Claire was a runner the moment she figured out how to walk on her own two feet.
In desperation, we bought a toddler backpack with a safety leash.
Check it out on Amazon
She loved the monkey backpack but hated the leash. In fact, she pulled on it so hard she sprung back and fell.
So much for keeping her safe.
But that’s not so say toddler backpack leashes or child leashes in general are bad. In fact, I think they are really useful.
You should consider using one if it fits your situation.
This article will answer all your questions about child leashes and help you figure out whether you should use one with your toddler.
What Are Child Leashes?
A child leash is a piece of equipment made to keep your child close and safe. I don’t want to say it but it’s very similar to a dog’s leash. Obviously it’s not exactly the same. Child leashes are made of flexible material that has some give to it so that you get a warning that your child is pulling away before they get too far. Child leashes with harnesses now come in cute styles such as backpacks, butterfly wings, and other character shapes that make it fun for children to wear. They are also designed to be comfortable for you and for your child.
Why do parents use child leashes?
The goal of a child leash is to keep your child close and provide safety. Young children are more difficult to keep an eye on sometimes, so a child leash comes in handy. Parents of children with special needs, multiple children, or have children that run find child leashes helpful.
Should you use a child leash?
Child leashes should be used with the primary intention of teaching your children independence while keeping a safe distance. Unfortunately, some parents use leashes to control their children. Ask yourself these questions:
- How do you intend to use the child leash? As a safety aid or does it have a controlling role?
- Where do you intend to use it?
- Why is it being used? Are you being overly anxious about threats that don’t exist? In other words, does your child really need a safety leash?
Be honest when you ask yourself these questions. If there is any doubt that you’re using it purely for the good of your child, don’t unleash it.
Types of child leashes
There are 3 types of child leashes:
Safety harness
Unfortunately this one looks the most like a pet leash but it’s adjustable and light, making it the better option for smaller toddlers. It’s simple, cheap and easy to use. It also doesn’t take up much room and can be thrown in the diaper bag until needed. This dinosaur safety harness is affordable and has 1000 5-star ratings on Amazon.
Check it out on AmazonToddler backpack with child leash
A backpack with a safety leash looks much the same as a regular backpack except for the detachable leash. Many backpack harnesses feature kid-friendly designs. Toddlers generally love this option the most. Plus, you get your toddler to carry their own goodies. This mini backpack is the perfect size for smaller toddlers.
Check it out on AmazonChild wrist leash
This is my least favorite type of child leash. As the name suggests, this leash attaches to your child’s wrist. You can imagine the trouble that will arise from that. Wrist leash rubs against your child’s skin, causing discomfort or rash. They are infinitely more irritating than a harness. Wrist leashes can interfere with your child walking correctly and if you somehow have to yank your child out of danger, you risk dislocating their elbow or shoulder. With all the other options available, I don’t think wrist leashes are a safe choice at all for toddlers. This is an example of a write leash. Not recommended for young children at all. 
A child walking handle
This is technically not a child leash but I really think it’s a great choice for older toddlers (2-3 years old) who can follow instructions somewhat. A walking handle is like a longer version of those handles that dangle from the train. You can attach it to your stroller or shopping trolley. Your child holds the leash and is only allowed to wander as far as the leash extends unless he lets go. This allows your child to have more independence and teaches him to keep a safe distance.
Check it out on AmazonThe only negative is you must effectively communicate to your child why they need to hold on to the walking handle and if they are too young it will be ignored. I find walking handles more effective for children over 2 years old and utterly useless if your child doesn’t follow directions. Surprisingly, even though Claire has a rebellious streak in her, she likes the walking handle and actually holds on to it. I think it’s because in her mind, she thinks it’s more freedom than having to hold onto your hands all the time.
Which type of child leash should I choose for my toddler?
