Question about Child Harnesses/Leashes

[jorgies5]

Next month we are going to spend a week in New York City. I really need to get something like a leash for my 6-year-old. She is very impulsive, independent, quick as lightening, doesn't listen to instructions, and wanders off in public all the time. I have found several harness-type backpacks online, but they look like they are made for smaller children (18 mos - 4 years old). Does anyone have one that they think would work for a 6 year old? If so, what brand is it and where did you buy it? I will also be getting one for my 4-year-old. Has anyone seen a duo-type leash that is made for twins? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[Leila]

Jenny, how big is she? Devin used the monkey harness pack until he was 5, but it was a tight squeeze. He wouldn't have used it if he hadn't been so attached to it. Right now, at 4' tall and 60ish lbs, he can still snap into it, but it's obviously too small on him and even he won't wear it long.

[jorgies5]

Back in January, she measured 43 inches and 41 pounds, so she is definitely on the small side for her age. It sounds like it might work...

[scrap2day]

I haven't used this myself, but you mentioned wanting a duo-type leash and I immediately thought of this:

http://www.kinderkord.com/productcart/pc/about.asp

[WalkersMommy]

I saw these a while back at BabiesRUs. Seems like they would work for any size child since they go on the wrist and it looks like you might be able to attach another cord for another child. HTH!

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=3214795

[WalkersMommy]

Oops lol I just saw the post before me has the same product!

[scrap2day]

I decided to do some reading about the Kinderkord and it looks like some people say that their children take off the bracelet because it just attaches with velcro. Other parents say that their child loves it and wants to wear it when they are at home.

If you decide to go this route it might make sense to give it a trial run before you take your trip to the big city to see if it would work for your family.

[jorgies5]

I saw that one on Amazon, but the reviews convinced me that it wouldn't work for her because it is very easy to take off. Since she is 6, I know she will have it off in seconds. I am looking for something that snaps in the back, so she can't undo it.

ETA: You posted while I was typing Scrap2Day

[kscwgirl]

We have the monkey backpack and also an elmo harness. I can't find the elmo one online, but it adjusts in size. It's got shoulder straps and velcros in the back. JJ can't get it off and that child can get out of darn near anything. I can fit Abby in the Elmo one and she is a big 5 year old. We got it at walmart.

This is what it looks like..

[jorgies5]

Thanks Sara! I am going to WalMart tomorrow so I will check to see if they have that Elmo one or anything like it. That is exactly what I am looking for.

[kristine]

We used the wrist one for our eldest DD, she never took it off, but we only used it until she was about 3, so she might not have been able to.

I saw someone at the airport once who had those dog leashes where you press the button to stop it getting longer, he had tied one to each kid at the back of the trousers (where the belt goes), maybe that would be an idea? That way they could run for a bit in open spaces like parks, and you could keep them close in shops and on the roads.

[dabittymama]

I use these with my two girls (2yo and 3yo). My 3yo tolerates it, my 2yo LOVES it and cries when I take it off. I get a lot of snide remarks from people but I don't care because my girls are so active and this is how I know I can keep them close

[Stacey42]

DS2 out grew his puppy pack so what I did was get a regular kid sized back pack & a couple of hooks & some matching fabric. I sewed the fabric into a long leash. Attached the hook to it and one to the lower part of the new backpack. He had a useable backpack, which he loved and I could hook the leash to it if things were getting crowded or he was dashing off places.

Forgot to add. I made a chest strap with the fabric too & it attaches with hooks to the backpack straps,so he can't get out of it easily. Not that he wants to much. He likes having a backpack

[lovely1m]

I have been considering getting one for my ds, too. We plan to go to Disney in September and he loves to run off lately.