To put a dog lead on the baby?

[WhiteTrash]

A friend of mine took her (then) toddler to a festival, he was just walking so had reins on him, and attached to that, a retractable dog lead. It meant he had a little freedom but stayed safe and she could sit with her friends.

We've booked a short camping trip, the baby will most likely be walking by then and Im not sure if all babies do this but our first, once he started walking would literally aim for the horizon and just go. Over and over again. No amount of distraction would prevent it. It lasted 5 or so months and he was a bit easier. Im assuming DS2 will be the same, and we'd love to sit on the beach have picnics etc.

Anyway when my friend told me what she did, I thought it was a genuis idea. But apparently, she said people hurled abuse at her for it so clearly not everyone agrees that its a good idea.

IS it unreasonable? Totally prepared to be flamed. But I figured Id ask her first then have abuse hurled at me on the beach.

Did I mention my baby cage?

I went on holiday to Dorset with 2yoDD, on a gorgeous campsite that was literally on the edge of a cliff.

That coupled with the marina and the beach in general; I was having palpitations, so I bought her one of these

It came in very handy, was very comfortable and was sturdier than your usual mothercare job.

I have one of those. Bloody useful.

in fact, i used to have one in every room of the house. (excluding the bathroom)

protects dog and child from baby very well!

i miss it now that' i've tidied them away, i don't get to do so much as wee without a small cute world war III breaking out...

Don't mind reins but don't use a dog lead - rather use something that's made for children

..and if DH had used it, he wouldn't have had that moment when DD1 took DD2 'on a walk to the park' all by herself when his attention was otherwise engaged... they got 3 doors down. Perfectly happy, i was almost proud... (not of DH)

You can get devices like this for bolters, which could be handy in a crowd situation.

OP - I think the thick web retractable one would be best. You don't have to retract it when DS is at a distance anyway, it just gives you options of lengths and a tidy way to carry/store it. It's a boon when you are camping etc.

Wilde - it is to stop him from running off - if there is a lead/rope attached to his reins he can only wander the length of it, have some freedom, mooch about. Not everyone wants to spend and entire holiday running around after a bolting toddler! This way is win/win.

So they've actually invented what Im talking about? Obviously after its been pointed out a retractable lead is a bad idea but a long lead not such a bad one and has actually been invented? Did you hear that wilde

And at no point did I suggested I would yank my child anywhere.

Whitetrash

Thanks MissV. Ive added that to my favorites, I'll be getting one very soon!

I think bungees are the best idea.
Gives them that sense of freedom, works on their core muscles and just when they think they are getting away...whooooooosh!

They come in lots of nice colours and when you arent using them for walking you can strap the DCs to a tree while you have a drink.

Cheap too.

Win win if you ask me

They take a couple of weeks to come because she makes them up by hand, though.

maryz I once got so fed up with DS1 in woolworths, I whipped the belt out of my coat and tied it to the belt loop on his jeans.

Sorted.

I bought DC5 some reins with his name embroidered on them. I had an old silver cross pram and you need reins for that sort of pram.

He looked so 1950s and cute.

wonders where Wilde went...

don't wonder, I've been to pets at home to get leash for my dp, he has a habit of wandering off. :)

"Not everyone wants to spend and entire holiday running around after a bolting toddler! This way is win/win." I think it's good exercise for you.

Seriously? Youre ignoring that completely?

If my idea was so utterly dangerous and lazy, then how come its been invented?

Fact is, its a GOOD idea to keep my child safe. Lazy has jack all to do with it.

one goes left one goes right, I dunno sounds like hard work. I don't have children so I suppose IABU. I need to buy some dog leads clearly. My mother had me and my brother within 2 years and she never utilised dog leads, I might give her a call and ask what she used.

big brother has been invented, that's utterly stupid. Don't be so surprised.

why ask AIBU if you already think you're not? ok op YANBU use a dog lead to look after your child. Good for you.

I love being judged by someone who Has No Idea.

I thought it was odd when you kept saying you have to get up and chase them, but it turns out you have no children. It all makes sense now.