If you’ve ever been in a crowded place, or a big park, you know how difficult it can be to keep track of your child. If you lose sight of your little one, for even a second, your heart rate jacks up as panic takes over. Children are curious, and sometimes that curiosity turns to danger if they wander off. 99% of the time, they’re playing with a nearby dog, but you want to save yourself the stress.
If you’re looking to prevent this from happening, a child leash is your best option. Many parents scoff at the idea of keeping their child on a leash, but children are quick to explore, wander, and try new things. If you’re looking to keep your child close, read on. We’re going to take you through the Product List ten best child leashes around and provide shopping tips along the way.
- Things to Consider When Shopping for Child Leashes
- Top 10 Best Child Leashes 2023
- 1. Best Overall Child Leash: Blisstime Anti Lost Wrist Link
- 2. Best Child Leash for Young Toddlers: Goldbug Animal 2-in-1 Child Safety Harness
- 3. Best Premium Child Leash: Bliss 2-in-1 Toddler Leash
- 4. Best Child Leash for Child Safety: AGSDON Child Backpack
- 5. Best Child Leash for Sensitive Children: Mommy’s Helper Toddler Leash and Harness
- 6. Best Budget Child Leash: Zooawa Anti Lost Wrist Link
- 7. Best Child Leash for Storage: Yisibo Kids Backpack with Safety Leash
- 8. Best Child Leash for Metropolitan Areas: WSZCML Toddler Leash for Walking
- 9. Best Child Leash for Young Girls: EPLAZA Baby Toddler Walking Safety Butterfly Belt
- 10. DB Dinosaur Toddler Mini Backpack with Leash
- Everything You Need to Know About Child Leashes
- FAQ
- Find Your Perfect Child Leash
Things to Consider When Shopping for Child Leashes
Child leashes are complicated products. While they keep your child in-sight, they can harm your child if misused. Furthermore, if you choose the wrong child leash for your child, you can end up with wasted money and an unhappy child. So, we’re going to take you through a few factors to consider before choosing a child leash.
Types of Child Leash
First and foremost, you need to consider which type of child leash you need. There are a few different options, and while they serve the same purpose, they use different methods. For example, you’ll come across backpacks with leashes, wrist-to-wrist leashes, and harnesses with leashes.
Wrist-to-Wrist Leashes
We’ll start with wrist-to-wrist leashes. Wrist-to-wrist leashes attach to you and your child’s wrists. These leashes are typically shorter than harness and backpack leashes.
If you’re a parent that doesn’t like the idea of child leashes but want to keep your child close to you, wrist leashes are a great choice. They don’t feel like leashes. Instead, they feel like something that connects you and your child.
Backpacks With Leashes
Backpacks with leashes are handy products. The leash is located on the back of the backpack, and they come with a lot of length. Backpacks also offer fun designs and storage. Also, once your child gets older, most leashes can be removed from the backpack. These child leashes are great for older children that are getting ready for school.
Harnesses With Leashes
Harnesses with leashes resemble leashes that you would use on a pet. The harness keeps your child secure, and the leash is located on the back of the harness. For security, and keeping your child close, harnesses are best. They’re difficult for children to remove on their own and use bright colors to help your child stand out in crowded areas.
Age
Different leashes are suitable for children of different ages. Many leashes can be used for a few years, but you should always follow a product’s recommended age guidelines unless reviews tell you otherwise. Choosing to use the wrong leash can lead to injuries, or worse, your child running away. In fact, if a leash is too big for your child, it might not be useful because they can slip out.
Length
One of the essential features to consider is the length of a child leash. Child leashes come in many different sizes, so it can be challenging to know how big a leash should be. This depends on your preferences, but anything under two feet isn’t going to be useful.
If a leash is too small, your child can feel restricted, which can lead to irritability. On the other hand, if a child leash is too long, you might lose sight of them if they get too far. So, try and stick to child leashes between three and four feet long.
So, if child leashes have been on your mind, read on and look at these excellent choices on the market. At the bottom, we have a more in-depth guide, which addresses some of the controversies surrounding leashes and also looks at who a leash might be best for.
