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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Using reins on my twins

94 replies

JoeParks · 30/12/2012 20:46

My twins have just started to run off when out shopping in the city centre yesterday they thought it was funny to run off in different directions. I tried holding hands but they kept pulling away. So I went into boots and purchased 2 sets of reins. For the first hour they kept swinging and trying to sit down but when they relised that I wasn't moving until they walked and that I wasn't taking them of they decided to give in and walk around the shops. Am I being unreasonable using reins as I hadn't used reins on them before?

OP posts:
kinkyfuckery · 30/12/2012 21:14

YANBU. Use them for however long you need to.

I'm taking my two (who will be 5 and 8) to Disneyland next year and am planning on using the backpacks Blush

Disclaimer: DC1 has ADHD and ASD and DC2 copies and bounces of DC1. Obviously if we get closer to the time of going, I'll review if I think they'll 'need' them or not.

empra · 30/12/2012 21:16

I used reins with my twins until they were about 3. I still have one set of reins at home to threaten them with if they misbehave! (they're now 11!)

Sirzy · 30/12/2012 21:17

www.cherishable.co.uk/Reins-Backpacks-s/1815.htm

Lots of backpacks!

Doilooklikeatourist · 30/12/2012 21:18

Reins = good idea

Original poster
JoeParks · 30/12/2012 21:19

That's a good idea I'm planing a trip to Disney next year the twins will be 4 backpacks sound good I'm not sure whether there reins would fit in 6 months time!

OP posts:
CatPussRoastingOnAnOpenFire · 30/12/2012 21:20

Almost a vital part of taking a child out! Its not just about them not running off, its about knowing exactly where they are. I was walking along one day, with DS loose at my side. Someone swooped down and snatched him up! I died a little at that moment! Happily, it was my brother!!

I once saw a woman in town, she had 5 children of various ages attached to her belt with wrist straps! It was fantastic! Grin if a little Shock

Sarahplane · 30/12/2012 21:20

rsins are a great idea. Unfortunately my dd refused to walk with them on so spent lots of time in her buggy or holding hands. my ds has just started walking so
I'll be getting some reins for him anx won't give in as easily.

I read on here there was a mumsnetter dc got run over while her dh was sorting out the other twin which definitely makes me more determined to use reins with my toddler and even more important if you have twins.

FutureNannyOgg · 30/12/2012 21:20

I use them, it means I can use both hands to push DS2 in the stroller, or pay for stuff in shops without the fear of him bolting off. Or just let him walk without holding my hand. For us they are essential. DH and I once went out in charge of a child each, and DH decided not to bother with reins on DS1. He bolted DH caught his hand, DS threw himself on the floor, popped his elbow and we spent the afternoon in A&E.knowing he is potentially prone to this, reins always.

Original poster
JoeParks · 30/12/2012 21:20

That's a good idea I'm planing a trip to Disney next year the twins will be 4 backpacks sound good I'm not sure whether there reins would fit in 6 months time!

OP posts:
MummytoMog · 30/12/2012 21:21

My DD would just sit down rather than bolt, so our reins got no use, but then DS, who is a sprinting demon, came along. We love reins. We couldn't give two hoots if people look at us funny ;)

rainbow2000 · 30/12/2012 21:21

I loved them i cant wait till the little one is walking proper he will have them on him and no pram yess.Heres hoping it happens soon.

TheWalkingDead · 30/12/2012 21:25

I used reins with DS1 and he was a dream on them and learned really quickly that running off and buggering about would get him no-where, as well as the reins setting my mind at ease. We used them from about 19 months until just after he turned two, with the threat of them if he played up after that.

DS2 is a whole different kettle of fish and I'm anticipating that he'll take longer because he'll bolt and tantrum at the drop of a hat.
Reins get a big thumbs up from me!

thismumismad · 30/12/2012 21:43

I went for the leather kind after the plastic clips failed on the fabric strap kind I first got for my twins, IMO reins are a must.

lynzie68 · 30/12/2012 21:43

My dd is 3 and still uses her wrist strap ( with her reins she would make her legs gave way and callapse to the floor declaring she's dying) with her wrist strap she still manages to sometimes escape (and hide) and I get pitying looks mainly due to the fact that she stops to tell people 'look I'm like a puppy I have a leader woof'
I sometimes wish I had a quiet polite normal child but what fun would that be?

CatPussRoastingOnAnOpenFire · 30/12/2012 21:43

If you need a free hand, unclip one side of the rein and make a loop which can slip over your wrist.

AmberSocks · 30/12/2012 21:44

i prefer the backpacks too then it feels less like im walking a dog.

3in2years · 30/12/2012 21:49

My twins will be 3 in may. I've recently promoted them from reins onto wrist straps (they hold onto either side of my baby's pram as well).

We have the back packs too, found them very useful for walks and on holiday but no good for trips out in the car as they need removing to get them in car seats.

DharmaBumpkin · 30/12/2012 21:49

Bonus with the little life backpack... DD1 was a bolter, used as reins. DD2 is placid, I use it as a handle when she's on her scooter. Can provide momentum up hills & stop her falling over, she steers and is a million times happier than if she was in a pram.

Everyone wins!

FeckOffCup · 30/12/2012 21:49

I use the backpack reins on my 2 year old and I only have one to think about, it's in no way unreasonable to use them for twins. In fact, when I was recently in town I saw a family with triplet girls all with matching backpack reins, they looked very sweet.

FeckOffCup · 30/12/2012 21:51

Oh and toys r us have the backpacks in store.

MrsTerrysChocolateOrange · 30/12/2012 21:58

There is a poster on MN who posted on a thread of mine about reins. She lost her child years ago because her DH forgot to put the reins on. The poor parents, I can't imagine the loss. Since I heard her story I have DD wear her reins with pride. She will wear them until she learns to listen (I reckon about 45 years old!).

MrsPresley · 30/12/2012 22:01

Please, please use reins, backpack, dog lead or a bit rope, whatever keeps your litte ones safe.

My ExDh didnt, just once and my son died after being hit by a car.

If you dont want to be posting This then please use something, anything, but dont go through what I have!

jellybeans · 30/12/2012 22:01

YANBU. I used reins with my twins till they held my hands. Used them on DS3 till 3yr 6m as he was a bolter. However we had a backpack from 2yr6m (fantastic). I remember a time where i couldn't go to the park etc as they would just run off in different directions!

whois · 30/12/2012 22:03

There are a few photos of my mum with me in reins. I have no memory of this and it doesn't seem to have done any harm to my love of walking or relationship with my mum! Can't see the anti-rein fuss really. Makes life easier then why not?

FreudianLisp · 30/12/2012 22:04

Another vote for reins here. I've got special twin ones from Twins UK which are brilliant. I can clip each one to my belt and still have my hands free to hold their hands. I can't stand those backpack reins, personally. I've had a few snarky comments but what do people expect me to do when one twin trips over and I need both hands to lift him back up?

The only problem I've had has been when both boys have a screaming tantrum and refuse to move: I can't carry 2 toddlers! When this happened I had to carry each boy a few metres along the path then put him down, and then run back for his brother, and so on until I got home. It was hell. So now I've gone back to using the buggy. :-(