Gear

The Best Toddler Leashes and How to Use Them

Yes, they're ridiculous. They're also kind of essential.

by Jeff Foss
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

We’re the first to recognize that children are not pets, and therefore they shouldn’t be walked like one. But the best leashes for kids allow them to explore, gain a measured independence, and, most importantly, tire themselves out before nap-time. So if you’ve always thought of kids leashes as preposterous (and we were there at one time, too), then it’s time to reconsider what has, to the non-parent, always appeared as a joke.

When looking for a leash for your toddler, consider length, flex, and playfulness. The length is potentially the most important, as it extends the figurative umbilical cord, and therefore can allow your little one into greater amounts of trouble or danger. Flex is also a concern, in that those with greater elasticity slow down your ability to rescue, essentially turning your child into a two-to-four-year-old yo-yo. And finally, there’s its playfulness. Sure, you could get a utilitarian model that will perform great. But isn’t something like this worth at least a subtle wink? Regardless of your preferences on the above, we’ve rounded up our favorite kids leashes for toddlers so that you can clip in and get out there.

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Anti-Lost Wrist Link by Blisstimes

This innovative product connects your wrist with your son or daughter's via a bungee-cord-like connection. Fully extended, your child can get around five feet from you, but when together, it curls up so as not to get tangled underfoot.

$8.59
Toddler Leash & Harness by Sunta Store

It's hard to look at this leash-and-harness combo and not think of taking Man's Best Friend for a walk. It's constructed from the same synthetic nylon webbing as those pet stores usually carry, which allows zero flex and precise control. When fully extended, your child can reach around four feet.

$14.99
Sure Steps Toddler Leash & Harness by Diono

Adjustable and nondescript, this black harness and leash combo gets the job done without flash or distraction. The shoulder straps alter fit through Velcro for on-the-fly changes. Fully extended, your child has four feet of running room.

$8.01
Skip Hop Toddler Leash

This kids' leash is a backpack , with a handy tether to hold on to your child.

$15.41
Goldbug Child Leash

The best kind of kiddie leash doesn't look like a leash at all. Instead, it's a cute monkey so it's perhaps less insulting.

$17.98
Lulyboo Toddler Leash

This all-in-one backpack and safety harness has a detachable wrist tether.

$24

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