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Parenting

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Original poster

Toddler Reins

69 replies

Yesmynameis · 15/01/2012 12:28

I have found one or two past threads about this but not for a couple of years.

So I just wondered, what do people think of reins, do people use them anymore? I know quite a few mums of toddler age children and don't know anyone who uses them. Plus I have never seen anyone out and about with them.

So my question is... how else do you manage with a 14mo toddler who is a) reluctant to hold hands b) moves pretty quickly c) doesn't want to pay any attention to the general direction of travel? Surely not using them would be dangerous, but clearly others are managing pretty well without...

Would I be better persevering without them for the short term, or are they they ok to use

This thread is a bit old now, so if you have landed here looking for recommendations, we have recently updated our guide to the best toddler reins with products tried, tested and recommended by Mumsnet users. We hope you find it useful.
MNHQ

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reallytired · 15/01/2012 21:28

Toddler reins are great. I think its far better to use reins than have an active toddler restrained in a push chair. I wouldn't use them on a child over the age of three unless there are special needs.

I used the reins on the London underground with a two year old. They were a godsend.

southeastastra · 15/01/2012 21:30

reins look cute

Woodlands · 15/01/2012 22:47

I've just started using them with my 18-month-old DS (he's only been walking for a month or so), but my DH is ethically opposed to them. I don't care, I would rather use them than risk DS dashing into the road.

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Pishtushette · 15/01/2012 23:01

DD refuses to hold hands and is also a bolter. I spoke to DP about reins, but ye is against them. For now she has to stay in the stroller along busy roads...I'll have to have a look at the backpacks mentioned.

Original poster

Yesmynameis · 16/01/2012 07:56

For those who have said their other halves are opposed to them, what is the reason why? if you don't mind me asking

OP posts:

MoreBeta · 16/01/2012 08:05

If you have a bolter, reins really are the only way to go. Being on your own with a baby in a pram and a toddler running away towards a road was my worst nightmare.

rubyrubyruby · 16/01/2012 08:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Woodlands · 16/01/2012 08:10

He moans that they look like you've got your child on a lead like a dog, and that you should teach your child road safety rather than forcibly restrain them. Well yes, obviously you teach them road safety (eg even on reins DS has to hold my hand to cross a road, though in practice I carry him across anyway), but they won't be even semi-reliable for at least another year or two.

toddlerama · 16/01/2012 08:12

I used them. We had animal backpacks with "tails" that I held. Mine are only 15 months apart, both early walkers (9 months) and there was no way I could stoop low enough to hold hands all the time, which would have left me with no hands free anyway. Double buggy wouldn't fit on bus so we had to use them. I was nervous of the judging, but no-one made anything but positive comments about seeing little ones walking instead of riding around in pushchairs like sprawling emperors in chariots. Yes, I am a judger. But only in my head...

bonkersLFDT20 · 16/01/2012 08:16

I was in the "why put your child on a lead" camp with DS1, then I had DS2! I don't have reins for him, but boy are there times I wish I did! Also I'm more confident as a parent and wouldn't give two hoots what anyone thought.

Actually, it's probably a good thing I don't have them as I would probably have scooped DS2 off the pavement by the reins more times than I'd like to think. Instead, my poor back has taken the brunt of his independent and determined nature little sod

rubyrubyruby · 16/01/2012 08:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MrsH2010 · 16/01/2012 08:39

I just bought reins at the weekend- got a few looks around Bluewater but actually more from older generation saying how cute his leather reins were and reminded them of their childhood- which was nice!
DDS is 14 months, tall and heavy! I'm expecting again so camt carry him everywhere and he doesnt like to be in the buggy for too long now he's walking.
I found the reins quickly allowed him to feel he was walking alone/setting his own pace yet allowed me to gently tilt one way or another and direct him without objection/tantrum/wobbly legs!
Let people think what they like! Like dummies/formula feeding/treats/controlled crying etc etc etc everyone has their own opinion and most havent been in the situation when they form it! So leave them to it!

