Customer Reviews

SafeFit By My Side Harness with Backpack, Purple/Black/Grey

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

We have both the older model of this, which we've had for a couple of years, as well as the newer model in pink for girls, and this has become indispensable. I was very against putting children on leashes until I had a child and realized it was mutually beneficial. The leash allows my toddlers to have the freedom of walking independently but puts a reasonable limit on how far they can go. It makes a busy store or crowded public place less terrifying. Sometimes I string the loop on the end of the leash through my belt for hands-free use. The backpack design is fantastic for several reasons: 1) The children LOVE wearing backpacks, so they're excited to put them on, which makes the whole process easier. 2) There are straps across the chest AND hips, so it is effective without clothes-lining them. 3) It looks less like a dog leash. 4) It's not as hot as the plush type. 5) The leash is removable, so when the leash is momentarily unnecessary, it turns into a regular backpack. 6) The older models had the leash at the top of the backpack which could wrap around the child's neck if they got rambunctious, but the designers have since moved the attachment point to the bottom of the backpack. 7) The child can't unhook the leash (or the backpack) unlike the Velcro wrist varieties.
As I mentioned, we've had the one backpack for a couple of years now. It's extremely durable and is barely showing signs of wear. Do keep in mind that the primary purpose of this backpack is safety, not storage. Be sure to look at the dimensions if you're hoping to cart stuff with it. We usually put a board book and a couple small toys (matchbox cars, little people) in it, and that's about all you can expect it to hold. I've generally found that to be perfect because I only pull it out when we're going to be moving around a lot. For long, quiet sitting events, the number of toys and books required to keep my toddlers happy requires a larger backpack which is unsuitable when loaded for a tiny person to be carrying around. This backpack ensures that your child stays with you and has just enough space to store a couple of small treasures that won't strain your child's developing back. I highly recommend this product.

I purchased this backpack harness for my 18 month old son who is VERY lively and super-duper fast. I was really excited to use it as we were heading to Chicago for a week and I was really nervous about trying to keep tabs on him and keep him safe on all of our outings. It fit my son well, seemed secure and well designed, held his sippy cup, some wipes, a diaper and a small toy, plus it was really cute. Alas, my excitement didn't last long - one hour after strapping him into this at Shedd's Aquarium I was removing it from him in pieces. The straps ALL came loose and several were hanging by threads. Yes, my son did pull in this a little bit, which I am sure did cause some stress to the straps, but shouldn't these things be designed to take a small amount of tugging? I mean, he only weighs 21.5 lbs. and only had it on for a short time. Buyer beware!

** for those of you who still want to take your chances with it but are confused by all of the comments about size, I would say this backpack is the perfect size for a 1-2 year old and can definitely fit their sippy cup, snacks and a small toy, but this is NOT a full-sized pre-school/toddler backpack that is going to double as a diaper bag. If you are looking for something for a 3-4 year old this is probably on the small side. My almost 4 year old daughter tried it on and it fit her comfortably but the backpack did look somewhat too small on her back.

I bought this backpack harness for international plane travel with my active two-year-old. I liked that this one holds a bit more than some of the other backpack harnesses out there, so she could have a favorite stuffed animal or toys. My daughter actually asks to wear it and the leash can be removed for those times. Luckily haven't actually had to leash her more than a couple of times but, I was relieved to have this during our travels.

Looks like a very nice product, but... I bought this for my 3 year old, thinking it would be more like a regular backpack, with the added bonus of the removable tether. When the backpack arrived it was much smaller I envisioned -- smaller than a typical child's backpack -- about 6-7 inches wide and 7-8 inches high. Perhaps more appropriate for 1-2 year old wanderer.

This product is VERY misleading. The pictures, both of the backpack by itself, and of the boy wearing it, make it look much bigger than it really is. It looks as though it covers the boy's back, but in reality, it wouldn't cover the back of an infant. The company lists "large backpack compartment allows for ample storage." I was expecting at least a toddler/pre-school sized backpack, and planned to use this for my son's toys on our next flight. I still plan to use it for the harness/leash feature in the airport, but will now have to pack an additional carry-on for him. I'm very disappointed.