Top 10 Best Child Leashes 2023
1. Best Overall Child Leash: Blisstime Anti Lost Wrist Link
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Wrist-to-wrist leash
- Ages: Under 3 years
- Length: 4 feet
The Blisstime Anti Lost Wrist Link is a well-made child leash that attaches to you and your child’s wrist. Because the leash attaches to your wrist, it’s a hands-free product, and you don’t need to worry about losing your grip on it. The Blisstime Anti Lost Wrist Link is a simple leash that doesn’t make your child feel restricted or confined.
The leash is made with durable materials that don’t break under pressure. Stretching up to four feet, children have enough slack to explore their surroundings without feeling restrained. The wristbands are also comfortable for both parents and children, and they can rotate up to 360° without causing friction. The wristbands are also made with sponge pads, and the sizes can be adjusted up to 14 centimeters.
What Sets it Apart
The Blisstime Anti Lost Wrist Link is unique because it’s made with durable steel concealed by a fun blue color and padding. The leash is made with built-in steel wire that’s difficult to break, even under tension. So, even if your child is determined, it’s difficult for them to break it. It’s a great wrist-to-wrist child leash that’s inexpensive, effective, and doesn’t feel restricting.
Things to Consider
The Blisstime Anti Lost Wrist Link is affordable and well-made, but there is a downside. While the wrist cuff is advertised for children over four-years-old, it’s not really the case. A wily three-year-old would be able to undo the wrist cuffs, making the leash useless. Moreover, the lack of a child lock makes it less practical for older children.
If you like the style of wrist-to-wrist leashes but have an older child, the Bliss 2-in-1 Toddler Leash is a great alternative. It can be used as both a harness or wrist-to-wrist leash and comes with child locks on the wrist cuffs for additional safety.
Who It’s For
The Blisstime Anti Lost Wrist Link is for parents who are on the fence about child leashes. It’s a safe product that doesn’t look like a traditional child leash, and there are no harnesses or backpacks. While it’s simple, it’s high-quality and excellent for parents looking to experiment with child leashes. We recommend using this product for children under three years old.
Pros
- Performs like a leash without resembling a pet leash
- Made with durable steel wire that’s difficult to break
- Generous amount of slack to prevent falling
- Bright colors
- Padded wrist cuffs with 360° rotation
Cons
- No child safety locks are included
- Less useful for older children, despite the age recommendation
2. Best Child Leash for Young Toddlers: Goldbug Animal 2-in-1 Child Safety Harness
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Harness with leash
- Ages: 18 months+
- Length: 3 feet
The Goldbug Animal 2-in-1 Child Safety Harness is a child-friendly safety backpack and harness. The monkey theme is inviting and gets children excited to wear the harness. Goldbug also offers a few different animal designs to fit your child’s preferences. If your child loves animals, there is a good chance they’ll use this harness without making a fuss.
The Goldbug Animal 2-in-1 Child Safety Harness is also made-well and effective. The leash is three feet long, giving your child plenty of freedom and enough slack to keep them from feeling restrained in public places. Once your child grows older, they can use the harness as a monkey backpack. There is plenty of storage for snacks, toys, and even diapers.
What Sets it Apart
The Goldbug Animal 2-in-1 Child Safety Harness is unique because it offers a lot of versatility. While parents can use it as a child leash, it’s a product that children will come to love. Children tend to build a relationship with their stuffed animals. So, if you notice that your kid loves plush toys, there is a good chance they’ll fall in love with this product. This is important because they’ll be too distracted by the adorable monkey to make a fuss over the leash.
Things to Consider
While the Goldbug Animal 2-in-1 Child Safety Harness is versatile, it lacks comfort. Most child leashes can be attached to your wrist, making it hands-free. Unfortunately, to use this leash, you have to hold it. Even though it’s less comfortable, it’s also less safe than leashes with wrist cuffs. For example, if your child makes a sudden move, it’s possible to lose grip of it.
If you prefer a leash with a little more slack and a wrist cuff, the Blisstime Anti Lost Wrist Link is a great alternative. While it lacks the backpack and harness, it’s hands-free, and the wrist cuffs make it difficult to lose grip of the leash.
