When we lived in a suburb of Nurnberg, it was village-like, and most things were walkable. We had a pram, a real English-style pram with big wheels that could climb centuries-old granite curbs, sprung on sturdy leather straps. With two under two, when StY was a newborn, we tucked him into the pram and had a jumpseat that fit over the top for his toddler brother. As soon as the younger could sit, they both went into the pram, facing each other, with the blankets tucked over them both--Incredible Two-Headed Baby!

We went everywhere, even after the elder was walking, with that pram. There was a wire basket set across the axels, where string bags of groceries and plastic bags for library books and other bits of shopping could be stowed, and the inevitable shoulder bag containing snacks, diapers, bottles, change of clothes, along with my purse. The weekly-ish snow in winter was cleared promptly enough that we could maneuver. It was fun!

I've heard from several disabled parents who thought the leash was a lifesaver. It gives the kid a bit of room to run around, but they can't run away. And it's a lot easier than holding the kid's hand all the time -- with small kids, that means having their arm up in a position that gets pretty uncomfortable after a while.

I think that kids on leashes are ADORABLE! (Not a parent.)

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to post and run but ltc wanted to loudly tell me she was teething and then my in-laws were here all day. We will probably use the harness style leash when she's out of the stroller (which I intend to keep her in as long as she will put up with it), and put up with the dirty looks from people. I'm already dealing with the barely concealed, "she's yours?!?" so what's one more dirty look, right?

When you think about it from the kid's point of view, a leash is so much more comfortable than being hauled around, or tethered by a hand clamped around your wrist, with your own arm over your head constantly. At least with a harness and leash, there's some sense of autonomous movement, and not having your arm pulled out of its socket after an hour in a crowd.

Seeing a small child on a leash is a relief, because I know it's safe and won't easily slip away from its adult.

I'm already dealing with the barely concealed, "she's yours?!?" so what's one more dirty look, right?

Just remember, there are bound to be other people like me thinking "That leashed baby is ADORABLE!"

Just remember, there are bound to be other people like me thinking "That leashed baby is ADORABLE!"

I will just pretend all the people are you! Now to come up with a proper snarky response for the other thing.

I see kids on leashes and think the parents are smart... They are circumventing the need to answer awkward or heartbreaking questions with, "I only looked away for a moment." They are giving themselves permission to get absorbed or distracted. They are thinking realistically about their ability to be ever vigilant.

Leashes on kids is not new, they used to be called Leading strings.

I will just pretend all the people are you!

Good plan!

Now to come up with a proper snarky response for the other thing.

This sounds like a job for the silent, withering glare.