We had one for our son. He had a tendancy to take off in a full sprint sometimes not being able to be caught until he was on the other side of the store, so we felt this kept him in our sight without limiting him to a cart. He could walk around but not take off on us. What would happen if he would have done that in a parking lot? It's not cruel. He was never unhappy. He never fought it. Eventually we didnt use it after he learned he had to stay near mom and/or dad. We felt it kept him safe also because he knew no stranger and would have gone off with anyone. rnrnEveryone has their own opinion. I have been there and I understand why some parents choose to use them.