Who It’s For
The Goldbug Animal 2-in-1 Child Safety Harness is for parents looking to implement a child leash subtly. If you’ve experimented with child leashes in the past, but noticed your child was unhappy, this child leash is a great option. While it still functions as a leash, it’s more child-friendly than other products thanks to the plush monkey attached to the harness.
Pros
- Child-friendly monkey design makes the leash subtle
- Comes with storage space for snacks, toys, and diapers
- Can be used as a stuffed animal that children can build a bond with
Cons
- Compared to other child leashes, three feet is not a lot of length
- No wrist cuffs for hands-free use or improved grip
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Harness/wrist-to-wrist leash
- Ages: 1-4 years
- Length: 6.6 feet
The Bliss 2-in-1 Toddler Leash is a great child leash that has more than one use. It can be used as a wrist leash to keep your child close without having them feel restricted, or it can used as a harness leash. Furthermore, it’s adjustable, and the harness can fit a few different sizes so that it can grow with your child. This leash also features a child lock that’s difficult to open without the key.
The Bliss 2-in-1 Toddler Leash also comes with a generous amount of slack. The leash is longer than most products on the market, even when used as a wrist-to-wrist product. It’s also made with bright colors to help your child stand out from the crowd. Overall, it’s a versatile child leash that has more than one use.
What Sets it Apart
The Bliss 2-in-1 Toddler Leash is unique because it offers premium features for a great value. It’s superior to many wrist-to-wrist and harness leashes while allowing parents to use it as both. There are many products like it, but none work as well as this one does. It has more size options, leash length, and safety features than most child leashes.
Things to Consider
The Bliss 2-in-1 Toddler Leash is a great product, but the features can be overwhelming. For example, most parents don’t need to choose between wrist-to-wrist leashes and harness leashes because either option is fine. Also, one thing this product lacks is storage space, which is a feature found in backpack leashes.
If you need a simple product, and like the wrist cuffs, we recommend the Blisstime Anti Lost Wrist Link because the same manufacturer makes it.
On the other hand, if you like the idea of extra storage place, a product like the Yisibo Kids Backpack with Safety Leash might be a better fit.
Who It’s For
The Bliss 2-in-1 Toddler Leash is for parents shopping for the best of both worlds. There are two ways to use it, so parents can choose the method that suits them better. It’s also a great product for parents looking to make a one-time purchase. The leash and harness will grow with your child, so there is no need to worry about it outliving its usefulness.
Pros
- Comes with wrist cuffs
- Includes child locks that are difficult to open without a key
- Can be used as a wrist-to-wrist leash or harness
- One of the longest leashes available
Cons
- While it offers a lot of features, it can be overwhelming for parents that are just looking for a simple child leash
4. Best Child Leash for Child Safety: AGSDON Child Backpack
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Backpack with leash
- Ages: 2-6 years
- Length: 3.3 feet
The AGSDON Child Backpack is a safe and innovative product. The backpack features a unique dinosaur design, with the leash acting as the dinosaur’s tail. This makes it appealing to young children. The leash has enough slack to let children wander without feeling restricted, and there is no harness.
While many products combine a harness, backpack, and leash, this backpack simply pairs it with a backpack. This is beneficial for when your child is ready to head off to school, and the straps are less restrictive than harnesses. The leash also comes with a removable fastener, so your child can use it as a traditional backpack when it’s time for school.
The AGSDON Child Backpack is also one of the safest backpack-based leashes you can find. The backpack is made with imported polyester and made without harmful chemicals like phthalates, BPA, lead, and cadmium.
What Sets it Apart
The AGSDON Child Backpack is set apart by its safety certifications and quality testing. The backpack is CPSC certified, making it one of the safest backpacks your child can use. While a certification adds value, this product has also been tested numerous times to ensure safety and quality. The leash has also been tested to ensure the safety of your child if they tug at it or make sudden movements.
Things to Consider
The AGSDON Child Backpack is a great product when used as a backpack, but it’s not the best child leash. Because it doesn’t have a harness, parents have to rely on the backpack straps it comes with. Younger children can remove these straps with ease, making the leash challenging to work with. It’s best used as a backpack, with the leash as an added feature.