WidowWadman · 16/01/2012 08:42

We've got a Littlelife Backpack, which comes with a rein attached and find it brilliant. Daughter loves wearing it (it looks like a ladybird, but you can get different designs from bumble bee to dinosaur), but we actually only use it in really crowded places.

spottyscarf · 16/01/2012 08:46

Never used them with my two, and I only make them hold hands to cross the road. DD1 is 3.6 now and I trust her completely not to wander off and to walk sensibly on the routes she is familiar with. DD2 is only just starting to want to walk when we are out and about but so far she sticks close to her sister.

When DD1 was younger I always kept her strapped in the pushchair in busy places, shops markets etc.

I can see why they might be useful if you live on a busy road, or don't have a double pushchair, or if you are in an airport, busy station etc. I don't think it's necessary to use them all the time though. I hate seeing kids on reins in the park for example- so what if they run, kids are supposed to run in parks!

spottyscarf · 16/01/2012 08:46

When DD1 was younger I always kept her strapped in the pushchair in busy places, shops markets etc.

WidowWadman · 16/01/2012 08:49

But why is strapping them in a pushchair seen as the better option by the anti-rein camp? I find not even allowing a child to walk actually worse.

rubyrubyruby · 16/01/2012 08:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Flyingoutofcontrol · 16/01/2012 09:04

Oh no, DS doesn't wear them in the park, on the beach (I just trust I can keep up! )

But he does wear them if we're walking to the shop (beside a main road) or in the town centre.

He holds my hand but the rein on the backpack is on my arm so that when he bolts I can ensure his safety.

As he gets older, the use will (hopefully) decrease, but right now he has no road awareness or sense of danger and the reins help me teach him without interfering too much in his walking enjoyment.

spottyscarf · 16/01/2012 09:10

Not better, just easier! When DD1 was about 2 I would typically let her walk on the way into town but once we got there I'd strap her in the pushchair. Handy for hanging shopping bags on too!

Once she got a bit older I let her walk in shops etc if she wanted to.

spottyscarf · 16/01/2012 09:10

Not better, just easier! When DD1 was about 2 I would typically let her walk on the way into town but once we got there I'd strap her in the pushchair. Handy for hanging shopping bags on too!

Once she got a bit older I let her walk in shops etc if she wanted to.

WidowWadman · 16/01/2012 09:12

I never found it easy to strap my daughter down if she didn't want to be strapped down. With the backpack rein I've never had such trouble.

DestinationUnknown · 16/01/2012 10:31

at the 5yo niece on reins in the playground!! how daft must the MIL look wandering around after the dcs. But I don't think most people use reins for park / playground do they? Just for keeping their kids safe next to roads and with them in busy shopping areas.

It's easy for a DH whose childcare takes place at weekends and in the company of his wife to complain about the "ethics". Those whose DHs object, give them the option - dead child or one on reins.

And putting them in the pushchair when they want to walk - how daft, if you have the time let them walk. They won't learn any road safety being pushed about will they?

jellybeans · 16/01/2012 12:21

I don't use the reins in the playground/beach etc as you have space to run after them (and no cars right nearby).

I have noticed a few people who don't like them drive their kids everywhere so they never have to walk very far near roads anyway.

It also makes me nervous when people let their 1-3 year olds toddle ahead near main roads without holding hands/reins. I always worry that they will get distracted and just run out into the road. The parents seem so laid back! Maybe their kids just have better road sense, who knows.

Meglet · 16/01/2012 12:25

I used reins on DS until he was 4.6 if we were somewhere busy.

DD is 3.4 and still has reins sometimes.

I took them both to London last Spring and I felt like a dog walker . No way would I have negotiated Trafalgar Sq without them on the leash.

Both my kids are bolters who will not listen .

Woodlands · 16/01/2012 12:32

My friends have a 2.5 year old who they have let walk not holding hands or on reins or anything for ages. I can't bear it when she runs ahead down a hill towards a busy road, but they seem very laid back about it and she always does stop. I guess you know your own child! I can't imagine being that laid back with mine when he's that age...

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