If you’re desperate to keep your busy, curious child safe on outings, you may be considering a child leash — despite all the controversy they seem to conjure.
Our goal is to help you make an informed decision as you consider if using a child leash is right for you. We’ve studied the research and listened to parents, caregivers, and various child experts. We’ll share our findings in this comprehensive guide to help you view the issue from all angles.
We’ve thoroughly compared all the best child leash styles and brands and will offer our reviews of their benefits and drawbacks so you can make the best decision for your situation.
- Supports child’s torso
- Has swivel attachment
- Super affordable
- Fun, bright design options
- Waterproof material
- Cushioned straps
- Super-long cord
- Two-layer Velcro security
- Materials for sensitive skin
- Focuses on mom and child’s comfort
- 360-degree attachment
- Leash extends up to 8.2 feet
- Shock-absorbing tether
- Reflective panels
- Lots of room for storage
- Adorable, friendly design
- Adjustable safety strap
- Harness and backpack combined
- Reflective safety tape
- Childproof locking system
- 360-degrees rotating connections
Product Reviews
Wrist link straps have come a long way. In the past, attaching a cord between your wrist and your baby’s wrist was dangerous and a big no-no. One wrong pull could topple your baby or dislocate their shoulder.
Plus, the rubbing and chaffing could leave a rash on your child’s wrist.
Luckily, wrist link straps have been updated to suit the needs of modern moms. Here are our top two picks.
Zoowa Anti-Lost Wrist Link
Long and Secure
A secure coil keeps your child close while still fostering their independence. The elastic rope is made of stainless steel wrapped with PU.
The adjustable wrist cuffs feature environmentally friendly materials that won’t irritate the skin. Inside each cuff is a layer of padding for comfort.
We especially appreciate the two layers of Velcro for added security. It is easy for a child to pull at anything placed on their wrist. If you are worried about your child tugging off the wrist cuff, know that these two layers of Velcro make it hard for little hands to manage an escape.
Each wrist strap comes with two wrist cuffs. You can attach the cord to the cuffs with a rotating piece for flexible movement.
Pros
- Two straps in each package.
- Two-layer Velcro security.
- Materials for sensitive skin.
Cons
- Takes extra time to put on and remove.
Our Ratings
Dr. Meter Wrist Link
Great At Night
This wrist link strap with reflective tape aims to keep parents and toddlers safe from motor vehicles and other night hazards.
The coil and wristband both feature reflective tape. If you find yourself traveling consistently with your children when it is dark outside, this wrist link strap may be the most useful.
We like the unique lock system on this strap. The adult wristband contains a key, and once the wrist cuff is on your child, they can’t take it off without unlocking it. This is a great option for parents of special needs children who struggle to keep their wrist cuffs on.
The cord between the two wrist cuffs is made of stainless steel covered in PU plastic and striped with reflective paint. The cord can extend up to 4.92 feet or 8.2 feet, depending on the leash color.
The cuffs are made of breathable mesh and Velcro and move comfortably on the wrist.
Pros
- Reflective safety tape.
- Childproof locking system.
- 360-degrees rotating connections.
Cons
- Shorter cord length.
- Hard to get on and off.
Our Ratings
What Are Child Leashes?
When you think of a leash, you probably think of dog leashes. One end of the leash attaches to your dog’s harness or collar. You hold the other end to make sure your dog does not run away.
Child leashes are not much different. They are designed to comfortably attach to your child as you secure the other end. The goal of child leashes is to keep your child within reach and provide safety.
There are three main types of child leashes:
- Child leash harnesses: This style includes a harness your child wears around their body and a leash that attaches to the harness. The harness maintains your child’s ability to move freely while preventing the leash from becoming tangled.
- Child leash backpacks: This type of leash is attached to a child-sized backpack your toddler can wear. The leash is often removable.
- Wrist link straps: Wrist link straps feature wrist cuffs that wrap around your child’s wrist and your wrist. They are made especially for keeping your child within arm’s reach.
As you continue through this article, we hope to help you figure out which type of child leash is best for your specific circumstances.
Why Are Child Leashes So Controversial?
Child leashes are controversial for several reasons:
- Leashes run the safety risk of causing scrapes and falls when harnessed in and may even be at risk for strangulation.
- Children’s leashes can be seen as a lazy parenting style, preventing children from learning how to listen and obey rules (1).
- Using a child leash may humiliate or embarrass children (2).
Mothers may want to consider these factors when using a child leash, but the decision is ultimately a personal one.