If you need a traditional child leash for younger children, you might want to consider the Mommy’s Helper Toddler Leash and Harness instead. While it doesn’t come with a backpack, it’s much better at keeping your child under control.
Who It’s For
The AGSDON Child Backpack is for parents that have children who will be going to school soon. The leash does what it’s designed to do, but it works better as a backpack. The fun dinosaur design makes it fun and appealing to children, making it easy to send little ones off to school without a hassle. Plus, if you need a child leash for a crowded place, at least you have that option when the need arises.
Pros
- Comes with a fun dinosaur theme design, with the tail functioning as a leash
- Includes storage space for books, snacks, diapers, and more
- The backpack straps act as a harness, helping your child feel more comfortable
Cons
- The lack of a harness makes it easy for your child to escape from the leash
5. Best Child Leash for Sensitive Children: Mommy’s Helper Toddler Leash and Harness
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Harness with leash
- Ages: 1-3 years
- Length: 3.6 feet
The Mommy’s Helper Toddler Leash and Harness is a unique harness that rests on your child’s chest. The leash is adjustable, along with the harness, making it versatile enough to accommodate children between 1-3 years. The leash is 3.6 feet long, and the harness can fit chest sizes of 14 to 25 inches. While it seems smaller than other harnesses, it works just as well without being bulky.
While the Mommy’s Helper Toddler Leash and Harness is practical, it’s also comfortable. The harness is made with padding to keep pressure off your child, and the leash is made with a padded wrist strap for hands-free operation. The wrist cuff also makes it difficult to lose your child if they make sudden movements.
What Sets it Apart
The Mommy’s Helper Toddler Leash and Harness is unique because the harness rests on your child’s chest instead of their stomach. The abdominal area in children is sensitive, which can make traditional harnesses uncomfortable, especially if they’re connected to a leash. The chest harness, which is patented by Mommy’s Helper, is more safe and comfortable than traditional harnesses.
Things to Consider
The Mommy’s Helper Toddler Leash and Harness is made well, but if you have a larger child, the harness becomes ineffective. While most children have chest sizes smaller than 24 inches, this isn’t always the case. If you have a child over three years old, or one with a larger chest, you can run into problems.
If you like the idea of a soft harness that won’t harm your child, but need a more versatile product, the Goldbug Animal 2-in-1 Child Safety Harness is a great alternative. While it uses a traditional stomach harness, the plush material of the monkey provides adequate comfort.
Who It’s For
The Mommy’s Helper Toddler Leash and Harness is an excellent product for parents with small or sensitive children. If your child is uncomfortable wearing a traditional harness, it might be worth it to give this product a try. The chest harness is more comfortable than full-body harnesses. It’s not as bulky as other harnesses, reducing the weight burden other harnesses can have.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Rests on your child’s chest instead of their stomach
- Padded wrist cuff makes it hands-free and harder to lose control
Cons
- Doesn’t fit well on larger children
- Not as long as other harness leashes
6. Best Budget Child Leash: Zooawa Anti Lost Wrist Link
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Wrist-to-wrist leash
- Ages: 3+
- Length: 4 feet
The Zooawa Anti Lost Wrist Link comes in a pack of two. You have the option to choose between blue or pink, depending on the gender of your child. The leash connects to the wrists of both you and your child, making it seem like less of a leash and more of a tool to keep you connected with your child. The wrist cuffs are also comfortable because they’re made with polyester and padded with cotton.
The Zooawa Anti Lost Wrist Link is also made with a stainless steel wire. Steel doesn’t seem like a flexible material, but Zooawa coats the wire with PU to make it safe, elastic, and comfortable.
What Sets it Apart
The Zooawa Anti Lost Wrist Link is unique because you get two wrist-to-wrist child leashes for the price of one. While the product is inexpensive, it doesn’t lack quality. The two color options also make it a gender-neutral product, and you can keep two children safe at once without needing to hold anything. It’s a budget product that comes with a lot of value.
