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Best toddler reins to keep your little ones close
Is your little one on the move? From those tentative wobbles to their first steps and confident strides, here are the best baby and toddler reins to help keep your child safe, as rated by Mumsnet users.
By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Apr 11, 2024
Navigating days out with a child who has discovered a newfound freedom can be somewhat overwhelming. With minimal understanding of risk, your over-excited toddler may be keen to walk and explore their surroundings, without fully appreciating the dangers of busy roads, open spaces and crowded locations such as shopping centres, airports and festivals.
They can divide opinions amongst Mumsnet users, however, toddler reins are a popular safety tool, helping keep your child safe and improving their confidence as they learn to walk independently. While toddlers are often lots of fun to shop for - who doesn't love finding the best toys for 2-year-olds or the best doll for their 3-year-old? - many Mumsnetters would argue that reins are an essential purchase.
While it’s important to teach your toddler about safety in public spaces, using reins can give them the freedom and independence they crave while keeping them securely close by. Whether you opt for traditional harness reins, a toddler backpack with reins or even reins that secure to your wrist, they can prevent your child from bolting, stepping out into danger, getting lost or simply falling over.
To bring you our pick of the best toddler reins you can buy today, we first tapped into hundreds of authentic, tried and tested reviews in the Mumsnet Talk forums - the largest network of parents in the UK, to gather feedback on the reins that users rate and would recommend to others. By combining this research with expert advice and wider consumer reviews, we’ve bought you the best toddler reins for every family - whatever your child’s age or your budget.
The harness is quick and easy to secure
Easy to adjust without rethreading
Wide padded straps
Colourful designs with child appeal
Includes training and leading reins
Some may prefer more subtle/muted designs
Cips of reins can be a bit fiddly to remove
Price on writing: £16 | Age suitability: Six months to four years | Type: Chest harness
Chances are you’ve already heard of Trunki’s innovative ride-on suitcases, but the brand is also home to ToddlePak - a range of cute and comfortable harnesses with reins, suitable for early walkers from six months to around four years of age.
With a range of bold and bright characters including Betsy Bear and Dudley the Dinosaur, ToddlePak reins simply ooze child appeal, meaning you’ll experience far less resistance when heading out with your little one. The padded harnesses are quick and easy to secure, fastening at the back before clipping the reins into place.
The training reins will keep your child close - ideal for those still finding their balance, while the leading reins provide a little more freedom for children to safely explore.
We love how easy it is to adjust the size of the ToddlePak harness as your child grows, while the reflective elements ensure your child can always be seen - even in low light.
Read next: Best stair gates and safety gates for babyproofing your home
Budget-friendly price tag
Included walking rein
Includes a reflective stripe for visibility
Not padded
‘No-frills’ design is less appealing to children
Price on writing: £4 | Age suitability: From birth | Type: Chest harness
This simple no-frills harness and reins set from Red Kite retails at less than £5 and is a great way to help keep your toddler safe, even on a limited budget.
The simple clip design isn’t padded, but it is easy to secure and fasten at the front, with the attached walking reins keeping your child within a comfortable distance as they toddle close by.
The simple black colour may not be quite as appealing to children, however, we love the reflective stripe incorporated into the design, ensuring your child can be clearly seen even on darker walks to and from nursery.
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Adjustable sizing
Comfortable padded design
Cute elephant character
Familiar ‘bib-like’ shape
Rein is quite long
Less colourful than some designs
Price on writing: £12.50 | Age suitability: Six months to four years | Type: Chest harness
Toddlers certainly know their own minds, so securing traditional reins can sometimes prove challenging. The familiar bib-like design of this set from Boots makes it a great alternative, clipping at the sides rather than at the chest or back.
Easy to adjust as your child grows, it’s suitable for children from around six months and will see them through right till the end of preschool. We love the padded shoulders for additional comfort and the cute elephant design, although it may appeal more to kids if it was a more colourful shade.
It’s also worth noting that some reviewers found the reins to be a little longer than expected, making these better suited to those who are already confident on their feet rather than younger walkers taking their first tentative steps.
Read next: The best child safety locks for babyproofing your home
LittleLife Animal Toddler Backpack with Safety Rein
Variety of child-friendly designs and characters
Allows child to independently carry their favourite things
Adjustable shoulder straps
The top handle is useful for older children once the reins are removed
Backpacks are minimal in terms of storage space
More bulky to pack away when not in use
Price on writing: £18 | Age suitability: Approximately one to three years | Type: Backpack
These clever two-in-one products from LittleLife are popular amongst Mumsnet users and it’s not hard to see why. With a wide range of cute and colourful characters including everything from dinosaurs and turtles to mermaids and unicorns, you’re sure to find an option that appeals to your toddler.
