October is SIDS Awareness Month so it’s a great time to focus on the importance of safe sleep for baby. And, it’s a natural fit for the All About Baby giveaway series on The Shopping Mama.
I just want to give you a head’s up that over the next couple weeks I’ll feature a couple different brands of baby sleep sacks and swaddling blankets. Typically, I try not to spread out posts about similar (and competing) products, but given the relevance (and importance) of SIDS Awareness I think it’s important to share as many products to help prevent SIDS as I can.
So, as always, I’ll give you my honest feedback including my favorite and least favorite parts about a couple different brands so you can decide what is the best fit for you.
Okay, I’m going to be really truthful and upfront here. When I first heard about Walking Wings I really didn’t get it. I thought they seemed a little goofy and awkward. But, as Baby Girl started cruising and began to practice walking while holding my hands I totally reconsidered my first impression. (After all, I’m sure I looked pretty goofy walking all hunched over my baby.) I’m glad I gave Walking Wings a try because they are genius! They work WAY better than I anticipated and everyone in the house is now a big fan. (Including Toddler Boy who likes to help “walk” Baby Girl.)
About Walking Wings
Walking Wings helps baby learn to walk balancing more naturally, hands-free, and experiencing fewer falls. This unique padded support vest easily fastens around the chest of the baby and has two adjustable, detachable straps with padded handles for your comfort. It’s healthier for baby’s shoulders (no tugging on little arms) and kinder to parent’s backs (no more bending over!).
High Quality
When the pink Walking Wings arrived I was eager to strap them on Baby Girl. The design is really intuitive and easy to use. You simply strap the Wings on baby and secure with velcro and buckle closure. The straps can adjust depending on the height of the person assisting baby. I fiddled with these a bit to find the most comfortable length. I am really impressed by the amount of padding used on the vest. The Wings were definitely designed to make sure baby is comfortable while learning to walk. As a major plus, Walking Wings are washing machine and dryer safe!
Recommended Use
Walking Wings are suitable for children showing “clear signs he or she is ready to practice walking”, such as ability to bear weight, balance and interest in walking. The adjustable chest fits from a 19 to 26 inch chest (an average chest size for 9 month to 4 years old). The straps are tested to hold up to 155 pounds – clearly enough for your little toddling kiddo. (And, good luck to you if you are teaching a 19-26 inch chest, 155 pound person to walk!)
Let’s Walk!
Baby Girl took off toddling the first time we used the Walking Wings. She was quite content and seemed comfortable. Baby Girl isn’t yet walking on her own, but her confidence continues to grow and she’s up to taking 5 or 6 steps at a time. I don’t know how much of that is due to using the Walking Wings, but I do know that practicing walking has been more comfortable for me.
To Buy… Walking Wings are a great tool for babies learning to walk. They make it easier for baby to learn and for grown ups to guide. Walking Wings really are “training wheels” for new walkers.
Or Not to Buy… While not a necessity, they sure are useful and very clever. I can’t think of an improvement to the functionality so my only suggestion is to add more color choices.
Win! A Set of Walking Wings to help a little one practice walking! Winner’s choice of pink or blue.
How to Enter: Leave a comment telling me when your little one (or little ones) started walking! It’s that easy!
Bonus Entries - please leave a separate comment for each valid entry:
* Check out the Walking Wings Find a Store feature and let me know where you can buy near you.
* Follow UpSpring Baby – the folks who bring us Walking Wings on Twitter
* Fan UpSpring Baby on Twitter
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet about giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave a comment every time you tweet: Walking Wings Giveaway – training wheels for new walkers @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/mTElU
* Blog about giveaway including a link to this post and UpSpring Baby for TEN entries
* Post the Holiday Gift Guide button on your blog
* Add The Shopping Mama to your blog roll
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
The Fine Print: Please leave a valid email in the comments or your Blogger profile so that I can contact you if you win. If you prefer, you may email me directly with your contact information after leaving valid comments. Open to US mailing addresses. Giveaway ends November 2. Winner will be notified and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Thank you to UpSpring Baby for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review and a product for the giveaway prize. The opinions expressed here are mine and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.