Things to Consider
The Zooawa Anti Lost Wrist Link performs as advertised, but the wrist cuffs come in different sizes. It’s difficult to notice the difference, but the pink leash is smaller than the blue leash. This can be confusing at times and lead to an accident if you feel like you have more slack than you have.
If you like the design of this product but don’t want to deal with different leash lengths, the Blisstime Anti Lost Wrist Link is a great alternative. While it only comes with one leash, you don’t need to worry about two different sizes. It also comes with nearly identical features.
Who It’s For
The Zooawa Anti Lost Wrist Link is an excellent product for parents that have more than one toddler. It comes with two hands-free leashes, which can help you keep track of two children at once. Plus, you can’t beat getting two leashes for the price of one.
Pros
- Allows parents to guide two children at once
- Gender-neutral
- Two leashes for the price of one, great value
Cons
- One leash is shorter than the other, which can lead to confusion
- No child locks
7. Best Child Leash for Storage: Yisibo Kids Backpack with Safety Leash
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Backpack with leash
- Ages: 1-3
- Length: 4 feet
The Yisibo Kids Backpack with Safety Leash is a fun space-themed backpack with a removable leash. The backpack comes with plenty of storage for toys, snacks, books, and anything else your child needs for an adventure. The leash is also longer than other backpack leashes, and is four feet in length.
The Yisibo Kids Backpack with Safety Leash is also safe and comfortable. The backpack’s straps come with a chest buckle for added security, and they’re made with shock-absorbent material if you need to tug on the leash. The backpack is also lightweight, making it easy for your child to wear it for extended periods.
What Sets it Apart
The Yisibo Kids Backpack with Safety Leash is unique because it’s made with waterproof material. This is useful for outdoor use and for when your child begins school. We don’t recommend exposing the backpack to water, but it’s good to know that it won’t be damaged if you get caught in the rain.
Things to Consider
The Yisibo Kids Backpack with Safety Leash is excellent but it suffers from an issue that most backpack leashes suffer from: the leash doesn’t come with wrist cuffs. At the same time, there is plenty of slack, if your child tugs at the leash, it’s possible for it to slip out of your hand. This can be solved by wrapping the leash around your hand, but you still don’t get the hands-free operation that wrist-to-wrist leashes offer.
If you like the idea of a wrist-to-wrist leash, you should consider a product like the Blisstime Anti Lost Wrist Link instead. You lose out on the backpack, but it’s a better child leash.
Who It’s For
The Yisibo Kids Backpack with Safety Leash is an excellent product for older children getting ready for school. The backpack is waterproof and roomy, making it a safe and reliable backpack. The leash is also an excellent feature for places like the beach, mall, park, and other crowded locations.
Pros
- Fun space theme is excellent for both genders
- Plenty of storage space for school-age children
- Shock absorbent straps to reduce the chances of an accident
- More length than most backpack child leashes
- Waterproof material
Cons
- No wrist cuffs for comfortable use
- Lack of child locks can lead to children taking the backpack off themselves
- High price tag
8. Best Child Leash for Metropolitan Areas: WSZCML Toddler Leash for Walking
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Harness
- Ages: 2-4
- Length: 6.5 feet
The WSZCML Toddler Leash for Walking is an innovative harness that comes with a lot of safety features. For parents, it comes with a wrist cuff for hands-free operation. The wrist cuff also makes it easier to hold the leash without slipping and losing grip of it. For children, the harness is made with bright neon colors so you can see them, and the material is free of BPA, phthalates, and lead.
The WSZCML Toddler Leash for Walking also comes with a child lock and durable steel wire. The child lock is difficult for children to undo themselves, and the wire offers plenty of slack. With this leash, you get over four feet of cable, giving your child more freedom than other products.
What Sets it Apart
The WSZCML Toddler Leash for Walking is a unique product because of the reflectors it comes with and the length of the leash. When used at night, it’s easy to keep an eye on your child, thanks to the reflectors and bright colors. If you’re walking on a sidewalk or road, it’s one of the safest child leashes you can use. Compared to other child leashes, on average, it gives you an additional two feet of slack.
Things to Consider
The WSZCML Toddler Leash for Walking is a great product, but it’s bulky. While it offers wrist cuffs and hands-free operation, it’s still a harness. While that’s not a bad feature, some parents prefer leashes that are more discreet. Having a long leash can also be a drawback if your child wanders too far.
