I started with these belts that Safety First made-they were quilted things that looked like chastity belts and had those plastic pinch hooks that one end you'd put on your beltloop and the other to their belt. The strap extended to 8 ft and could be also used in shopping carts (it adjusted down to 3ft or so, you just wrapped it around the cart seat and hooked it). Those I used when they first started walking. I gave them as shower gifts and the moms loved them.
When they outgrew their stroller, I started using the wrist tethers. Most here talk about their one child; I had twins-it's virtually impossible to go anywhere and do anything when you have to hold two hands and when you're tall and they're knee-high, it's an added detriment. (Sometimes I could use the stroller and have my son hold onto it as his sister rode,since she was smaller, but that didn't happen often).
My mom had me on a harness, but got one 'dog' comment and tossed it. I got quite a few 'stinging' remarks ranging from how bad my kids must be to the 'they're not pets', but I got more encouraging ones and compliments about how well behaved my kids were.
Trust me, even if YOU think your child's an absolute angel, the second you have to call out 'come back here!' as he/she starts taking off, eyes will start rolling and whisperings about your control skills WILL happen. Your back gets tired holding hands or carrying 40 lbs around, your errand takes twice as long and everyone's tired and in a rotten mood. Well, except me....
