Baby reins?

[Nessynoonars]

I have a very active and independent 1 year old. He is not quite walking yet but don't Think it will be long. I was just wondering if baby reins would be a good option for him as he likes to do things independently.

i live in a large town within thirty mins of london

honestly can’t recall last time i saw reins

Hmm.. must be a regional thing then? Anyway I stick by they are great.

Baby reigns are fantastic.
It gives the child a sense of freedom while keeping them save. I had one child who was frighteningly independent but was also a bolter so reigns saved the day on many occasion.
Also it can get tiring reaching down holding their hand and them reaching up.
They are great in a crowd, in a shop when you have to pay for things and your eyes aren't your childcfor a few moments.
I know people say that a child isn't a dog. However you put a dog on a lead to keep it safe and to stop it running off and getting into a dangerous situation, which is exactly why you should do it for a child as well.

I found the Little Life back packs better as they stop the child from lifting their legs and just dangling. They can carry their own small toy and it attaches with a chest strap so they can't wriggle out of it but comes with a handle.

Does it look like you are walking a dog in a leash? Yes, yes it does, and some unhelpful people will comment.

Do you care what it looks like if it prevents you and DC getting sore arms/backs from holding your hand up/down, keeps them safe from running off and prevents you being separated somewhere busy? No, no you don't.

Little Life also do ID wrist bands you can write your phone number on should you get separated like the disposable ones offered at big events.

I need to get some for my dd2. She’s been walking since 15 months and now she’s 18 months she’s desperate to be out of the pushchair and walking about. She loves running about. She refuses to hold hands, screams and launches herself at the floor. I’m sceptical she’ll tolerate reins but I want to try them.

Dd1 on the other hand was a bloody dream, walked beside me like an angel and held my hand. Her sister is a demon 😂

No we never used them

why don't you just see how it goes without them?

Unless you're habitually walking by a canal to nursery or something I don't see why they're needed

Some kids are runners

We had the Backpack style ones. Gives them some independence in a safe and comfy way.

And another bonus, if they go to trip over, you can kind of hold them up a bit and save grazed knees. The backpack ones are cute as they can take a small teddy or something out with them.

Because children run off and die. It's stupid to think it will never happen and goady to imply that you just need to teach them to walk independently next to you.

Ds1 is 32 and I had them for him as we used public transport a lot and he would run off otherwise. I did see a toddler ( girl) in cute ones the other day , so maybe they are back in fashion now ?

Roads, supermarkets and shopping centre where your attention is divided, transport spots where you need to fold the buggy but keep hold of DC any other situation you need two hands but also to keep hold of DC as they are a bolter or it is busy and you might be separated

I think they became very popular after the Jamie Bulger case and as that has dropped out of the collective memory so has the normalising of them.

Yes we had this and little one loved carrying their own water bottle and wetwipes!

@BellaTheDarkOverlord why not take DD to a Boots today and have her pick out her Own Little Life rucksack. The handle/leash is in a pocket at the top and is fastened with a clip so is detachable.

DD had a bumble bee one but I think there are dinosaur, ladybird and butterfly ones too. If she picks it and you make a fuss of it then she is more likely to like it and wear it.

I don’t think they’re bad but only really needed for children that run and don’t listen. Lots of children happy to hold a hand

Do whatever you see fit with your own child OP - any judgement a stranger throws your way for using reins is entirely their problem and not worth your energy or headspace. People are far too bloody invested in judging parents these days, it’s beyond tiresome. I used backpack reins for my son, no need for my daughter.

Also very useful if you have a baby in the pram, then a toddler on foot.

@Singleandproud That sounds like a good idea thanks! We’re going out today so will have a look. Didn’t know boots did them 🙂

I know a lot of people don’t like them but dd2 was born 3 months early and is delayed mentally. She can run all over but doesn’t understand no. She’ll learn one day but I’d like her to be alive when she does 😅

Some children are runners and hate to hold hands. They are too young to understand potential dangers and reins can be a lifesaver. They give the child some independence to walk by themselves and they stop sudden darts into busy roads or other hazards.

Do whatever feels right for you OP, and don't be swayed by people with negative opinions. Your child's safety is your main priority.

I think you just wait and see what your little one is like once they start walking. Some are a major flight risk and some are not. I had one who made to run onto roads a few times. I managed this by making her go into the buggy at certain times and my mum when she had her wanted reins. Another one I had was happier to hold hands and it never felt such an issue. If you want to use them, use them. I’d just not use them as a default as I suppose I’d expect your child would get used to the sense that they are not in control of where they go? From an early age you’re teaching about risk and their personal responsibilities to keep safe (even though they obviously can’t understand it all yet).

Another vote for the Little life backpack ones especially near roads or walks with big drops at the side.

@Disappearedwife but it is better for the child too.

Go walk around the house for 10 minutes holding your hand above your head - it's uncomfortable.

It also means their balance is off as we use our hands and arms to balance when walking.

Most importantly for the toddler it means they can only carry one prized stick / leaf / pebble rather than two if they had both hands free.

I used a backpack with a strap for a month or 2 with Ds. But it was strictly as a backup whilst he got the hang on handholding. He walked before 1yo. Didn't with DD and she walked earlier. Lots of practice, once walking they'd be out at least 3 times a day on mini walks. Practised "accidentally" letting toys fall into the road and what we do then too.

You see a lot of toddlers being dragged around with them like their leads or leaning on them. Especially dads- they just pull the kids around by their backpacks. I hate seeing it.

Just teach them hand holding. Actual reins I hate- it's not the 80s, I think it's lazy unless SEN.

Unless you're habitually walking by a canal to nursery or something I don't see why they're needed
What about walking along a busy main road, or crowded shopping mall? What if you have a baby and toddler. The reins were great when I was pushing a pram and toddler didn't want to hold hands.

Don't understand why people are so against them. I have twins, wouldn't have been able to go out without them.