Stressed out and about with toddler - reins help

[walkstress]

DD is 21 months and has reached a bit of a challenging stage where she really, really objects to the pushchair but if you let her walk she runs about and often runs in the opposite direction to the one you’re going in. She isn’t typically defiant and I think she sees it as a game; obviously she doesn’t understand it’s dangerous.

I was considering getting reins for her but worried it would feel like a lead with her fighting to get ‘free’ even more. I’m also concerned that it won’t teach her to stay near me if she’s always been ‘checked’.

I have some reins in my shooing basket online so just wondering if there’s anything I haven’t tried before I order!

Get the ones like a harness and not a waist strap.

If she fights them, particularly somewhere risky like crossing the road, you can lift her like an angry handbag.

This, exactly.

IMO reins are a necessity when out anywhere near traffic etc. with a toddler.

harness reins are a winner.

It’s just part of development and nothing to be particularly concerned about. It’s not “bad behaviour”. Just enforce safety when needed, either reigns or holding hands, and give them some autonomy to walk on their own when appropriate.
I never used reigns, only held hands but nether one is the only way.