I'll try and make this short.
Mother outside my daughters school scoffed and frowned when I mentioned in passing what a great time my son and I were having going on walks, now that we had toddler reins and I didn't have to carry him in the sling any more. I no longer have to force him to hold my hand on roadsides and busy pavements if he's walking instead of being carried, and he seems so much happier being able to explore his surroundings. He never pulls at them or tried to get them off...not relevant but they're the funky backpack kind, buzz lightyear ;)
She didn't give me a reason for her adverse reaction, just said that she 'didn't believe children should be restrained' and that she would 'much rather keep them safe and close in a sling than running riot on a leash'
So....AIBU to not see what negative adverse effects toddler reins will have on my son? He's 17 months. Surely on reins and being able to explore is better than trying to let go of my hand and potentially running in to a road?
FWIW we also don't own a pushchair....small cobbled village with tiny shops never made for an easy experience!