Buddy Ropes?

[Josiegirl]

I don't know what they're called but those ropes you see in catalogs where the kids all hold onto a loop on it and walk together. Do they really work? Does anyone use them? What else is there on the market so kids will not run off? I know there are backpack leashes(don't know what else to call them); does anyone use those?
I desperately need something to keep these runners together so we can all make it to and from the front door safely.
Every time we go out I take a double stroller, my 2 dogs(on leashes) and 2-3 walkers. Out of the walkers one child listens pretty well. But there are 2 that love to run and hide. And of course once 1 gets it into her mind to do it, the other one follows along.
I have looked into making an exit directly from the playroom into my fenced-in yard. It'd cost over $2500 and would take quite awhile to go through all the legal process. I may look into having my front yard fenced in as well as a path to the backyard, with a gate at the end of my front sidewalk. But that presents problems on the side of my house because the property line cuts very close to the corner.
So I just don't know what to do.

[Thriftylady]

I saw a center using them at the museum we go to. The issue I saw them having was the kids kept letting go. I guess it depends on your runners and if they will stay holding on.

[DaveA]

I'm not a big fan of them, but they can work. It depends on how well DCKs will follow directions to "hold on".

[Sunchimes]

I use walking vests. I made them out of rectangles of fabric. They are adjustable, and the leash part are just ribbons. My kids love them. Besides safety, it gives them freedom. They can pause to look at something, pick up rocks, look at a leaf. I took 2 toddlers to the state fair one year using our vests. I've even loaned them to parents. We got funny looks at first, but everyone is used to us now. The only comments I hear are that they wish they'd had them when their kids were little. I tried the backpacks. We found 2 problems. They fuzzy animal ones are hot, and they can't wear them in the car. So you are stuck in a parking lot trying to get backpacks on 3 kids. We can put the vests on at home, then it just takes a second to snap on the ribbon.

[Blackcat31]

They are usually called walking ropes.

Rather then spend money on one, my DH made one instead.

He just bought a length of rope, tied loops in it every so many inches and that was that. Works awesome!

I usually tie the front of my rope to the stroller (DH pushed the lead one) and I "buddy" up the other kids....one big one next to one smaller....and then I hold the end of the rope and keep an eye on everyone as we go.....


None of my kids are "attached"...they just hold onto the loops. If a younger one lets go, the older one will remind them to hang on.


Keeps everyone in line and works fantastic!

[rosieteddy]

I always used safety straps.You can get them at baby stores or on Amazon.They cost about 4 dollars. I would attach the strap to the stroller then to wrist of child.Then the child also held on to side or handle of stroller.I put stickers on the stroller to give a visual of where to hold on. We would go for a walk around the block then into the yard.They could not let go until we were in the yard.I started walkers at 2 yrs.They were always thrilled to graduate from stroller to strap.I think NannyD used the same thing. I also liked the look of the walkodile-it was vests that attached to a plastic handle unit.

[Josiegirl]

I use walking vests. I made them out of rectangles of fabric. They are adjustable, and the leash part are just ribbons. My kids love them. Besides safety, it gives them freedom. They can pause to look at something, pick up rocks, look at a leaf. I took 2 toddlers to the state fair one year using our vests. I've even loaned them to parents. We got funny looks at first, but everyone is used to us now. The only comments I hear are that they wish they'd had them when their kids were little. I tried the backpacks. We found 2 problems. They fuzzy animal ones are hot, and they can't wear them in the car. So you are stuck in a parking lot trying to get backpacks on 3 kids. We can put the vests on at home, then it just takes a second to snap on the ribbon.

Ooh I wish I could see what they look like! I'm wondering if my dcm would object to her 2.5 yo wearing something like that.
I was thinking the backpack because she could carry a water bottle or something to the backyard for herself.
I was wondering about the walking ropes because it is something the kids would have to listen and hold onto; listening doesn't seem to be their strong point right now.
Whatever we used, it would only be used to get to and from our backyard.
Thanks everybody!! Once summer kids come it won't be as bad because the big kids will be assigned a little one to hold hands with to the backyard.

[Josiegirl]

I always used safety straps.You can get them at baby stores or on Amazon.They cost about 4 dollars. I would attach the strap to the stroller then to wrist of child.Then the child also held on to side or handle of stroller.I put stickers on the stroller to give a visual of where to hold on. We would go for a walk around the block then into the yard.They could not let go until we were in the yard.I started walkers at 2 yrs.They were always thrilled to graduate from stroller to strap.I think NannyD used the same thing. I also liked the look of the walkodile-it was vests that attached to a plastic handle unit.

Thanks, I'll have to check those out!!

[Sunchimes]

I'll post a picture tonight.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I use one (they call it the rainbow rope) for 12 kids. One of the older children gets to be the line leader (I choose one making good choices) and a little (2 or 3yo) get to be the caboose. We use it twice a day to get to and from the neighborhood parks, which can be 1-8 streets away.

I only have 2-5-year-olds, but my daughter has been here since birth and she began using it around 18-ish months just fine so long as they weren't walking fast.

My kids do great on them. The ONLY child who has ever tried to stop holding on and walk away was a special needs child. Otherwise, they all do great with it and if a younger child (2-year-old) lets go everyone else will say, "Hold the rope, buddy!" I also walk next to the newer children and/or youngest children.

Here's one with only 6 handles for $11: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...MCK27BM5SDGULE

I have this one with 12 handles for $24. I have had it for awhile now and it has held up well: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...YEYJIKQBUCQWR"

[Michael]

We have a lot of thread on walking ropes. Click on the tags below the thread on the left. Here is a good thread: https://www.daycare.com/forum/showthread.php?t=64712

This one is expensive but looks pretty useful. Vital Innovations WALKWEB Walkodile Safety Web Baby Reins



Walkodile is on sale for $99

[Josiegirl]

Thank you everybody! I'm going to talk with the youngest dcg's mom and see what she thinks. Dcm has had trouble getting her to the car without her running off. So now she makes her dd hold onto her hand. She's a very high spirited and independent little sprite of a thing! My oldest dd was like that when she was about that age too. Gotta love their independence, ugh!
Michael, I saw those too but after reading the posts about the kids walking together, I can just see my 4 yo charge pulling everybody around. :confused: And they would become like dominoes, as someone mentioned on that thread. I have to find something that doesn't connect them all together.
Man, caring for kids is tough!

[Sunchimes]

I know it's late, I forgot. I'm sorry. Maybe someone can still benefit from the pictures of the handmade walking vests we use here. This was the first one I made. I've changed them up a bit since this by using much smaller clasps and only putting one in the back instead of 2. I think we I made this, I forgot I was walking 2 year olds instead of 12 year olds. ;-)