I?ll admit that when my son first started walking I contemplated the idea of purchasing a baby leash for him. He would make me crazy with his unstable speed and dead accuracy at choosing the perfect times to wander away from me. If we were anywhere dangerous like a parking lot or a crowded store, he could be counted on for bolting from my side and causing me heart palpitations as he walked away towards danger.

But then I considered that even though a baby leash, would be the perfect solution to my problem, would I want to deal with the stare and snotty remarks from other mothers out in public for treating my baby like a pet. At what point does a child become a family pet, and would the enticement to tie him to motionless objects on days that I was too tired to chase him around be too much for me to resist.

I decided against the baby leash and instead resorted to keeping my eyes on him at all times. And as he has grown older and become more sure of himself while walking, it has become easier for me to control him. He?s almost two now and I no longer have to struggle him out from under bushes or scoop him up out of the neighbor?s flower garden when we go for walks. He stays by my side and even lets me hold his hand sometimes.

But still, on those days when I?m too tired for hypervigilance, thoughts of owning a baby leash slip back into my head. I guess I will never fully understand that it is ridiculous to leash anything other than a dog. You would think I?d have learned that painful lesson after trying to walk my cat on a leash. After one humiliating afternoon drag around the park, I put the cat leash away and never thought about or spoke of it again.

I?m sure I would change my mind if we were to visit Disney World or some other crowded place where a baby leash would be more of a safety device than an item of lazy parental convenience. Though I?ve heard the stories about the false sense of safety a baby leash provides and that strangers can clip the end and walk away with your child anyway. I suppose nothing is truly perfect.

For now I will carefully hover over my child as he masters his walking and walk into the path of danger every time we venture out of the house. And one day maybe he will realize that roads are for cars and the neighbor?s flower garden shouldn?t be violated, without me having to forward his every step. And if he doesn?t get it by the time he is five, I will give up the baby leash and simply tie a rope to his body to keep him safe.

About the Author:

Tracie M. Loewe provides readers with up-to-date commentaries, articles, and reviews for shopping as well as useful buying guides and other related information.