If you like the wrist cuffs, but prefer a more subtle child leash, the Blisstime Anti Lost Wrist Link is an excellent option. It comes with a little less length, but it’s subtle and connects to your child’s wrist instead of a harness.
Who It’s For
The WSZCML Toddler Leash for Walking works best for parents that often travel or live in busy metropolitan areas. The reflectors make it safe to use at night, and the bright colors help your child stand out from the crowd. Even if you’re walking down a busy sidewalk, it’s difficult to lose sight of your little one.
Pros
- Comes with reflectors for nighttime usage
- Features padded wrist cuffs
- Comes with child safety locks
- Longer than most child leashes, with 6.5 feet of length
Cons
- Bulky design that makes it heavier than other harnesses
9. Best Child Leash for Young Girls: EPLAZA Baby Toddler Walking Safety Butterfly Belt
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Harness
- Ages: 1-3
- Length: 4.3 feet
The EPLAZA Baby Toddler Walking Safety Butterfly Belt is a safe and cute child leash. The harness is made with high-quality cotton and polyester, which is forgiving on your child’s skin. For safety, the harness has stainless steel D-rings, reducing the chances of your child taking it off themselves. Even if they tug at it, they’ll have trouble breaking free.
The EPLAZA Baby Toddler Walking Safety Butterfly Belt also has a child-friendly design that’s appealing for young girls. The pink butterfly is aesthetically pleasing and makes the leash less intimidating. It also comes with a generous amount of slack to give your child the freedom to roam safely without wandering.
What Sets it Apart
The EPLAZA Baby Toddler Walking Safety Butterfly Belt is unique because of its Butterfly-inspired design. It’s a great design for keeping children at a close distance without making them feel like they’re stuck on a leash. While other products do this well, by combining backpacks or plush animals with leashes, the butterfly harness is a refreshing style.
Things to Consider
The EPLAZA Baby Toddler Walking Safety Butterfly Belt is an excellent choice for young girls, but it might not be suitable for boys. The Butterfly design seems aimed more at girls and has a lot of feminine features.
If you like the child-friendly design, but need a harness that’s gender-neutral, the Goldbug Animal 2-in-1 Child Safety Harness is an excellent alternative.
Who It’s For
The EPLAZA Baby Toddler Walking Safety Butterfly Belt is an excellent choice for parents that have young girls. If you’re opposed to wrist-to-wrist child leashes or backpack leashes, this product is a great option. While it functions as well as other child leashes, the child-friendly design makes it feel like less of a leash.
Pros
- Fun butterfly theme leads to less fuss from young girls
- Made with string D-rings for additional security
- No harmful chemicals like phthalates and BPA
Cons
- Not gender-neutral, only suitable for young girls
- Children quickly outgrow the butterfly wings
10. DB Dinosaur Toddler Mini Backpack with Leash
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Type: Backpack
- Ages: 1-2
- Length: 3 feet
The DB Dinosaur Toddler Mini Backpack with Leash is a well-made backpack and leash. It’s designed for younger toddlers, between one and two years old, and offers a lot of safety. The product has a children’s product certification, and it’s made without BPA, phthalates, and lead. The dinosaur design is also appealing and makes the product feel like less of a leash.
The DB Dinosaur Toddler Mini Backpack with Leash also comes with storage space for a few items. Although it’s a compact backpack, you can still fit diapers, snacks, and toys inside of the bag. For travel, it’s a versatile child leash. The leash also comes with a reliable D-ring to prevent your child from removing it and enough slack to avoid accidents.
What Sets it Apart
The DB Dinosaur Toddler Mini Backpack with Leash is unique because of its compact design. Most backpacks with child leashes are large, which can lead to imbalance and unwanted weight. While you lose storage space, this backpack functions better as a child leash than traditional backpacks with leashes. It’s also one of the few products that’s safe to use for children under three years old.
Things to Consider
The DB Dinosaur Toddler Mini Backpack with Leash is a great leash and backpack, but it doesn’t have a lot of storage space. In most cases, parents use backpack leashes for the extra storage. Unfortunately, you’ll only be able to store a handful of items, and it’s not large enough to use for school.