I bought this backpack/harness for my 18 month-old son for a trip to Disney World in October. To say that I was glad I had it was an understatement. He's at an age where he doesn't want to be in the stroller and is way too curious to stay by my side. Having this allowed him to walk on his own, as he wished, while still keeping him close by me. This was particularly important in the airport, as I was by myself with 3 kids, a stroller and a car seat and only 1 person offered to help me during the entire trip down to FL and back.

Previous reviewers commented that the backpack was too small. Perhaps for a child of 3 or 4; I know my almost 4 year-old daughter would have thought so. But for my son it was the perfect size. It easily accommodated 2 board books, 2 cars and 3 horses from the Little People farm. He especially liked that he looked like a big kid with a backpack and wanted to wear it everywhere. Without the toys and books a sippy cup can easily fit in it, along with a snack.

Reviewers have also said that some people disapprove of the idea of harnessing your child or the appearance of having a kid on a leash. To this I say: those people who make negative comments about this kind of thing have no idea what they're talking about. Keeping your child safe in a mall, airport, parking lot, etc. is vital. Those who frown on safety can keep their judgments to themselves or walk a mile in my shoes - at which point they would be glad they had this harness. For what it's worth, I saw dozens of families at Disney World whose toddlers had harnesses of various types. All the kids seemed happy.

The best part about this is that the "leash" can be detached, making it ideal for when my son is able to go to preschool next year. Right now he wears it without the leash when we drop his older sister at preschool, so he can be like her.

I highly recommend this to anyone who has a child that is old enough to want to walk but not old enough to trust to stay nearby.

I was aware that this backpack is small, but it's just the right size to carry a snack as well as a drink. I took my 21-month old grandson for a walk using the harness and he did very well. I let him lead the way and he didn't seem to have a problem with being on the harness. I think it's a great product, and when my granddaughter gets old enough I'll probably get one for her too.

My son is only 34 months old but is almost a size 6. None of the other harnesses I found would fit him properly. This fits around his tummy just fine, I think that the chest strap should be able to move and ajust but it is stiched in place though the straps themselves are ajustable.
The back pack is a perfect size for every day things (ie taking a few "small toys" to Dr. office so dosen't need to touch germy toys)it is not ment to pack all of their needs for an overnight trip.

The pack could hold a couple of cars, Or a Barbie w/ hair brush and change of cloths, or small plush anamil like webkinz.

I just bought this a BabysRUs and had to take it back twice becouse it was defective. The first time one of the straps was sewn on wrong so it had to be twisted to clasp on. The second back pack had a broken zipper. I was just glad I didn't get all the way home first.

My Son likes the back pack and it fits him good enough.

If you are looking for a back pack to pack you kids stuff for a plane trip. I sugest a "School" Backpack and use a wrist strap. Or better yet have them only carry a few toys in a pack like this and check their luggage.

We've only used this a few times so far. But what we have used of it, it's worked well. It does help to keep my child close to me, but there are a few catches. My daughter thought it was almost like a game. She thought it was quite fun to test the leash part. She would run full blast until it pulled her back. Fun until it disrupts the shopping. I eventually had to put her in the cart.
The product works well as far as it's purpose goes. My daughter loved to put some of her toys in it as well.

I bought one each of the girl and boy backpack for a 4yo boy and 5yo girl - both very active - for our trip to Disneyland in LA. On the way, we stopped by the Grand Canyon. Because the girl was wearing her backpack, when she almost fell off the top cliff at the Grand Canyon, she was saved by the harness on the backpack.

Again, at Disneyland it was much easier not lose either child in the crowds and excitement of Disneyland.

The kids both love the backpacks. They are lightweight, allow them to carry their own 'stuff', and gave them a 'grown up' feeling. Most backpacks have the child prints or are an animal.

I definitely recommend this backpack for anyone with lively children.
SafeFit Girl Backpack with Harness