View source for Leading strings

{{Short description|Pieces of fabric to support a child learning to walk}}
{{No footnotes|date=March 2024}}
[[File:Angelica Kauffmann tolstoyFamily.jpg|right|thumb|Child's costume with leading strings, 1790s]]
[[File:Rubens.Helene.Fourment.jpg|alt=|thumb|{{c.|1639}}]]
'''Leading strings''' are pieces of fabric to support a child learning to walk.  In 17th and 18th century [[Europe]], they were narrow fabric straps attached to children's clothing that prevented a child from straying too far or falling as they [[Gross motor skill|learned to walk]].

Leading strings served two functions: reducing bumps and bruises in children who are beginning to walk, and restraining those who might injure themselves while exploring. Leading strings have been widely replaced by [[baby walker]]s and [[playpen]]s, or similarly by a [[child harness]].

==See also==
*[[1650–1700 in fashion]]
*[[1700–1750 in fashion]]
*[[1750–1795 in fashion]]

==References==
*{{cite OED|leading-string, n.|2797249102|access=free}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://regencyredingote.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/of-hanging-sleeves-and-leading-strings/ History and origin]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Leading strings}}
[[Category:Parts of clothing]]
[[Category:History of clothing (Western fashion)]]

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