When we received the opportunity to review a pair of Pedoodles shoes I jumped at the chance to get Baby Girl’s little feet covered. She’s started taking steps – not exactly walking yet – but as the weather (finally) cools she definitely needs some good shoes.
About Pedoodles
They’re the soft, fun, fashionable footwear that children beg to wear. Created with developing young feet in mind, Pedoodles are simply the best shoes.
Pedoodles Shoe Features
* Exclusive Ped-Flex flat rubber soles. The unique sole is one of the first things I noticed about Pedoodles. It’s a thicker rubber than other baby shoes but is not at all heavy. The sole sturdy without being stiff. The Ped-Flex rubber sole is perfect for outdoor wear and seems well-suited to winter wear. * Premium leather. Made of genuine leather, the shoes requires little maintenance but is soft and breathable for little feet. Our shoes are soft and have held up really great.
* Unique packaging. Our pair of shoes arrived in a plastic bag that now doubles as a purse for my kids. I really appreciate that we can reuse and play with it rather than tossing another shoe box.
Right Size and Great Styles
Pedoodles makes ordering your shoes pretty easy. I wasn’t sure what size to order, but the website has really detailed information about sizing. I measured Baby Girl’s foot and determined she needed a size Medium and settled on the Kimberly Kitty design from the First Steps Collection. I have to say I much prefer some of the styles for older kids. Here’s the Kimberly Kitty as well as some of my favorites.
Stay-On Design
One of the best features of the First Steps collection is the unique design around the ankle. The adjustable velcro closure has several benefits. The closure is up higher on the ankle rather than below the ankle so it provides good support. The velcro closure is great because it doesn’t dig into baby’s foot like some elastic shoes can. It can also accommodate little one’s with not so little ankles – the adjustable closure is suitable for all baby’s feet. And, of course, the shoe stays on! Baby Girl has never removed the shoes. And, in fact, I’ve never seen her even attempt to remove them which tells me they must be comfortable.
To Buy… Pedoodles’ motto is “Show everyone your character” so it’s no surprise that Pedoodles shoes are fun and full of personality. Also, Pedoodles recently announced that ALL of their new styles are Eco-Friendly including recycled PedFlex soles, lab tested leathers and new recycled gift boxes.
Or Not to Buy… The First Feet Collection is a bit lacking. I’d love to see more styles to pick from and perhaps some similar to the Next Steps Collection.
Shop! Browse the Pedoodles shoe collection by Age or Collection – First Feet and Next Steps. Shoes range in size from birth to 4 years and cost between $17 and $34. Receive FREE priority shipping to US mailing addresses!
Win! A pair of Pedoodles shoes!
How to Enter: Visit Pedoodles Store and take a look around. Leave a comment here with your favorite shoe design.
Bonus Entries - Please leave a separate comment for each entry you complete.
* Follow Pedoodles on Twitter
* Fan Pedoodles on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet about giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave a comment every time you tweet:
Win a pair of Pedoodles shoes! Super cute and perfect for little feet. @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/2mbEgC
* Blog about giveaway including a link to this post and Pedoodles for TEN entries
* Post the Holiday Gift Guide button on your blog
* Add The Shopping Mama to your blog roll
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
The Fine Print: Please leave a valid email in the comments or your Blogger profile so that I can contact you if you win. If you prefer, you may email me directly with your contact information after leaving valid comments. Open to US and Canadian mailing addresses. Giveaway ends November 2. Winner will be notified and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Thank you to Pedoodles for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review and a product for the giveaway prize. The opinions expressed here are mine and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.
Only in my house…. I have misplaced an entire trunk-size Rubbermaid container of clothes. New, unworn clothes for Baby Girl that I’ve been buying and saving for the last year. Now that the temperature has finally dipped into bearable – and downright chilly – weather I was eager to bust out Baby Girl’s fall clothes. But, they’re MISSING!
