Q. Thanks for the answer on a toddler wearing a wristband safety leash during Shabbat, when there is no eruv. Would it be permitted for the toddler to wear a security harness that is worn as straps on his chest and back, while the adult that walks with him holds to the end of the attached leash?
A. On question 2656 regarding going out on Shabbat where there is no eruv, with one’s toddler attached to him/her with a wristband safety leash, we answered that although the leash may be needed for the safety of the toddler, since it is not an item that he commonly wears, it is not categorized as a malbush or piece of clothing and therefore not permitted.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that although the harness you describe is more similar to a malbush or a piece of clothing, still the same reasons may apply. Besides, these harnesses often come with different kinds of additions, such as small backpacks etc., that would not be necessarily considered as a malbush.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a