To think reins are a good idea

[Carole84]

Ok backpack reins for a one year old yes or no?
my one year old is very active, was an early Walker. Is hard to keep in place unless strapped in buggy - it’s great he loves to walk so much so I don’t want to encourage buggy when he’s happy to walk. (Also my 6 year old neice still
uses buggy because she complains about walking so I don’t want to make it a habit when he’s happy to walk every where - ) I would still hold hands crossing road etc. and reins are easier for me but are there pros for my toddler other than just making my life easier?!

I used reins untill one of my kids turned 4 in busy areas and near roads. No harm done it kept my child safe.

Very sensible. Keeps your toddler safe.

Well the pro for your child is they get to walk.

No negatives.

Go for it.

I find theo mes where the strap is near the top or middle of back is better than at the bottom of the bag

There was a poster on here some years ago who told a really sad story of one of her twin children running in to the road, he was hit by a car and passed away. Reins are a good idea.

@Neverseenbefore @Plumbear2
thank you. I mention it in a toddler group and some mums bragged they never needed it etc but I just think if I have reins I can give my kid more freedom and more excersize lol

Omg. That is so sad 😭

Yes. Reins in my opinion are essential.

I don't have a problem with them, but I know some do.

I think the benefits are that you know you child is safe and with you, even if your attention is engaged elsewhere at times. And making a stroppy toddler hold your hand when they don't want to can be difficult, so you are spared this struggle. And your child also has two hands free to touch and explore with, as you are walking along.

Ok cool thanks I’ll have a look for those.

some designs are so cute I’ll have fun picking one lol (well my toddler can choose lol)

Why wouldn't they be a good idea? Do people have issues with them? I can't see a downside.

I was massively against them until I had a child that hates the buggy and having his hand held. He would run away all the time.

the reins made us both so much happier. My next two kids really didn’t need them, so we didn’t bother.

I think they are great for that brief time.

I dislike reins, as I think it's important teach children to walk holding hands. If they refuse or keep pulling, it's buggy time. This is just on the street, not in the park etc!

Yes I was thinking it would be good because I think my toddler can manage the walk to the supermarket. But then I’ll have bags to carry so I thought the rings could be extra support etc.

there was also an occasion recently when DH went to work with buggy and sling in car so we toddler wlaked to the park and it took forever as he just wants to go into everyone’s gardens 😂 he didn’t want to hold hands but we got there eventually lol.
and now recently when we go somewhere on buggy he wants out and he just wants to walk and explore which o don’t want to discourage

I mention it in a toddler group and some mums bragged they never needed it etc

Welcome to motherhood. There will always be people who do things differently to you but remember this is your child, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks or does, do what is best for your child and you.

I used reins for both of my DDs, and in busy places, especially near roads, I don’t understand why you wouldn’t use them! They just make your life easier and safer.

Yes, you don't need to use them all the time (e.g. I didn't bother in the park) but they are very handy for e.g. walking down the street while also pushing a pram! It gives them more freedom than they would have if they were holding your hand all the time (also stooping to hold them all the time is hard on your back!)

I’d still have him hold hands near busy road or crossing road etc but he gets annoyed holding hands too long and I wonder if I’m too tall and it’s not comfy holidy his arm so high :/

I’d say proper reins are a bit more effective if they trip a lot but if they’re steady on their feet then backpack reins are v cute. Essential.

Reins are great and safe. They keep parent and child hands free.

Thank you I think I will go for the easier safer life lol.

Oh ok. Good to know thanks

I had DD on backpack reins until about 3. Essential for me as she was a bolter. we lost the original strap and I replaced it with a fixed length dog lead, longer and and had a bit of stretch😂

I'm a wheelchair user, my kid had reins and a lead that went round my waist and clipped to the reins. It meant she could go a longer way exploring but she was still safe. Some people were really rude about it but that's their problem. It worked for us

I had a 2y old and a newborn .. I used reins .. plus it was around the time of James bulger

I had friends who said they would never walk their child like a dog. I had twins. I used them, especially on public transportation. Lifesaver. And they have grown up to be independent, etc

And very well done to them for having children that don't run away!!

I'm with you, got an almost 5 year old and a 19 month old, we've just started reins with the youngest and thd oldest needed them for ages as he's very impulsive and was a bolter!