child not fall over if you pull the harness ones?

[Ewe]

I have also been told this is good but it does look a bit ridiculous!

[BEAUTlFUL]

Thanks, Ewe. That back-pack is so cute! I love it.

[SmallShips]

We used the back pack, DS liked it better than reins or a wrist strap (he hated that).

[BEAUTlFUL]

at the Walk o Long! Those children are almost at university and their Mums are still using it??

LOL at the copy: "Whether teaching your toddler to walk, or going for a stroll with your 4 or 5 year old, the Walk-O-Long helps kids build confidence, balance, and coordination."

Yes... After their schoolfriends beat the crap out of them at playtime, FFS.

[Ewe]

LOL at almost at university!

The walk-o-long reminds of those big float things they use when learning to swim just shoved under the kids arms. Not for me.

[BEAUTlFUL]

Those walk-O-Long people are just trying to extend the market, aren't they?

"Don't get rid of your Walk-O-Long when your child grows up. It is the perfect way to help teenagers get home safely after a night of heavy drink- or drug-taking, or to keep tabs on a cheating husband. Grandma would like it too, as you can lift her up out of her pool of wee. Walk-O-Long: it's for life."

[spicemonster]

I quite like the wrist strap because it's so small. I only put it on when my DS is near a road and he's not really aware of it. You can take it on and off v easily too - reins are a bit more full on

[Ewe]

They should employ you to do the marketing campaign!

Think I am sold on this one thankfully!

[mrsgboring]

Yes, I like the backpack because you can discreetly tuck away the reins bit if you get to a bit where the child is allowed to run free, without having to dislodge the whole reins and with no danger of the loose strap trailing on the floor and tripping DC up.

[5inthebed]

Backpack all the way!!! My ds2 has one of those littlife ones (well two really as he has the bee one as well). The parent handle is great as it is a loop, so you can either hold it with your hand, link your arm through it to give yourself two free hands or as I do, put it on the pram handle of a younger sibs pram. DS2 is 3.6 and his still fit great.

They are also handy for putting a nappy/wipes and a little cup/bottle/carton of juice in as well.

[5inthebed]

Backpack all the way!!! My ds2 has one of those littlife ones (well two really as he has the bee one as well). The parent handle is great as it is a loop, so you can either hold it with your hand, link your arm through it to give yourself two free hands or as I do, put it on the pram handle of a younger sibs pram. DS2 is 3.6 and his still fit great.

They are also handy for putting a nappy/wipes and a little cup/bottle/carton of juice in as well.

[UniS]

back pack.
reins if you can't afford back pack.

[whomovedmychocolate]

We have a back pack - a little life bee one - DD sings 'I'm a buzzy bee' and happily walks wearing it. I have to put her in a bloody backpack and carry her if she won't wear it because with a baby as well you can't just run after them.

DD stows away charity shop finds in hers and then rediscovers them when we stop for a cuppa so it's a means of entertainment as well.

[FlappyTheBat]

we have a backpack, pink pig, chosen by dc2.

The only problem we have is dc1 loves it and wants one as well - but is 4 and doesn't really need one.

[kayzr]

We have the back pack, the little life turtle one. DS1 loves it and is always picking it up and asking to go for a walk.

[Nemoandthefishes]

we have a winnie the pooh back pack for dd2 which she loves ad puts on without any fuss as it is her special bag and she can carry a toy in it. I have tried to use normal reins and wrist straps in the past on her and dd1 and ds with no luck at all as they all did the flailing fish routine of dangling limpley on the end.