Using reins on small children

[Mylobsterteapot]

I'm in Stage 2 of adoption, and in a converation with my social worker about boundaries I mentioned that I would ensure a child was safe near a busy road by using a buggy, a carrier or reins if I wasn't confident the small child would hold my hand.

She said that the use of reins isn't recommended. I've seen loads of my friends using little backpacks with a lead on their 2-4 year olds when needed.

Are reins that bad? I had some in the 90's, and I've turned out fine. I know this isn't a barometer for all parenting choices, but still.

@mumumental i think that it’s much more cruel to have a toddler stuck in a pushchair for more than brief periods when they want to get out and walk. Terrible for their well-being and development

I used reins, my DS used to lift his feet up so he would dangle, he loved them. As for not tugging them, he tugged me most the time in an effort to get me to run, he was always very active and still is as an adult. Without them he would have been off over the horizon loads of times. DD was a late walker (20 months) and really quite sensible by the time she got going so they were only needed a couple of times for her, when we visited crowded places, we live rurally.

Frowned upon by those who think that toddlers should have the right to run into the road if they wish. You know the type, the ones who say babies need to give consent to have a nappy change 🤨 totally batshit.
Who ever invented reins and playpens was an absolute genius 👏👏

They are a totally sensible option to keep children safe, especially if you have a runner or more than one child to manage, plus buggy, shopping, etc. My mum used them for my sister and me (busy London roads) and I never felt constrained or ignored in my early childhood.

They would have been an absolute godsend for me with DS, but I had no idea they still made them and I don’t remember anyone using them in the early 00s.

Those posters saying parents should be present and attentive, and that hand-holding should be enough, and that roads and busy places are teachable moments, have obviously never been out in public with a high energy, impulsive toddler with ADHD, who can find trouble in a heartbeat, run like stink and cover ground in seconds. I’m not sure how I managed to keep him alive - we certainly had enough near misses - and reins would have been such a big help.

Great advice.

I couldn’t have got my twins out on my own without reins. I would love to know why the SW thinks they’re bad exactly.

I mostly had my hand through the loop and then held their hands too but we walk down a main road to get a where and it was the safest way.

They're to stop them suddenly running into danger. Toddlers are unpredictable.

It's actually true as a PP said. Those who are against them tend to drive everywhere or keep them trapped in buggies. Now some could say that's lazy parenting..

Bless you. Get it all out dear

Reins not only help keep your kids safe from running off, I caught my toddler more than once as he tripped, saving him from falling over. No grazes, no cut, no tears - WIN! 😆

I met my now husband 10 years ago, so long past the reins stage, my toddler is now almost 21yo 😆
but coincidentally my H actually invented the backpack characters with reins. The little characters with the backpacks are also a lot of fun so the kids love to wear them and put their “treasures” in them. His brand is Littlelife if that helps, they’re subjected to extremely rigorous testing and pass all the standards.