Do you think it is cruel to put a safety harness on a child?

No it is not cruel. My daughter is 2 and goes in a harness in certain instances. If we go to a park (play kind or just gr kind) she runs off to her hearts content because I can see her and she knows not to go too far away and always usually comes back when I ask her to, this is where I teach her...not a crowded town/city centre or zoo. There are too many people and if she wanders a bit too far and can't see you or you can't see them then fear can set in. Lets face it we are responsible for the safety of our children. Once I know that my daughter understands the dangers of cars and some people then I will be happier for her to stop using the harness. It is NOT a leash unless you use it that way. When she is on the harness she walks by herself until she pulls in the opposite direction at which point I stop...I don't drag or yank at her I tell her thats not the way we are going until she goes in the right direction. Ignore the people who give you filthy looks because you aren't conforming to their idea of right and wrong. You are teaching your child in a different way as long as you are not harming your child and they are safe thats what counts. Sometimes you are damned if you do and damned if you don't, if one of your kids went missing plenty of these people will be quick off the mark to tell you you should have done things differently and that you weren't looking out for your children. Go with your gut and do whats safest for your children.