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 to 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.
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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 Mumsnetters 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.