Backpack Harnesses

Ok, i"m considering getting those backpack harnesses from WalMart or whatever. My girls LIVE to be outside and walk around the block...however, it's nearly impossible b/c there are so many other kids out that they get distracted and run into the neighbor's backyard while one run towards the street, etc. It's hard to take them both outside to get some energy run off when it's just me against them....hahah! When DH is home, no problem, but now that's it's nice out, they don't want to wait until 6 pm to go outside...and they get bored in just the wagon or the stroller. They would rather be running, which makes me very nervous when they go in different directions.

They are 22 months....do you think they would tollerate them if I got them. I know they will still want to go in two different directions, but they would have to learn I guess. I would also like them for trips to the zoo. We would still take the wagon for if they got tired of walking, but they would rather be "free."

What are the thoughts? (I'm not trying to debate anything either...I just want them to be safe when they are outside...please share negative thoughts ONLY if it has a relavent point to it....not that you don't like them b/c you don't want to restrain your child. I've seen this debated on here before, so I just wanted to say that ahead of time).

Thanks for your advice!

 

I got harnesses for all three little ones (haven't used it yet for Aaron) for when we go to the amusement park here. We got season passes and I want my older two to be able to go and have fun! I bought the first years ones at babies r us for $5.99 each instead of the backpack ones. I'm not sure how hot it gets in Ohio, but I knew the backpacks would be too hot for the little ones in the summer when it's 100 degrees. We used them with the twins on Sat for the first time (they are also 22mos) and they had a blast! Erick wasn't so sure to start with, he didn't move around much and kept trying to take the handle end for himself! After a few minutes though he did great. Kayci took off and never looked back. They were perfect for the Dora show. I could let them stand, dance, move around, without worrying about who was going to take off in which direction. I'll see if I can find a link to the ones I bought and post it.

 

Becky, my boys are about the same age (as you know and mine LOVE their backpack harnesses. When we first got them back in October, I just put the backpack on them in the house a few times over a few days. Even now when I bring them out, they get SOOOO exicted to see them and try putting them on themsevles and give them hugs. They will even bring me the leash.

I say go for it -- it's worth the $20 it will cost you for some peace of mind. Just let them get used to them in the house first

Mendy

 

Thanks for the advice ladies!!! I am going to get them at lunch tomorrow when I'm at work. I think my girls will LOVE them!!! I mean, right now they already get their shoes out and coats and stand at the door and say "ou-sigh" and "bye bye" b/c they want out SOOOO bad! Plus...all the little girls in the neighborhood LOVE the girls and think it's "SO COOL" that they are twins...so whenever we go on a walk, we always have the other neighbor girls wanting to walk with "the girls", so we have this little entourage following us around all the time. It's so cute!

 

I used a harness when my oldest son was a toddler (which attached around his wrist, before the cute backpack type came out), since we lived in the city & mostly got around by subway (the stroller was tricky on the train). He had no problem with it. During the the few times he fussed about wearing it, I would pretend that he had me on a 'leash' rather than the other way around & he thought that was so funny!

I don't have much of a need for it now, since our yard is fenced but I wouldn't hesitate. It's guess it is all in how you present it to to them!

 

thanks for the idea, i never even thought of getting those..i am going to get them over the weekend 4 the boys...thanks ladies...

 

http://safety1st.com/product.asp?productID=219

here's a link to the ones I bought.

Jaci, we had a similar thing happen last weekend! I took the third one and looped it around the stroller handle and had Aaron hold onto it. At one point I asked him to please hold the strap so I wouldn't lose the stroller. He was happy to help! LOL

 

I've been thinking about getting them for mine too, so the success stories are great to hear! It's funny though, I was just telling my Dad that "pre-kids" I thought they were horrible and I'd never use them...then I had twins and suddenly they look like a great idea! :icon_biggrin: Never say never, right?

 

I was thinking about getting those too but what age do you start using them? I am afraid of making them fall down more than usual....they started walking last month.

 

I wouldn't try them until they are good at walking but we use them all the time. This morning we walked to the post office and bank from the fire house. It was so nice not to have to keep loading them back in the car and unloading.

 

We have the animal backpacks and they love them. I would definitely say that they have to be good walkers. With our kids it's still a challenge because they will try to walk in different directions.