Child harness: Encyclopedia - Child harness

Child harness

A child harness (alternative: child tether, British English: walking reins) is a safety restraint for walking with children. The device typically consists of a shoulder harness that may have an attached crotch strap between the legs. A lead (tether) is secured in the back. When the device is used, a child wears the harness and a parent or a guardian holds the end of the lead or attaches it to their wrist. This allows the child relative freedom of movement in comparison to being seated in a stroller, carried by the adult, or being held by the hand. At the same time, the child harness prevents child separation from the adult by the way of the child running off in a crowded or dangerous area, or being snatched by a kidnapper.

Harnesses are used most frequently by toddlers and children of preschool age. However, safety oriented caregivers may also let older children wear them.

The facts that a child harness bears some resemblance to a pet's leash, and concerns about improper, even abusive, use of it have created some stigma. However, a rational attitude focused on the priorities of child safety and well-being of the child has been gradually prevailing in recent years and the use of the child tether has increased, particularly in Great Britain.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Child harness", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki