Being the mom of a toddler learning to walk is a blast, but it kills my back. Being hunched over all day long so that he doesn’t have to walk with his arms in the air makes my back scream. And I’m sure that’s nothing compared to my foot-taller-than-me husband.

Enter Walking Wings – a cool mom-invented product that has saved my back. The support vest easily fastens with velcro around the baby’s chest and has two adjustable straps with detachable padded handles. It looks a little goofy, but it works. It took my son a few tries to tolerate having it on but once he got used to it he didn’t seem to notice it.

Walking Wings are great for increasing the confidence of the new walker. Not only are they able to use their arms in a natural position but when they do, inevitably, fall, the straps catch them (which has to feel better than having your arms yanked out of their sockets). I appreciate the worry-free practice time out on the sidewalk, and we all appreciate the lack of skinned knees.

An added bonus ~ Walking Wings can also function as an alternative to a jumper and your biceps will be stunning.

Walking Wings retail for approximately $25 USD. Check their list of retailers and online locations.

We’ve got a pair of pink and a pair of blue Walking Wings to give away to two lucky TOP readers. To be entered in the random draw, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with WINGS (blue or pink) in the subject line and tell us what major TV show featured Walking Wings. (Click over to the video from their site to see Walking Wings in action!) Contest closes at midnight MST on 5/8/07. Congratulations Lianna & Tanya!