Child harness
As child harness designs and purposes have evolved with cultural norms and parenting techniques, they have become subject to common debate.
In the late nineteenth century, evidence suggests they were mostly considered as items of clothing, primarily worn by young children learning to walk.
"[3] While earlier patent applications for child harnesses mention protection from potential dangers,[2] designs beginning in the twentieth century were "particularly directed to the prevention of injury.
[26] In the United Kingdom, following the 1993 James Bulger murder case, sales of child harnesses "dramatically increased" and some stores sold out when "trying desperately to meet demand.
In May 2014, British retailer Boots was criticized for its range of child harnesses as some felt the colors and designs reinforced traditional gender roles.
After a consumer photo of the harnesses went viral, the retailer responded by promising to change the packaging to demonstrate their "commitment to prevent gender stereotyping.
A walking lead, tether, or rein attaches at the back or sides of the chest harness and is held by the parent or caregiver behind the child.
The most historically established design, standard style child harnesses are made of either leather or webbing and are primarily sold for children between four years of age or younger.
Usually, the loops are adjustable for size and the strap often features an elastic section to prevent injury by absorbing shock from any sudden movements.
Wrist links are sometimes marketed as suitable for those in the "junior" age range and are occasionally worn by children who may have outgrown the standard or backpack style child harnesses.
[38] For older children and adolescents who have special supervision requirements due to health or behavioral conditions, larger, and sometimes bespoke, versions of child harnesses are available.
There is some disagreement about the use of child harnesses which focuses on a number of aspects including safety, physical health, mental development/behavior, as well as parenting philosophies and styles.
Parents and caregivers who advocate using child harnesses cite the impulsivity of toddlers or young children to unknowingly put themselves in danger as a main reason for their use.
[51] Advocates and users of child harnesses argue that harnesses allow a safe range of exploration for the child, as well as being a useful "communication tool and teaching method to help children learn to stay beside their parent or caregiver" and thus assist them in understanding boundaries, recognizing potential dangers, and when exploration maybe unsafe or improper.
[54][55] Many who oppose child harnesses view them as a tool which delays or restricts learning and mental development about rules and potential dangers.
[51] Some psychologists have argued that child harnesses limit the natural curiosity of young children and prohibit them from acquiring skills in self-control which subsequently reduces their ability to understand and respect rules as they grow older.
Such viewpoints claim that making and enforcing appropriate rules is the primary job of the parent and a child harness avoids such responsibilities.
[66] Other childcare specialists have also raised concerns over the effect on the confidence of parents and caregivers with the "worst part of using these harnesses and wrist links are the stares that you get from other people who don't understand that they are a safety precaution.
"[52] Some have also drawn philosophical parallels between using child harnesses for toddlers and the use of GPS and smartphone tracking apps for older children.
These arguments contend that children benefit when having to solve problems alone or by seeking appropriate help, neither of which are possible if the child has a permanent form attachment to their parent or caregiver.
These rules cover a range of attributes such as strength, durability, use of small parts, shapes of components, substances or chemicals used for manufacturing, safety markings, and instructional information on safe use.
[70] As of 2019, rule four of the Highway Code of the United Kingdom, recommends that parents or caregivers use child harnesses (reins) for very young pedestrian children when walking alongside or crossing roads as a possible alternative to a pushchair (stroller) to ensure safety.
[71] The use of such child harnesses is sometimes recommended by local authorities in certain areas where risk and potential dangers to children are considered much higher than usual.