Not only do the LittleLife backpacks allow toddlers to carry along their favourite snacks or teddy bears, they also come with included safety reins, which can easily be clipped to the rear for additional security and reassurance when needed.
With adjustable shoulder and chest straps, these backpack reins are recommended for children between one and three years. Parents also rate the looped handle to the top of the bag, making it an easy way to stop your child quickly in an emergency.
Read next: The best travel potties and toilet training seats for potty training on the go
Adjustable reins lengths (short and long)
Easily adjustable as your child grows
Machine washable
Simple to fasten
Takes up little space when packed away
Less child appeal than some of the backpack/character designs
Price on writing: £8.50 | Age suitability: Six months to four years | Type: Chest harness
With two different length reins included, the Clippasafe Walking Harness and Reins provide an element of choice for parents. Adjustable as your child grows, they’re suitable from six months up to approximately four years of age.
For younger children taking those wobbly first steps, using the shorter reins allows you to keep them close by and provide more control as their confidence grows. When they’ve mastered walking along without toppling, the longer set provides more freedom and independence, enabling them to explore their surroundings without feeling held back or restricted.
Its design may be simple, but what it lacks in aesthetics it makes up for in practicality, with a machine-washable design that takes up very little space when not in use.
Read next: The best trikes for babies and toddlers, tried and tested by Mumsnetters
Secure magnetic lock that can’t be opened by the child
Reflective strip for visibility
1.5metre length provides freedom whilst keeping them close
Comfortable organic cotton with double velcro fastening
Choice of seven colours
Doesn’t provide as much control for parents in emergency
Price on writing: £10 | Age suitability: Toddler (unspecified) | Type: Wrist reins
If you’re travelling or visiting crowded spaces such as festivals, airports and shopping centres with your children, the thought of getting separated can be quite a worry.
For older toddlers, preschoolers and children who tend to wander, wrist reins can make a really useful alternative to harness reins and backpacks. Adjustable for children from toddlers to around ten years of age, the Lehoo Walking Harnes and Reins provide an element of freedom and unrestricted movement while ensuring your child can’t get lost - even in busy surroundings.
Tethering you to your child at the wrist, the comfortable cotton double velcro straps are linked by a stretchy 1.5 metre ‘telephone-like’ spring wire, while the secure magnetic lock can only be opened by the parent.
LittleLife Child & Toddler Safety Walking Harness & Reins
Choice of colourful designs with cute characters
Adjustable strap
Comfortable adult handle loop
Hand wash only
Not padded
Price on writing: £12 | Age suitability: From one to three years | Type: Chest harness
Another highly rated set from leading brand LittleLife, these toddler harness and reins sets are available in a choice of fun designs - from a subtle grey Hedgehog to a bold bright lion or textured llama design.
The double clip design is easy to secure and suitable for children aged one to three years, it’s easy to adjust when required. With an easy-to-attach rein, we love the large padded loop at the end which offers additional comfort for grown-ups.
Parents love the fact the harness can be kept on over their usual outfit, clipping on the reins when you move to busier or riskier surroundings. The harness isn’t padded, however, which may make it a little less comfortable for your toddler over longer periods.
Read next: The best toddler toys, as recommended by real parents
Suitable for older children
A more subtle colour scheme
Strong and durable padded design
Built-in front and rear grab handles
Detachable safety reins
Reflective shoulder stripes and a rear logo
Costly
Price on writing: £35 | Age suitability: From one to seven years | Type: Chest harness
Originally made to support children with SEN or autism, the Hobbledehoo harness and reins set are a safe and durable option for children up to around seven years of age.
With a durable and well-padded design, they include a set of detachable 1.2-metre reins, as well as two built-in handles to the front and rear, providing a quick and easy way to pull your child to safety in case of emergency.
They don’t come cheap when compared to our other toddler rein picks, however with reflective shoulder stripes, an adjustable design and handy quick-release buckles, they are a popular choice amongst active families.
Read next: Best outdoor toys: get your kids active with great toys and games for your garden
Are toddler reins a good idea?
Toddler reins always spark a bit of debate amongst parents, with some comparing them to a leash or a lead. On the flip side, however, many parents find toddler reins to be absolutely essential with an overexcited toddler, helping keep them safe as they learn to navigate their newfound freedom.
