Toddler reins?

[peepsypops]

Toddler reins - I think that's what they are called. Are they still a thing? Are they controversial?
I have a 15month old who is super fast and I'm just wondering would that be something I need to look into as we go on holidays abroad soon?
I feel like I haven't seen them in ages, but maybe because I wasn't looking for them!

We had a cool little backpack that clipped round our toddler and had a strap on the back and it was great for feeling more secure when walking with her. We saw the odd person with reins but they're not as common now but definitely needed in our case. Better safe than sorry!

Yes a thing. Not controversial apart from here. Dts had the little
Life backpacks, rather that than a kid squashed by a child.

Car not child, can't edit on the app

No, they aren't controversial. They are a way of ensuring that your toddler is safe.

Anyone who thinks they are controversial doesn't deserve to be a parent.

Can you imagine how uncomfortable it must be to be a toddler and having to have your hand squeezed so tightly that you can't run away, not to mention walking with your arm up in the air?

My son LOVES his reins and asks to put them on. Makes walking on a pavement so much more relaxing and means we aren't grabbing him every two seconds. We have these and they are small enough just to keep in the pram pocket. www.onk-uk.com/product/leopard-print-toddler-reins/

My son has a gruffalo back pack that clips around him and has a rein. I got mine in Asda for around a tenner.

would rather disapproving glances at me than my child being harmed or worse.

I know for a fact that my son, now a hulking eighteen year old but previously a toddler with a death wish, would not have survived without reins. The attempt to run in front of a lorry is etched on my mind forever, as is The attempt to exit a ferry in the middle of Lake Garda. We also used to sometimes attach a dog lead to the back of the reins to give the illusion of freedom while being unable to do a runner. Get the reins.

Oh ok great! I really wasn't sure - but it sounds like a resounding yes off she goes to Amazon

Thanks so much!

I had reigns for both of mine. It meant they could have the freedom of walking without getting hit by a car. Also if they trip, you can catch them and they kind of dangle instead of hitting the floor.

Someone used to post on reins threads whose toddler ran out in front of a car and was killed. She bravely shared her story to warn other parents.

Also if they trip, you can catch them and they kind of dangle instead of hitting the floor.

Absolutely, and far better than risk having their arm yanked out of their shoulder socket.

DH and I are both tall so we also used reins so that we could walk upright with DD.

I have just bought a backpack with reins online - so glad I asked you guys!

I had a 'runner' so they were essential. Tbh I think they are much more humane than expecting your child to hold its hand up to yours in an unnatural position for the duration of a walk. They keep them safe and provide some independence. I'd rather see a kid with reins on, out and about than confined to a pushchair getting frustrated.

I won't tag the poster because I don't know if she's here still or if she wants to be on these kind of threads if she is, but a PP is right, there is a MNer who lost one of her twins because her DH didn't use the reins on them.

It was heartbreaking to read her words and frankly anyone opposed to reins without very good reason (and likening them to dog leads is not one of them) is a fool.

When my twins were small I got some Reins... did a bit of research online and found so much negative stuff (people seemed to think it was like walking a dog) but didn't care because at the end of the day if I'm out on my own and they aren't listening I need to keep them safe! It's nobody's business but yours. Peace of mind until you don't need them anymore!

They are still a thing and quite essential for keeping many children safe.

Some people have weird snotty ideas about them. They are best ignored.

They are fine but I don’t see them used much to be honest and I didn’t really use them myself. I don’t like the way MN like to make out you are practically killing your child it you don’t use them.

Rather have reins than a lost child. For early walkers they are particularly useful. Traditional reins with the body harness and separate strap have the added advantage of being able to secure them into some high chairs too

That's probably because you didn't have a bolter. I think that parents of docile children don't know how it feels when a little hand is trying to wriggle out of your grip. You have to squeeze their hand so tightly that it hurts them to stop them running way. This is why reins are so much better.

I used them for both but DD2 especially. She was a runner and so fast. I don’t care if others judged. I would rather not lose my toddler.

I was against them until I had a runner. He screamed in my arms, the buggy, and holding hands required a death grip. Reins gave us both freedom. He survived toddlerhood. The next two kids weren’t runners and didn’t need reins.

A very useful tool.

Came here to say this too
It really changed my mind about reins

Hobbledehoo harness and reins were absolutely brilliant for me when looking after my grandchildren.

I used them but I found that the toddlers tended to see them as an opportunity to exercise power by sitting down/refusing to move unless they were holding their own reins. I find a rule that they hold the side of the buggy works better. The little back pack that comes with the reins does at least make them grabbable. There is a connected bracelet thing that is handy if there seems a real danger of them being swallowed up in a crowd but you will spend lots of time untangling yourselves. Absolutely the best thing that worked for me was having a perfectly trained dog that the children were slightly jealous of because she assumed a place beside me and there was competition as to who could walk beside me, obey and eventually give the commands to stop and wait. But that was awkward too because nobody would walk on my right as the dog wasn't trained that way therefore the children insisted on being on my left too..