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.

Shop! Walking Wings are available in blue and pink and sell for $24.99. You can purchase Walking Wings online and in stores.

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.