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Parenting

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Original poster

reins - a good or bad idea?

18 replies

greenandpleasant · 24/08/2008 17:00

my 16mo son has just started walking and I'm thinking reins would be a good idea when he is properly steady on his feet.

I don't care about "dogs on leads" / civil liberties opinions, just want to know if they worked for others, if starting early is a good or bad idea and if using them from the beginning might create problems in the future when I want to stop using them.

thanks!

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Bumperlicious · 24/08/2008 17:11

I've just bought some, a word of warning: while they may stop your LO running off, they don't make them go in the direction that you want them to go in! What you need is like a rod or something...

SheSellsSeashellsByTheSeashore · 24/08/2008 17:14

brilliant idea. my eldest is nearly 5 now and we still use them sometimes. i am absolutely convinced that that child think being run over would be fun

i didnt buy dd1 them untill it became clear that we needed them as she will noy hold hands, tries to bite me when i grab her hand anyway but will not look before running out onto roads.

Wisknit · 24/08/2008 17:18

they are wonderful

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thehouseofmirth · 24/08/2008 18:13

I didn't use them because I thought it was a false sense of safety as it wasn't actually teaching my son anything and at some point we'd go somewhere without them and ultimately I'd have to take them off and he'd have to learn then anyway. DS is very strong-willed but I think showing him I trusted him from an early age and making sure he always held my hand or was carried across roads worked well for us and he is now pretty reliable and tells me off if I ever stray in to the road!

cocolepew · 24/08/2008 18:16

I used the one that goes around the childs wrist and your wrist. But my DD wasn't a runner, she would hold my hand but if I needed to let go I know she was still 'attached'. I would get reins for a runner.

MegBusset · 24/08/2008 18:23

We use the little backpack, you can clip and unclip the lead bit so they can practise walking without it in safe areas. It has definitely helped DS learn to walk beside us without running off. I think it's nonsense that you can't teach road safety to a child wearing reins.

TheCrackFox · 24/08/2008 18:28

Ds1 didn't need reins as he didn't mind holding hands. Ds2, however, is Mr. Independent so reins were brilliant for him. I say go for it.

onwardandupward · 24/08/2008 20:06

reins can also be a brilliant way of giving vertiginous parent peace of mind if child is a climber. Gives you something to [long pause] hang on to, while you cling on to a branch and they scramble about gleefully in trees

I've always liked reins with a long handle, as 'twere. Then it can be slack, not pulling the child around or tugging at them, but just making it impossible for child to randomly step out onto a v. busy road.

Original poster

greenandpleasant · 24/08/2008 20:14

Great thanks all for the advice. DS is a prodigious climber already and hates having his hand held, snatches it away instantly. Reins it is.

OP posts:

MrsTittleMouse · 24/08/2008 20:15

DD (22 months) loves her reins as she knows that we'll give her more freedom with them on. We're careful that we still make her hold hands in dangerous situations though, so that she doesn't get into bad habits.

solo · 24/08/2008 20:17

They are a life saver, often literally! IMO.

Chocolateteapot · 24/08/2008 20:20

For some children there is a fairly short period when they just won't listen to reason and reins are excellent. I didn't need them for my DD but for my DS they were fantastic. He is now a very sensible nearly 5 year old and got the hang of road safety just fine.

ceebee74 · 24/08/2008 20:27

Agree with all these - we have used reins with DS since he started walking as he will not hold hands.

I guess it depends on what kind of child you have - sometimes I look at people whose children are happily holding hands with them!!

Also, as Bumperlicious said, it is no guarantee they will walk properly/in the right direction! Ds is better now but when we first used them, he used to throw his weight forward and hang like a Thunderbird puppet whilst we dragged him along

dinkystinky · 24/08/2008 20:29

a definite must for independent toddlers who wont hold hands or listen to you about stop, look listen etc. That said, DS hated the reins but loves the backpack with a little rein on it that he puts on with a snack and some toys in when we go out...

squeaver · 24/08/2008 20:32

The backpacks are fab. And you can keep a nappy and drink/snack inside and reduce the size of your handbag.

moocowmrs · 24/08/2008 20:47

Another back pack fan here ! I have rains all over the place ! in the car in my bag etc, ds now waits for his rains to be put on and is very saftey aware, so think the false sense of security thing is un justified.
I could not have managed a toddler and a pushchair with out them, ds thinks he is very grown up, the detachable strap is handy as you can let them have freedom.

moocowmrs · 24/08/2008 20:48

meant to say I seem to get lots of positive comments about the rains !

MatNanPlus · 24/08/2008 21:00

I have used them and do think they make taking out a walking toddler and a baby in a pram a safe option.

I have used them from an early age ie, still in pram but getting to the toddling phase and they were just part of our pre going out routine so no hysterics and had to bribe a 4yo i looked after not to wear hers she loved them.

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