If you love the dinosaur style, but need more space, the AGSDON Child Backpack is a great alternative. The dinosaur design is nearly identical, but it offers more space.
Who It’s For
The DB Dinosaur Toddler Mini Backpack with Leash is a great product for parents that need a small backpack and child leash. It’s great for shopping trips and parks because it comes with enough storage to keep a few snacks handy. It’s also an excellent child leash for dining and vacations because of its small, compact size.
Pros
- Small, compact size
- Lightweight
- Fun dinosaur design
- Made without harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates
- Includes a detachable child-proof leash
Cons
- Too small to send your child to school with, compared with larger backpacks
- No wrist cuffs
- Lack of safety locks or D-rings
Everything You Need to Know About Child Leashes
Child leashes are not simple products to shop for. There are a lot of features and factors to consider, and every child reacts to a leash differently, and some with some difficulty. So, now that you’ve had a chance to glance over the products, you still might have some questions, so we’re going to help you narrow down your options.
The Controversy of Child Leashes
We’re going to start by putting your mind at ease. When child leashes entered the market, there was a lot of controversy. Many parents scoff at the idea of putting a leash on their child. This is understandable because leashes are typically reserved for pets. With that said, if you use a child leash correctly, they’re a great way to keep your little one safe.
Benefits of Child Leashes
Child leashes have a lot going for them. Some are worried about injuries, but there is a lack of data on injuries caused by child leashes. While this doesn’t mean injuries don’t happen, it’s a sign that injuries don’t occur frequently enough to be documented.
Injuries aside, many parents swear by child leashes, and the concept of child leashes has been around for over a century. Child leashes can keep your child from wandering into traffic, reduce the chances of abduction in crowded areas, and help you keep track of them.
Child leashes also give your child freedom. While it may seem like child leashes take their freedom away, they allow your little one to roam around without holding your hand. Plus, with some leashes being over six feet long, they don’t have to be glued to your hip either. Growing toddlers are eager to explore, and a child leashes give them the freedom to do so safely.
Still, if you’re on the fence about child leashes because of the risks, a wrist-to-wrist child leash is a great place to start. They don’t resemble traditional leashes, and wrist cuffs make them easy to use. We recommend considering a product like the Blisstime Anti Lost Wrist Link to get started.
Drawbacks of Child Leashes
While some parents swear by child leashes, others look down on parents that use them. You should never let the opinion of someone else get in the way of the safety of your child, but there are some concerns you should be aware of.
According to the American Academy of Pediatricians, there are a handful of safety risks to be mindful of when using child leashes. The most common injuries are the potential for strangulation if it catches on their neck, and awkward fall, both of which are caused by tugging on leashes which catch awkwardly on the child’s body. The good news is that you can reduce the chances of injury by using a safe child leash, and maintaining an eye on your child and not relying on the leash to be a catch-all.
If safety is your concern, we recommend using a child leash that’s attached to a harness. These products have leashes on the back of the harness, eliminating the possibility of strangulation. Still, you need to be mindful and make sure you and your child don’t tug too hard on the leash.
To avoid potential risks, we recommend the Mommy’s Helper Toddler Leash and Harness. It rests on your child’s chest, keeping them balanced if you need to tug the leash, and has the leash located on the back of the harness to remove the risk of strangulation.
How to Determine Whether or Not You Need a Child Leash
While child leashes can be useful for every parent, there are some situations where child leashes are more beneficial. If you’re not sure if you need a child leash, take some time to consider these situations.
If You Live in a Busy Area
If you live in a metropolitan area, a child leash can keep your child out of harm’s way. Aside from the large crowds barreling down the sidewalk, city streets are filled with cars, buses, and more. Plus, if you use public transportation, there can be more risks.
For metropolitan areas, we recommend the WSZCML Toddler Leash for Walking. It comes with a child lock to prevent your child from getting free, over six feet of slack, and reflectors to help your child stand out.
