by bossychick~ Why is there such a stigma about using a baby harness? You know what I 'm talking about right? It's sometimes like a back-pack, with a strap, or just a band around the chest with a straps over the shoulders, with a strap, that the parent can hold onto.
Most people call it a baby leash. I call it clever. I have used these "leashes" with all three of my chicklets, and loved it!
When The Boy was born, Big Girl was 2 years old. Going in Wal-Mart presented a challenge, huge infant carrier, that nearly filled the the back of the buggy, Big Girl in the front, and NO room for groceries.
So I decided to purchase a harness, it was fantastic!!! Big Girl could have her "big girl" independence, without the worry of her getting out of my sight, The Boy's carseat could sit in the front and the whole buggy was free for groceries! For me using the harness was love at first buckle, lol!
Well these days those two have long past that stage, but Baby Girl, who is definitely her father's child (super inquisitive, and super busy), is always on the go. So, again I purchased a baby harness.
I get all kinds of comments and looks,( I would like to say- I really could care less what other people think) such as...
" Do you have that baby on a leash!?!?!?" followed by a disapproving scowl, or "What is that some kinda dog leash for a baby!?!?"
To which I want to respond, "So the minute you hear "code Adam" over the intercom, for a 18 month old blond girl in a pink sweater, you're gonna run right over and find me and console me because my baby is lost, right? And if she's not found in a few minutes you're going to personally organize a search party and parole the parking lot, right? And, if she happens to wander up to you, you're going to translate, "baaba, dah, dah, dohwn, yahs" into, "my mom is close to 6 feet tall, has curly hair, brown eyes, a frantic 'I just lost my baby look' and may or may not have 2 other kids with her, RIGHT?"
So back to my original question...why the stigma? Put your mind around this people...
We put our babies in a 5-point restraint, and call it cute because it comes in fashion colors (shout out to Colin C.- for use of the phrase fashion colors), this would be a carseat...
We put our babies in a 3-point restraint, sometimes 5-point, on wheels and call it cute because it also comes in fashion colors, this would be a stroller...
We put our babies in a metal cage on wheels and strap them to it, this would be a grocery buggy...
All in the name of safety and cuteness, but you can't see the point of me putting a harness on my baby so she can actually get some physical activity, instead of sitting idle in a buggy, or crying, while I'm shopping!!!!!! really? really?
Like I said, I don't care what other people think, it just annoys me, that most people don't think before they speak, and if you know me, you know that I'm outspoken, and might be thinking, I should think more before I speak, all I can say to that is... if you only knew what I don't say...
The only people who act happy about the use of it are older people, they always say "That is the best idea I've ever seen". Thank you!
That is all you do what I say- Bossy
*please feel free to comment, I really would like to know what you think, however, as previously stated it will not change my opinion on this matter*
I think that a leash or something similar is a wonderful thing. I have tried to tell my daughter that it will really come in handy. It is not a fashion statement as much as a safty issue. I remember going to the mall shopping and if my child got behind a rack of clothes or out of my sight I would freak out.
Posted by: Geriann | December 07, 2009 at 10:43 AM
Well after loosing Little Sis in a store and constantly chasing her down, I need one! I have not purchased one yet but I'm sure I will see one in my near future!
Posted by: socialchick | December 07, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Before children, I use to think, that's sad you can't control your child so you need a leash.
After children, I completely understand why people own them. :)
Posted by: Sofa | December 07, 2009 at 02:51 PM
Use to think they were horrible until, my busy boy started walking or should I say running!!! Used one for the first time at Disney. I had it wraped around my wrist to keep him closer. It was nice for him to get out of the stroller when he was tired of riding. It took me longer to get use to it, he was fine. I had to catch myself before I yanked LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Amy | December 08, 2009 at 01:04 AM
I'm not sure I will use one, but I might rethink that. One of my very early memories is being attached to one of those things. Of course then I didn't care, but now I look back and think what the heck!
I'm with Amy, it might be hard not to yank him back like a dog. that sounds horrible!
Posted by: babychick | December 08, 2009 at 01:42 PM
babychick just wait until you're alone with your kids, somewhere after you new baby arrives, and SuperBaby is running everywhere, lol
Posted by: bossychick | December 10, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Thanks bossy. You are so right. I was always scared that someone would snatch one of mine up.
Posted by: Geriann | December 10, 2009 at 01:04 PM
I will not purchase one because I am intending for someone to grab and tend to one or both of my children, for atleast a bit while I shop. just sayin.
Posted by: sassychick | December 23, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Since there were two of us, Mom had leashes and we turned out fine!
Posted by: Stephanie | December 23, 2009 at 11:57 AM