Kids on leashes: what do the locals think?

I donno... they sell kid-leashes at the entryway to places like Chapultepec Park in DF. I see a lot of kids on leases in the cities. Besides, as tourists, your job is to amaze and appall the locals.

Tried a leash on my 18-month-old daughter many, many years ago when I was trying to keep track of her as well as carrying her new-born brother. Daughter simply lay down on the sidewalk and wouldn't move until the leash was taken off! I guess independence starts early with some. I think a backpack would be the best idea if the youngster isn't too heavy. One of those umbrella-type (they fold up like an umbrella) strollers might be okay but as has been said, potholes and all the bumpy street hazards could be a problem. Dealing with a stroller in a crowded market might be difficult, too. Why not plan for all three - leash in Grandma's pocket for use when desperate and backpack brought from home and look at strollers in Mexico.

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<hr>Besides, as tourists, your job is to amaze and appall the locals.<hr></blockquote>
Very true! We were in San Cristóbal, Chiapas, when my daughter was 9 months old and I carried here with me everywhere in a child-carrier backpack. The local women, who carry their children wrapped up in blankets tied around their waist, thought it was hilarious; not the backpack, evidently, but the fact that a MAN would do such a thing. Of course, they didn't say anything to me or laugh in my face, but, I didn't realize what a big kick they got out of the gringo with the backpack until I watched (and listened to) videotapes we had made of me walking around with this thing on.

So, it's all good, don't worry too much about what the locals think because part of our job, as gringos, is to amuse and entertain the locals with our eccentric behavior.

A child backpack is probably a better idea than a stroller given many sidewalk conditions. Leashes are perfectly acceptable. To all those out there who bred...NO your children are not wonderful. But in all fairness, if you use a leash make sure you understand how tight to fit the choke collar. The child should be able to soon learn to stop as it begins to tighten. If used correctly there should be very few incidents of the child gasping and choking at the end of the collar. Due to socialization reasons I don´t think they should be used past the age of 12 years. By then the child should have graduated to Ritlain.

Do what you feel like you need to do. Your first priority is the safety of your child, if this means you get looked at or whispered about so be it. I am now in my 40's but I remember
my mother using a harness on my little sister, she is mentally handicapped (down's syndrome) and was an expert at getting lost, away, or just heading another direction.
I still remember my mom worrying about the reaction from others but if we were going to go places, sometimes it was not an option.

I too, have seen kids connected to their parents by a strap or other physical connection in various parts of Mexico. My impression is that the Mexican sense of family will make most
people understand. For those who don't, that's their problem not your's. I think Wendy in post 11 has the right idea.

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<hr>Safety is a completely gringo concept.<hr></blockquote>
Nothing could be further from the truth.

Oh, wonderful replies. Thank you. We had a friend from Veracruz who thought that the harnesses were fabulous inventions, so I kind of figured that someone in Mexico must approve. (Or at least not roll on the floor giggling at the thought.)

My kid isn't quite coordinated enough to stage an effective escape...yet. But she will likely be there come August. I think we'll reassess as it gets closer. I agree...I'm not one to sacrifice safety for looks, but I'm not entirely convinced that we really have a need yet.

Psst: here is a super cool tip for situations where you might loose your kids sight (in a market, at a concert, etc.): get a marker pen and write your cell-phone number on their hand. If they feel lost and start crying some good soul will pick them up and within 2 minutes you get a call.

1. there are kids on leashes in Oaxaca. But it's like very rare and very "fresa". Haven't seen one in a long time. Bartleby has a good idea - if it has to be done go low-tech: a string tied to the pant or the hand will do, don't get a harness. And shouldn't all parents carry string all the time anyway?
2. strollers in Oaxaca: it can be done. There are two options. Either get a SUV-type stroller with big wheels. But it is heavy, bulky and you will need a SUV to transport it. Or get the umbrella-folding type that was mentioned earlier in this Fred. You want to get one of those anyway to go to the gate at the airport. And it is good to get around in Oaxaca with it as well. Any bigger obstacle and you can just carry it around. You are more flexible. Don't think about getting one of this three-wheeler joggers. They are so long that it is impossible to turn it around in the aisle of a marcet or a crowded place.

mothers in Oaxaca hold onto their kids' wrists.

What's the big deal about kiddie-leashes? They are practical. Child gets more freedom, parent (or grandma) doesn't have to worry about child wandering off. I don't understand everyone's knee-jerk reaction to them.

And yes, I have seen them in Mexico. More frequently than I have seen strap-on baby carriers/pouches.