How does this happen?
I have searched and searched and searched again. I have been in the attic (twice). I have looked in every closet in this house. I have dug through all the containers of clothing I can find. I have looked in the shed, for crying out loud. The result? Nada. I CANNOT FREAKING FIND the hundreds of dollars worth of clothes I started buying on super sale since I found I was having a girl. (Like these skirts I was planning to pair with leggings or tights.)
I’m seriously confused. How is this possible?
If it wasn’t so ridiculous I’d be bawling my eyes out. But, the clothes in their container MUST be here somewhere. Right?
Someone want to come search my house for me? I’ll be your BFF if you find my baby’s clothes!
Pink Nothings is a completely charming blog that offers a lot for readers because it has 3 talented contributors. The original blogger took a few minutes to answer some questions so we can get to know her and Pink Nothings.
TSM: Tell us a little about yourself and your blog. I am a first time mother to a very active Little Man. Pink Nothings came about because I had nothing pink for my baby. My blog started as a way to give my advice and share my outlook on mommyhood. I am the main writer of the blog however I do have some help.. My single sister Shoe Gypsy gives her fabulous fashion advice because every mom deserves to look stunning. My newest contributor is my sister-in-law Down With Pink. She is a mommy to two little girls with Down Syndrome and will give a us a glimpse to raising children with special needs.
TSM: What’s the best part about writing a blog? I would say being able to write about anything and everything. Also knowing that the moms who read my blog can relate to what I say and I am not the only mother with a child who is out of control sometimes.
TSM: If money were no object, what’s one thing you’d buy right now? Oooo that’s easy. New sheets for my bed. If money really were no object I would get the most expensive sheets one could find. Just imagine sleeping on a little piece of heaven every night! TSM: Sssshhh, now. You’re making me tired.
TSM: What are some of your favorite places to shop online? Children’s Place and Old Navy. I love that I can buy clothes for my son online because he doesn’t have to try everything on like I do.
TSM: List some links to your favorite posts or current giveaways. Here is a link to each of the contributors. Pink Nothings (That’s Me!) – Fresh Beat Band TSM: Hysterical! I don’t know that show, but now I’m dying to see it because I think I would crack up after reading your post.
So much news and deals to share, let’s get right to it…
Are you a Couponista? Savings.com is recruiting coupon hunters to participate in the first annual Save-Up event in San Fransisco. The selected DealPros will be promoted on Savings.com with the opportunity to blog, connect with experts, appear on TV and attend the Save-Up with all expenses paid. The Save-Up half day summit will have merchant interaction, a chance to meet other DealPros, a taste of The Bay and other goodies with food, wine, and cocktails. They’ll have celebrity panelists, press, merchant CEOs and other industry insiders. Interested? Read more about the Save-Up, apply to be a DealPro and check out the Savings.com blog.
Mutsy Debuts Transporter Stroller Mutsy has introduced a new lightweight and more affordable stroller to join its line of products. The Transporter is flexible and can be used with an infant seat or optional bassinet. It folds easily and compactly and, like all Mutsy products, has a sleek, modern design. I admit I’m a bit partial as you may recall that we have a Mutsy 4Rider and Step Up Board and love them. In addition, I had the opportunity to check out the Transporter in person at ABC Kids Expo and it rocks! If you shop for Mutsy products, check out Goore’s and use the code TSMMU for 10% off Mutsy products.
Scandinavian Child Sale From now until October 30, Svan Bouncers are 20% off and everything else at Scandanavian Child is 10% off! Use the code Spooky20 for Svan Bouncer discount and Halloween10 for 10% off the rest of the store.
Free Pink Ribbon Shower Reminder With every order placed in October, The Simple Stencil is offering a free pink ribbon vinyl transfer designed to remind women to do self breast exams. Enter PINK RIBBON in the Free Practice Word selection during the checkout process.
