KinderKord

KinderKord: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

September 18, 2008

Joan Lunden is often considered a role model as she holds the title for hosting a morning television show longer than any other person, had her second set of twins at age 54 and is a best selling author of several parenting books. Her latest title is inventor, having unveiled her new creation at a child product convention last week.

The KinderKord is an updated take on the kiddie harness, with wrist cords for both parent and child that connect in the middle. With three feet of cording and the ability to connect two children to one adult, Lunden claims that her product allows a child to roam more freely than traditional leashes and it has a "hip and cool unisex band that can be worn by a man or a woman." The KinderKord is not yet available to consumers, but we are curious if it is something you would consider.

28 Comments

dprivett 1 year 27 weeks

Well, personally I think these are great. You can reserve your judgement. My son has autism and he does bolt, and I am not a mother who doesn't closely watch my kids in public. This product can offer peace of mind to many busy moms of special needs children.

3 years 26 weeks

The Kinderkord looks great but your child can easily take it off in seconds - my 2 year old did!! * If your child can undo velcro, they can take off their wristband easily (less than 10 seconds on our first outing) * The stainless steel blunt-ended hooks are hard for an adult to hook and unhook. My toddler showed me how to do it in 5 seconds flat (?!) * The hooks do not retract fully into the unit. * The very thin nylon cord (1/16 inch thick) has started fraying and showing signs of wear after just three outings. One can't help but wonder if it will stand up to a toddler pulling with all his weight - mine hasn't tried yet. * Last but not least - their site's fine print says "use at your sole risk" - I've never seen so many disclaimers on a child's product. To see so many disclaimers on a new "as-seen-on-TV" product makes one uneasy and the questionable quality of this device has made me decide to no longer use it with my child. If you decide to get it, use with parental supervision at all times - you can't always tell if your child has taken it off.

amaebi519 4 years 17 weeks

Actually, I think holding a toddler's hand would be worse -imagine having an adult hold your arm up at a 45 degree angle for minutes at a time (ow). A lot of parents would find holding hands hard on their back, too. My daughter is just very big on exploring, and even if a mall isn't crowded, a kid could disappear around even a short clothing rack in a heartbeat. The harness styles are the ones that wierd me out, though, so I want one of these instead. I also think they look pretty cool. Bottom line - whatever works for you!

Greggie 4 years 35 weeks

Because I couldn't stay in my house 24 hours a day when my son was little, I'd never have groceries, clothes, etc.

latinav 4 years 35 weeks

Kids aren't dogs so they should not have to wear Leashes or a Harness. My 18 month old either stays near mommy or doesn't go. Why would you take your child to a crowded place where you think your child might "bolt" off and something might happen? I don't give my son the option of walking next to me or staying in the stroller. He stays in the stroller if I want him to stay there or I let him walk when I think its ok. This may seem mean but thats I why I don't buy a leash for a child.

latinav 4 years 35 weeks

Greggie 4 years 35 weeks

I don't understand how it's less of a "leash" than the harness is. I also thought the article said this isn't available to consumers yet.

mom of four 4 years 35 weeks

I have four young children who are good kids but run all over. We didn't really like the leashes on the market. We got this product and we now swear by the Kinderkord. We can attach more than one child to us, and keep track of them. They are safe. We are sane. And there's no stigma of a leash.

graylen 4 years 35 weeks

shoogerbooger- the same ones are also available at Target. However- word to the wise- when I bought this for my 2 yr old nephew, I told him that the tether part was the monkey's "tail". Bad idea- now when we want him to wear it, he insists on holding the "tail" making it a somewhat worthless product! ;)

LiLRuck44 4 years 35 weeks

I wouldn't use one for my kids, but this seems like a much better option for those who were in favor of the implanted chip ;) My son gets two options, hold my hand or be carried.

LiLRuck44 4 years 35 weeks

I wouldn't use one for my kids, but this seems like a much better option for those who were in favor of the implanted chip ;) My son gets two options, hold my hand or be carried.

Greggie 4 years 35 weeks

shoogerbooger, I can't post a link without approval, but if you go to walmart's site and search "child harness" you'll get the monkey and dog ones. :)

graylen 4 years 35 weeks

I always get a little touchy when people go off on how horrible these things (tethers in general) are and how you should never put one on your child and how it's making your child like a dog. I just don't see how keeping your child near you in a crowded situation makes you a bad parent. In fact, I think it makes you a good one. So, if you ever see me at Disney with my small child- he or she will be tethered (albeit with a cute little monkey backpack one!).

shoogerbooger 4 years 35 weeks

Just like many of you, when I saw parents using these, I thought, "No way!" But now that my son is 19 months old and running, I totally understand the need for one. Does anyone know the name of the backpack ones??

berroblla10 4 years 35 weeks

If you've ever been to Disney World with a 2 year old, you know how important something like this is!

Greggie 4 years 35 weeks

That's pretty much what the backpack ones are, they just make them cute and child-oriented now. Like lions and monkeys.

amerikanbeanhead 4 years 35 weeks

Back in the early 90's and late 80's when my borther and I were little we had like a straight up full body harness that went like over our shirts. My brother is disabled and doesnt understand that you cant just bolt away into a busy street. I was just miss independent and had a tendency to bolt.

fsquaash 4 years 35 weeks

Anyone with twins knows how difficult they can be to keep track of in crowded situations. One of mine would jerk his hand away to chase something shiny without warning. I had nightmares about him getting hurt and think this device would be great. BTW, the backback leashes are very cheap and available at a lot of stores. I'm not sure I'd pay extra for that "retractable" option.

roxtarchic 4 years 35 weeks

i dont think i've ever HATED them or seeing them being used, i think i sympathized w/the mom who had to use them... and i wldnt hesitate... altho i agree that the snapping of the wrist, might make me nervous... have any of you tried those shoe clip alarm thingies?

redheadkimie 4 years 35 weeks

I hated stuff like this to until my daughter started walking. She is miss independent and can't stand to hold my hand. I only use it when its a crowded place.

Greggie 4 years 35 weeks

I actually remember that when the backpacks became popular, people tried doing versions like this and it was widely accepted that they were extremely dangerous for the wrist and shoulder joints, as well as a choking hazard.

kcareen 4 years 35 weeks

I completely agree with Greggie - this looks like an accident waiting to happen - how far out does that cord go? I can see it getting tangled around something (a neck perhaps?) If you can't get your kid to hold your hand, then the backpack thing is probably a better solution. I have 2 kids and never had any problem holding on to them with out any sort of tethering device, but maybe I am just lucky.

gab6784 4 years 35 weeks

"I hated seeing kids on these until I had a child who refused to hold my hand or ride in a stroller."Greggie, that is EXACTLY my issue with my daughter. I know people don't like to see kids with these but when you have one that will bolt down the street or won't stay put in a stroller these become the best alternative. I have one of those backback ones also, this one looks good too. I might try it if its not too pricey.

gab6784 4 years 35 weeks

"I hated seeing kids on these until I had a child who refused to hold my hand or ride in a stroller." Greggie, that is EXACTLY my issue with my daughter. I know people don't like to see kids with these but when you have one that will bolt down the street or won't stay put in a stroller these become the best alternative. I have one of those backback ones also, this one looks good too. I might try it if its not too pricey.

Greggie 4 years 35 weeks

I hated seeing kids on these until I had a child who refused to hold my hand or ride in a stroller. The backpack one with the tether is preferable to me, though. With this, I'd worry that I'd dislocate their wrist if they pulled away and twisted.

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