If Your Child Has Special Needs
Special needs children require extra care. The amount of care depends on their condition, but children with Down Syndrome, and some types of autism, benefit greatly from child leashes. For example, children with Down Syndrome can take longer to develop, making child leashes more effective at older ages.
If your child has special needs, we recommend choosing a product that has minimal safety risks. While harnesses are safe, we recommend a product like the AGSDON Child Backpack. It can be useful for older toddlers and has excellent safety ratings.
If You’re Responsible for Two Children
Taking care of two toddlers is no easy task. One toddler can be a lot to handle, but if you’re in a crowded location with two children, the risk of them getting lost increases exponentially. If you’re taking care of two children, child leashes are a great way to keep them close.
In many cases, you’ll need to shop for two leashes. Luckily, the Zooawa Anti Lost Wrist Link comes with more than one leash. In fact, you get both leashes for the price of one.
Choosing the Right Child Leash Based on the Age of Your Child
With the controversy and unique circumstances out of the way, we can give you some general shopping tips. The most crucial factor to consider is the age of your child and how their age determines the leash you should use.
1-2 Years Old
If your child is between one and two years old, a child leash is a great way to keep them close. For children in this age range, child leashes can also boost your child’s confidence as they learn to walk. When shopping for a younger toddler, a harness with a child leash is the best choice. The leash is located on their back, and harnesses are difficult to remove.
If you have a child that’s learning to walk, especially in crowded areas, we recommend the Mommy’s Helper Toddler Leash and Harness. The harness rests on your child’s chest, keeping it off of their developing midsection. The harness is also adjustable, up to 24 inches, to accommodate rapidly growing toddlers.
2-4 Years Old
Once your child can comfortably walk on their own, we recommend transitioning to a wrist-to-wrist child leash. These leashes connect to the wrist of you and your child, and they don’t resemble traditional leashes you can use on pets. When children reach this age, they become more self-aware, which can lead to conflicts when you use a leash.
If a child is between two and four years old, we recommend a hybrid child leash. This way, you can transition from a harness to a wrist-to-wrist leash when you’re comfortable. The best product for this age range is the Bliss 2-in-1 Toddler Leash. It can be used as a harness or wrist-to-wrist leash, includes safety locks, and it’s hands-free.
4-5 Years Old
If your child is between four and five years old, finding the best child leash becomes tricky. At this age, children are more independent and getting ready for pre-school and elementary school. So, we recommend a backpack with a removable child leash for this age group. The backpack can be used for school books and snacks, and if you’re traveling with your child, you can use the leash to keep them close.
Our favorite backpack that comes with a removable leash is the Yisibo Kids Backpack with Safety Leash. It comes with a lot of storage space and a fun space theme.
FAQ
Is It Okay to Put a Leash on Your Child?
Many parents are concerned about putting a leash on their child, and this understandable. While child leashes are designed to keep your child safe, there are a few things you need to be mindful of.
First and foremost, never tug on the leash because it can cause your child to fall. Secondly, keep the leash away from your child’s neck to reduce the chances of strangulation.
When Can I Start Using a Child Leash?
Child leashes are designed for toddlers. Using them on babies can be risky, even if they’re learning to walk. For this reason, we recommend waiting until your child is at least 18 months or two years old. From there, you can introduce a child leash whenever you feel necessary.
When Should I Stop Using Child Leashes
Child leashes do come with risks, and one of them is psychological. For example, if you’re using a child leash on a five-year-old, they might find it humiliating. This can lead to confidence issues as they get older.
So, we recommend weaning your child of leashes once they’re four years old. You can use your discretion, of course, as some children are more care-free than others.
Find Your Perfect Child Leash
Child leashes are complicated products to shop for. You don’t want it to harm your child, or cause your little one to feel restricted. With that said, child leashes are important products, and are particularly useful when your child has special needs. Whether you’re going to the mall or the park, you don’t want to lose your child in the crowd. Unfortunately, looking away for a few moments can be long enough to lose sight of them.
The good news is that child leashes can help. When deciding on the best child leash, always consider your needs. While one product might work for some parents, that doesn’t mean it will work for you. Luckily, child leashes are affordable, so it doesn’t hurt to try product and see if it’s one you and your child love!