If your child is not walking steadily on their feet yet and can’t follow simple instructions, you shouldn’t use a child leash. You should definitely not use a child leash on crawlers. If you have a toddler who is less than 2 years old, a safety harness is best as it’s the most lightweight. If they are a little bigger and can carry a small toddler backpack, you can buy one with a child leash. Just make sure the size and weight is appropriate for them. 3-year-olds love carrying their own goodies so a toddler backpack with child leash is a great choice. Another good option is the child walking handle. I find it so convenient to clip on whatever I’m pushing and Claire loves it. Older kids are little harder to buy for as it really depends on their preferences. In general, a walking handle is probably the best option. Wrist leashes can work too if they tend to let go of handles. Older kids think backpacks with leashes are too childish so you would be hard-pressed .getting your kindergartener to wear one.
Arguments for and against child leashes
This is a controversial topic for some parents. Some people have a strong reaction to leashes because they are used to seeing dogs leashed, not children. As with any parenting topic, there are strong opinions in both camps:
| Haters | Supporters |
| It’s degrading to treat your child like a pet | It’s elevating because they get the freedom to walk by themselves |
| Toddlers hate it | It makes them feel like big kids and they prefer it to the strollers and holding mom’s hand. |
| It’s uncomfortable | All child leashes are designed with comfort in mind |
| It restricts their freedom | It gives them the freedom to explore safely |
| You’re a lazy parent | I’m a practical parent. How else do I bring my 3 toddlers out at the same time? |
| You use a child leash instead of properly supervising your child | I’m tired and a child leash helps me relax just a little bit. I still keep a close eye on them. |
| It could lead to injury and harm to the child | I’m keeping my child safe |
| Children are not dogs. | No, they are not. Tell me something I don’t know. |
| You’re using it as an excuse to control your child | Yes it can be used to control but I’m using it to keep my child safe and to teach them boundaries. |
| People are staring. It’s embarrassing. | Haters will hate. It’s my child, I decide what’s best for them. |
Put it this way:
Kids are strapped into car seats because they can get out and cause accidents.
Kids are strapped into high chairs to prevent them from falling out and hurting themselves.
No one says they shouldn’t be strapped.
Toddlers don’t understand the dangers of running away from their parents. So they need to be taught to stay near. There’s no reason to oppose child leashes.
Children should be kept safe. Full stop. 
How to use a child leash safely
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and pediatricians don’t actually recommend child leashes even though there isn’t evidence that child leashes causes injury in and of themselves.
In fact, a few studies show that child leashes don’t cause any psychological harm.
In other words, using a child leash for a short while and for safety purposes should not have a negative effect on your toddler. Regardless of whether you use a leash for our own peace of mind or to keep your little munchkin from running away, it should always be used to educate a child.
Here are some tips on how to use a child leash safely:
- Adjust the straps to fit but don’t fasten the leash too tight
- Make sure your toddler is comfortable.
- Don’t leave children unattended when using a leash
- Be careful of the strangulation hazard
- Know how to move with a child leash. You need to always be aware of your child at the other end of the leash. The moment there is tension in the cord, move towards them or call out for them to move nearer to you.
- Teach your child to stay on balance with the leash on.
- Introduce the child leash at home first, before using it outside.
- Child must be taught how to behave while wearing the safety leash. It’s a no go if they keep fighting against it.
- Remember children find ways to get out of every restrain. You still need to keep a close eye on them.
At what age can a child use a leash safely?
It should be safe to use a child leash from when your toddler is about 1.5-2 years old.
It’s not so much the age that dictates when it’s safe but rather the development of your child.
Your munchkin needs to be able to walk independently, be able to balance well, and be able to follow simple instructions.
To wrap up
There are plenty of reasons to use a child leash and there are many ways you can use one safely with your child. The worst part about using a child leash is actually the judgement from people who don’t agree with your choice.
Regardless, the decision is personal. You know what’s best for your toddler. And when they learn to walk alongside you, the child leash has done its job and can disappear.
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