This post, originally titled How to overcome the stigma of using a backpack harness, was originally published in 2018 and has been completely updated in April 2022.
I always knew that I wanted to use a backpack harness if/when I ever had a child.
So there was no question when I had my little guy that I was going to use a backpack harness with him.
I also knew that some parents received backlash from other parents or complete strangers for using them.
They’d hear something like, you’re treating your child like a dog?
Well, let me tell you, in this mom’s opinion, and that’s all this is mind you, I’ve loved it.
And my kid loves it too.
Before he could even fully walk I decided to get one as a Christmas present.
This way we could start practicing with it even before he needed it.
Just in case he decided he didn’t like it or wouldn’t wear it.
Neither one happened.
Now, I didn’t leave it on too long, just enough for him to get the idea of what it was and how it worked.
I continued doing this and by the time we needed it for an international flight, it was no problem at all.
If anything he loved putting it on.
How to overcome the stigma of using a backpack harness
Just the other day we went to the zoo.
I was using the harness on my little guy and we were waiting for my parents to finish using the bathroom, standing in some shade.
There were two older ladies standing there too and I heard them say that the backpack was cute and what a great idea!
It’ll help keep the kid safe and not have to worry about them running off!
I turned to them and let them know I agreed.
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This is my first bit of advice:
Your child’s safety should be more important than someone else’s opinion.
More people than you think will actually agree with your choice or, at the very least, see the harness as cute.
One of the many responsibilities of a parent is to keep your child(ren) safe. Don’t let someone’s opinion stop you from doing that!
Now, let’s look at another reason to not worry about the stigma of using a harness; the benefits!
Benefits
- A perfect zippered pocket for toys.
- Adjustable straps for the best fit for your child.
- Cute animals to choose from. We have a monkey. After putting it on the first time I realized it might have been better to get another animal so we’re not saying ‘you have a monkey on your back’ but then realized that’s for us (adults) to get over, not him.
- The length of the strap is not too long but not too short either. And of course, can be shortened by wrapping it around your hand.
- The strap/handle can be hung over top of the animal when it’s not needed.
But the real benefits to me
- My child can run and explore while knowing he’s safe.
- If he’s getting ready to run into something I can stop him.
- If he’s falling I can keep him from doing so.
- I don’t have to constantly be screaming at him to stop, come back, watch out, etc.
- He can have his freedom while I can have peace of mind he’s safe.
Uses
Here are just a few great places the backpack harness can be useful:
- Mall
- Airport
- Amusement parks
- Zoos
- Hiking
- Walks
Now with all this being said, the one downside of using it has been him not learning that he needs to stay near us while we’re out, etc.
Because I understand this is extremely important for him to learn too, we do practice going out without the harness and he has done great.
He is getting old enough to start understanding that he needs to stay near us.
I don’t see having used the harness has hurt his ability to know his limits.
Through this experience, I have never seen or heard any ‘backlash’ on using the harness. (But, I’ll be honest, I don’t pay attention either! :))
And that’s my last bit of advice!
Don’t worry about what others might be saying.
Focus on your child and their safety and let others think what they want!
So, if you’ve been debating on getting one but don’t want to deal with the stigma or judgments from others? Don’t!
ha ok i love this ha and never realized they had a backpack harness until i had kids!
Yea, they are a great accessory to have with kids:)
This is an interesting read for me as a new Mom! Thank you!
Thank you for reading!
We in Africa back our babies with a backpack harness. its one of the easiest ways to carry your baby around while working. We don’t even use pre-made ones. we customize with any long piece of cloth or wrapper. our babies love it.
Thanks for sharing, this is actually about the child wearing the harness. It’s very helpful!
I’ve been wanting to get one of these but I’ve been so worried about what people will think! thanks for sharing this!
Of course! And go out and get one 🙂
now, this was very interesting. i had never heard of this before
Oh, may I ask where did you grow up?
We have a monkey backpack harness and I agree Keeping them safe is most important!
Oh that’s awesome. Monkey twin 🙂
I’ve heard the criticism but I’ve always thought that backpack harnesses were awesome. They became popular or I found out about them after my kids were past the toddler stage but they would have been a lifesaver for me when traveling or in any crowded environment.
Oh gosh, that’s not fair!
Those are adorable and wish they were around when I was raising kids
Yea, they really are helpful.
I had one for my son and he loved it. He was one of those kids who would take off if a leaf happened to be blowing in the wind. He became attached to it so eventually he had to be weaned. I put it away one day and I was cleaning the closet it fell out. He saw it and got excited. As soon as his attention was directed somewhere else, I made sure it went in the Goodwill stash. No one ever had the nerve to say anything to me because I have a look too, it’s called MYOB (mind your own business) Your child’s safety is the utmost importance, I promise you if you let your child roam freely those same folks will give you h-e-double hockey sticks for not keeping a close eye. Good job Mom!
Oh, I agree so so much!!! Thanks 🙂
I’m a firm believer in them. I had 4 kids in 5 years and they learned real quick that they can take off in 5 different directions and I can only grab two at a time. As I live outside of Las Vegas NV and went there to go shopping there was no way I was letting it happen a second time(parenting is a learning job.). The next time I went to the store I hooked actual dog leashes to my kids belt loops and clipped them to the carts. I solved multiple problems at once. 1. No kid ran away, 2. I did not have to worry about someone grabbing them, 3. I parked the cart in the middle of the isle and the kids could not “help me shop” I also could put a kid on each side for those touchy time kids have. I also used the retractable leashes for the beach and other open areas that had no playground equipment. I learned real quick that I loved my kids but I was not blinded by my love. They would send in a “diversion” kids who had a “booboo” or wanted to tell me a story and while I was tending to the child the others would take off. But with the leashes I put the handles in the diaper bag and they had 10-15 feet of freedom to do their thing but I knew where they were. I also did this camping as well. The comments I got were 50/50. Some were amazed that they never thought of using them and others were horrified. But I turned a deaf ear because I heard these same people commenting badly about parents who let their kids run. So no matter what you can’t win. By the time I had my 5 th they came out with the backpacks and I got one. I did put a dog leash on it for longer distance because I only used it when we were out walking. When we were shopping I could strap her in the cart. As there were 5 years in between her and the others they were well “trained” by then not to let her out and to stay with me.
🙂 This is great and thank you so much for sharing. Yea, I think some people just don’t understand because it hasn’t happened to them, so awesome job to you for sticking to your guns and keeping your kids safe!!!