Exclusive Discount * Get $10 off your purchase of any two Onaroo products at American Innovations. Use the code MAMA at checkout.
Now, I usually stay above the fray when it comes to internet drama. That’s not what this blog or I am about. But, I feel this is something worth sharing.
TwitterMoms recently held a competition where the prize was a Samsung Washer and Dryer. The rules at the beginning stated the blogger who received the most comments on a “Where is the Heart of My Home” post would win. As you can imagine, the combination of a high value prize and completely vague rules led to confusion and ultimately, I believe, breaking of the rules.
I did not enter the competition – I don’t like the idea of a popularity contest pitting bloggers against one another – but my friend Tiff did. And her family spend hours upon hours upon literally days commenting on Tiff’s post in an effort to fairly achieve the most comments. To read the whole story, including how Tiff’s questions and inquiries were ignored and how the rules were changed at the conclusion of the competition, read “TwitterMoms and Samsung, Not Playing Fair.” And, by the way, this isn’t just sour grapes because Tiff didn’t win. As a matter of fact, no winner has been announced even though it was to be determined last Friday. And then on Tuesday.
I’ve maintained an inactive membership at TwitterMoms but I will be deleting that account today. I just don’t like the way this promotion was handled. I think both TwitterMoms and Samsung really dropped the ball. Instead, I’ll spend my time in a community and mom blog forum where bloggers are valued and friendships are cultivated.
Baby Elephant Ears were created and designed by a frustrated mom who needed to help comfort her young son. After consulting doctors and seeking alternative treatment, Alicia Overby ended up in a chiropractor’s office who suggested she support her son’s head and neck when in the seated position. Unable to find a suitable and stylish product on the market, Alicia developed Baby Elephant Ears.
What Are Baby Elephant Ears?
Unparalleled in style and function, Baby Elephant Ears is a multi-use headrest providing spinal/neck alignment and comfort – offered in diverse prints and organics, ethically manufactured and made with sustainable materials.
I just love the idea of Baby Elephant Ears. This is definitely one of those “Why didn’t I think of that?” mama inventions. They are not only adorable but also extremely functional and simple to use. They require no “installation” – there are no straps or buckles. You simply place the flat part of the Baby Elephant Ears behind baby’s head and the “ears” provide support and comfort.
My favorite features of Baby Elephant Ears:
* Ease of Use: Because there is no installation, Baby Elephant Ears go where baby goes. Use them in the stroller, car seat, swing, bouncy seat, or wherever else baby needs a little support.
* Fashionable Design: Yes, the shape is cute, but the fabrics used are divine. Seriously love the bright, bold patterns.
* Machine Washable: Enough said!
I had the pleasure of seeing Baby Elephant Ears in person at ABC Kids Expo. They are just as cute in person and seem very well made. The Ears are soft to the touch and any baby would be lucky to have a set. Coordinating comfy blankets are available in two sizes – a mini 12 inch square and large 29 inch square.
Shop! At $20, Baby Elephant Ears make a unique, clever and affordable baby shower gift. The coordinating blankets are $14.95 and $34.95 and the presentation is one of a kind.
Win! A Baby Elephant Ears and Coordinating Large Blanket! A $55 value.
Bonus Entries - Leave a separate comment for each you do:
* Follow Baby Elephant Ears on Twitter
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet about giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave a comment every time you tweet: Win a Baby Elephant Ears baby support gift set from @babyelephantear @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/31siyY
* Blog about giveaway including a link to this post and Baby Elephant Ears for TEN entries
* Post the Holiday Gift Guide button on your blog
* Add The Shopping Mama to your blog roll
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
The Fine Print: Please leave a valid email in the comments so that I can contact you if you win. If you prefer, you may email me directly with your contact information after leaving valid comments. Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends November 2. Winner will be notified and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Thank you to Baby Elephant Ears for providing the giveaway prize for this promotion.
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