The Best Baby Reins to Keep Toddlers Happy and Safe

Copyright (c) 2010 Ashley J Downs

The first rule of parenting is that, once they can move, toddlers will toddle into places that can get them into trouble unless you, literally, hold them in check. This means that baby reins are a basic requirement for allowing youngsters to enjoy their legs, whilst still keeping them safe. The trouble is most toddlers would disagree and who wants every trip out to begin with a tantrum or upset?

Unfortunately, even if you can get the reins on without too many tears, children are clever little devils who will find a way to slip out the very second your attention is diverted by checking the traffic before crossing a road or digging a sippy cup out of your bottomless bag.

So what would the ideal safety rein be? Well for a start, something children actually wanted to wear! As back up, it would require a strong leash attachment designed to be completely childproof.

And while we're teaching them independence, I'd like them to be able to carry some of their own stuff around and make it much more accessible for those urgent moments in the middle of outings when only that particular green sippy cup or silky edged blankie is good enough!

In a shopping arcade once I called "watch out!" to a cute padded-anorak wearing toddler that was about to run straight into the path of a mobility scooter. As I registered the unattached baby leash in my hand - or rather, the empty other end of it - I realised I'd have been better off calling the child's name. Yup, it was my little man and, like Houdini, he had mastered the skill of escaping his wrist strap.

The thick material of his new winter coat meant that his usual chest harness did not fit and, as there wasn't much choice in reins or leashes, I had to use the wrist strap. The thought of all the worse situations that could have occurred didn't make me feel any less panicked or guilty...

Luckily, mums these days have the perfect answer - cute plush animal backpacks that include a safety leash as the tail. What child does not enjoy having a cuddly toy on its back - complete with their best treasures and drinks inside. And Mum or Dad gets to hold onto the tail - cleverly attached out of reach of evil genius hands - secure in the knowledge that riders of motorised wheelchairs need not worry about escaped toddlers!

Good news! Baby-reins just stopped being giant pains!


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Ashley J Downs is a parent with several children and knows the trials
and tribulations of raising kids. Find baby stores online
and more information about safety devices like baby reins