We had reigns from when he started walking to about 2yrs old. We just ha the normal harness type ones so they could remain on whilst he was in the pram too.
I did always love the little life ones though.
Now he doesn't use a pram he just has a normal Buzz lightyear backpack an we pop a wrist type strap/reign through the hoop on the bag
don't use them often now though.
Personally I found the reigns invaluable. I felt better knowing he was secure especially in busy places and the amount of times it's saved him falling flat on his face