Baby reins

[Shoemum]

Mums what are you feelings on the use of baby/toddler reins?

It seems to be one of those subjects that divides mums, I didn't really have any thoughts about them either positively or negatively until recently when I had to start using them on my very boisterous 3.5yo, now I love them :-)

If you do use them do you prefer the wrist strap, backpack or traditional harness style?

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MNHQ

I had no idea it was controversial. We use reigns with my 2.5 year old and have done since he started walking. He likes them and brings them to us if he wants to go somewhere.

Yea I like them now and think they are a great help but I've heard other mums complain about them

I used the wrist straps with DS for the first time today and got on with them quite well. We were in the park and didn't get any comments or looks on this occasion anyway...

Godsend! If i hadn't my 15 month old would have gone missing by now.
I'd love to hear anyone's reason as to why they're not a good idea (as they watch my DS sprinting away 🤦‍♀️)

I used them as a childminder ( backpack style ones) when I had 3 under 5- could hold all their hands. But did hold the closest 2 and then the third held another child’s hand but I still had the rein thing around my wrist.
They used to rush to get theirs on first. Loved them!

My youngest two never took to it ( but weren’t bolters otherwise I’d have insisted!)

I think it’s one thing to have them on but still be trying to teach them walking calmly etc so more of a backup.
I’ve seen kids being yanked along like dogs on them and I suspect that’s where they get the negative press from.

The 'harness' type is best if your toddler goes through a phase of buckling at the knees and sitting down.

We have 2 under 2, and I find them great for giving the toddler a bit of independence out of the buggy without having to repeat “Hold mammy’s hand DD, there’s a good girl” x 1000.

They are a very, very useful way of keeping your dc safe and also giving them much more freedom to explore and to be comfortable without having to walk along with their arm in the air for long periods of time (try it!).

I had no idea there was any controversy before seeing the weekly MN threads about it though.

• I think it’s one thing to have them on but still be trying to teach them walking calmly etc so more of a backup. I’ve seen kids being yanked along like dogs ...*

Both children and dogs should be taught to walk calmly and not be yanked!

It seems a shame they went out of popularity when they are a useful item for lively toddlers with no road sense :-)

I just make him hold my hand if we are walking by the road or he's in the pram. But this obviously wouldn’t work if you had a few younger kids. If the child doesn’t mind wearing them I don’t see the problem, keeps them safe! I’d never dream of commenting if I did see someone using reins.

I wish mine would hold my hand but at 3.5yo she is too boisterous.

The harness set we have at the moment is a bit old and past its best so I'm thinking of replacing it but not sure what to go for.

What do other mums go for?

Absolutely essential. It takes a split second for a toddler to let go your hand, or the side of the buggy, and dash into the traffic.
I’ve mentioned before on similar threads, I had a toddler patient in ITU many years ago who’d done just that, been hit by a car, and was left brain damaged and blind with multiple fractures. I never forgot the poor parents sitting by his cot day after day, distraught.
When I had my own babies, I bought reins the minute they could stand up.

One of the first threads I posted on, many years ago, I was told I was treating my DS like a dog by putting reins on him.

I think they are sensible you can’t hold hands all of the time, you might pay in the shop or something. If you are also pushing a pram it very difficult one handed.

And all those that can’t take their eyes off of their phone should definitely get some.

I didn't know they were controversial - I used to have them for my DS

Mums that use the harness type, will yours fit a 4yo? my 3.5yo is fairly big and could be using one for a while yet but I'd like to buy a new one.

Ive always used them, but isn't 3.5yo a bit old for them?

I've never understand the hatred of them. We used them briefly with DS when he was in a period of being likely to wander off. Never needed them with DD.

Frankly, am tempted to buy some for SIL. Nephew is always bolting off and she gets so cross with him. He's not even 3. yes, it's naughty, but they have the sense of a tadpole at this age so screaming at him isn't going to help. And they take no responsibility - if he disappears, they blame him and never ever blame the adult who was supposed to be watching him.

I guess 3.5yo is getting a bit old but she very active who bolts without warning so I'd prefer to keep the reins on for a while longer.