If you’re travelling around a busy city, by open water, in high-traffic areas or crowded environments, toddler reins can provide reassurance, safety and security, preventing accidents, falls or Houdini moments in the split second your back is turned As with any parenting decision however, whether your use reins with your toddler comes down to personal choice.
What to look for when choosing toddler reins
Here are some things to consider when choosing toddler reins for your child:
Age suitability: What age are the reins suitable for? You should check the specifications carefully to ensure that the reins will fit your child, especially if they are an older toddler or child. Most reins are suitable from around six months of age and can be adjusted to fit your child as they grow. The majority will fit until the age of around three or four, however, some designs such as the Hobbledehoo above can be adjusted for older children as required.
Type of reins: There are three main types of reins to choose from (see below) so consider which is most likely to suit your lifestyle and child’s preferences.
Length of reins: How long are the reins and how much freedom do they provide your child? For younger children who have just learned to walk, you’re likely to want reins that are relatively short to keep your child as close to you as possible and reduce the risk of tripping or stepping out into dangerous surroundings. As your toddler gains in confidence, however, they are likely to want a little more freedom, so longer reins allow space to run around without being too restricted.
Adjustable fit: How easy are the reins to adjust as your child grows? How does it secure, and can the straps be increased in length? Does the harness need rethreading to adjust the sizing or can this be done in one simple movement?
Overall design: Consider which design is most likely to appeal to your child. Would a bib-like harness be more familiar or would a brightly coloured character appeal to their personality? Character designs tend to provide more child appeal, while multipurpose backpacks can be met with much less resistance from children. You may also want to look out for features such as reflective strips for visibility and padded designs for additional comfort.
What are the different types of baby and toddler reins?
There are three main types of reins to choose from including:
Harness reins
The most traditional of toddler reins, these fairly simple designs tend to be the most affordable option when buying reins for your toddler. As a general rule, this style of toddler reins includes a clip-on harness or bib which is secured on your child first, before clipping on detachable reins as and when needed. Most fasten using clips at the chest or back and they tend to be easy to adjust as your child grows, increasing the length of the straps as required. Some harness designs are padded for additional comfort and some come in cute character designs to make them slightly more appealing to your toddler.
Backpack reins
A dual-purpose product, backpack reins are small toddler-sized backpacks with reins that can be attached to the rear. They allow children to feel ‘grown up’ by carrying along some of their favourite possessions while allowing parents to gain additional control when needed. Many backpack reins also feature grab handles, and secure loops which allow parents to pull their child to safety in case of emergency.
Wrist reins
Wrist reins are more suited to older children and confident walkers who are at risk of bolting in public spaces, they allow a parent to effectively tether the child to them at the wrist, with a long spring wire providing space and freedom for them to move freely.
Are toddler reins safe?
Toddler reins are specifically designed with safety in mind, but it’s still important that they are used correctly.
Most reins are adjustable to suit your child’s age. The reins must be fastened securely but make sure they’re not too tight. Harnesses that are too tight could dig into your child’s skin and become uncomfortable, especially if they are wearing lightweight clothing.
Harnesses and reins can be great for peace of mind, but it's important that you also teach your child about potential dangers in their surroundings, letting them learn about strangers, road safety, and the importance of staying close by.
You should avoid pulling back on the reins forcefully unless your child is in extreme danger, as this may cause your toddler discomfort.
What age do you use baby reins?
Most baby reins are suitable for babies and toddlers from the age of around six months, whereas some of the backpack-style reins may be suitable from your child’s first birthday. Every child is different, so if your child is an early walker or on a high percentile for weight and height, you may find that reins fit before or after the recommended age range.
What are the best toddler reins to buy?
Based on our research, Mumsnet user's feedback and the thousands of positive reviews, we feel the Trunki ToddlePak is the best toddler reins you can buy today. We love the colourful, child-friendly designs, that appeal to children, while the padded shoulders ensure they are comfortable and easy to use.
Easy to adjust as your child grows and with a choice of a training or leading harness, the Trunki ToddlePak can easily lasting your baby from first steps to their first day at nursery.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
There is a lot of debate within the Mumsnet forums about toddler reins, with many users sharing their experiences.
First, we sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users, to get their feedback on the toddler reins that they rate, recommend and use in their own homes.
We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsetters highlighted products that they felt were poor quality, overpriced or difficult to adjust.
Expert opinions
Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best toddler reins on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, Lakeland, and John Lewis to get wider consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.
Lucy has personal experience using the Trunki ToddlePak and LittleLIfe Backpacks with her daughters when they were young - having seen first-hand the benefits and reassurance they can provide.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.