What You Need To Know
Should I Use a Child Leash?
How can you determine if a child leash is right for you and your child to have a safe, enjoyable time outside of the house? Ask yourself these six questions. If you answer yes to one or more of them, a child leash may be right for you.
Are We In a Large, Crowded Area?
Child leashes are best for abnormal circumstances that may be overwhelming for you and your child. This includes a large family vacation to a theme park, a day trip to the beach, or even an outing in a mall. The more crowded and spacious the area, the more useful and appropriate a child leash will be.
Smaller, more contained areas, such as a park, grocery store, or even walking down a quiet street, may be areas for forgoing the leash and trying to teach your children about staying close.
Are You Near Something Dangerous?
You do not want your children to be alone when they are near something they do not know how to behave safely around.
This may include any of the following:
- The beach.
- Rocky paths.
- Cliffs or hills.
- Busy streets or large parking lots.
- Campfires or fire pits.
If you plan to spend time in any of these areas, a child leash may be a valuable tool as you teach them how to interact safely in these environments.
Am I Alone Looking After More Than One Child?
There is nothing like a pack of children running around to stress out an on-the-go mom. It is hard for a single person to carry, hold onto, and keep an eye on several moving bodies.
If you are in a public place with multiple young children, a child leash may be an excellent option for keeping everyone accounted for.
Does My Child Have Special Needs?
Children with special needs, especially those with ADHD or autism, are more prone to wandering off. One study found nearly half of children over the age of 4 with autism spectrum disorder had wandered off or run away. Of these incidents, 65% of the children had endured a “close call” with moving traffic (3).
A leash can help the parent and child feel more confident as they go out into the world.
Can My Child Discern Between Right and Wrong?
As children get older, they need to learn about making decisions. They must begin to understand essential safety rules at a young age.
If your child is old enough to understand the difference between right and wrong and can face the consequences of their decisions, a child leash may not be effective for everyday circumstances.
Do I Avoid Going Out Because of Child-Wrangling Woes?
Socialization is essential for moms and children. If you avoid leaving your house because you are worried and stressed about wrangling your children, consider trying a child leash.
The positives of getting out, running errands, visiting new places, and meeting new people may outweigh some of the downsides of using a child leash.
How To Use Child Leashes Safely
If you decide to use a child leash, do all you can to use it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Doing so will help avoid potential risks and hazards.
We have gathered four safety tips you should consider before strapping your safety leash onto your child:
- Do not fasten the leash too tightly: If the leash is not secured correctly, it can rub uncomfortably on your child’s skin or constrict blood flow if placed too tightly. Talk with your child about how they feel when their leash is attached.
- Do not leave children unattended: Never leave your child unattended when using a leash. This includes attaching your end of the leash to something else and walking away. The leash can easily become a strangulation hazard.
- Teach children how to move with the leash: Toddlers can struggle with staying on balance. One of the most common risks for using a child leash is spills or falls. Work with your child on how to behave and act when they are on the leash to avoid falling. Don’t pull your child. Try to keep the leash slack. It should only be taut if your child bolts or tries to escape.
- Practice using your leash at home: Before using it for the first time during a large outing, make sure you introduce your leash at home. The last thing you want is for you or your child to become stressed if the child leash you have chosen doesn’t work the way you thought it did or your child isn’t able to wear it comfortably.
Child Leashes FAQs
What Do You Call a Toddler Leash?
Officially, they’re called “child safety harnesses.” Unofficially? “Kiddo catchers,” “tot tethers,” or “little explorer lifelines.”
When Did Child Leashes Become Popular?
They gained traction in the late 20th century. As public spaces became busier and parents more safety-conscious, the harness became a tool in the proactive parent’s kit.
What Age Can You Use Child Reins?
Typically, once a child starts walking independently, so around 12-18 months. But always ensure the harness is appropriate for your child’s size and weight.
What Can I Use Instead of a Leash for Kids?
There are backpacks with tether straps, wrist link bands, or the tried-and-true method of holding hands. Sometimes, though, nothing beats a good old game of “chase me, Mom!”
The Bottom Line
After careful review, our top pick for the best child leash is the Mommy’s Helper Kid Keeper. It is easy to use and affordable, and it keeps your child safe and comfortable. It secures your child practically without a lot of extra bells and whistles.
However, each parent should make a personal decision about what works for them and their child. Your needs are different from those of other parents.
You may just need a simple leash for a particularly active day. If you prefer having an option with storage, a backpack may work better.
Take Note
