Gaer & Gadgets

Accessories make baby more mobile

By JUDI DASH
Published July 17, 2005

Traveling with the kids is easier with the following new items, all of which have been tested by the author. They may be available locally at different prices.

RAISING A CHILD: AeroBed, makers of a popular line of quick-inflating mattresses that are much more comfortable than sleeping bags - or some regular mattresses - on a hard floor, has introduced a model especially for children.

The AeroBed for Kids has a 50- by 25-inch sleep surface with a raised 4-inch cushion around the perimeter to keep Junior from accidentally rolling off the bed. Just plug the included pump into a wall outlet, and it automatically inflates the vinyl bed in 60 seconds. A quick-release valve deflates the bed in 15 seconds.

The bed comes with a washable fitted mattress pad, a vinyl repair kit, and a duffel for storing everything. The bed weighs about 6 pounds and accommodates up to 150 pounds.

AeroBed for Kids is $79.99. For more information, call toll-free 1-888-462-4468; www.thinkaero.com

WELCOME CHANGE: Changing a diaper while traveling can be messy, especially at rest stops without restroom changing stations. Too many bad experiences on the road prompted one couple with young children to invent the Diaperbridge, a compact plastic folding changing table that turns the top of a bathroom sink into a sanitary changing station.

Once unfolded, the product forms a rigid platform where you can place the baby. A panel on the side of the Diaperbridge folds up to block the spigot when the product is used on a sink top. The Diaperbridge includes a comfort pad and a four-point harness that secures the baby to the platform. Another strap secures the Diaperbridge to the sink fixture.

The table folds down to 12- by 11- by 1.5-inches thick, weighs 2.5 pounds, and fits easily into diaper bags and suitcases.

Diaperbridge is $39.99. For more information, call toll-free 1-888-730-2525; www.diaperbridge.com

BERTH CONTROL: Graco's new Travel Lite Crib is a full-size, compact, folding crib that weighs less than 20 pounds, making it great for car traveling - or stashing in a closet at Grandma's house.

The bed comes with a top-nesting bassinet with a quilted bumper pad for babies weighing less than 15 pounds. Larger than that, Baby can nestle in the bed proper on top of the quilted pad. The crib has sewn-in dust ruffles and comes with a partial canopy for blocking harsh light. Wheels on one end make for easy mobility.

The delicate gray and white Windsor-pattern (my pick for the prettiest) model comes with two little stuffed bears hanging from the canopy. Other patterns also available.

Graco Windsor Travel Lite Crib is $79.99. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-345-4109; www.gracobaby.com

WHAT MAKES MOMMY RUN: Your youngster can be part of the solution instead of part of the problem of staying fit. The lightweight, easy-fold Baby Jogger is a cutting-edge stroller designed to be pushed by an adult running, jogging, or zipping around the neighborhood.

Weighing 21.5 pounds, this stroller has a reclining seat with a firm, padded back, a multiposition canopy, an adjustable five-point harness, side ventilation panels, a large mesh storage basket under the seat, and a pocket on the back of the seat as well as zippered compartments for keys or cell phone.

For safety, there's a center foot brake that locks both rear wheels with one step, and a hand brake with parking button. Safety straps prevent accidental folding. For storage, just grab the strap in the seat and lift up; the stroller collapses and folds in half. Also comes in double- and triple- occupancy models.

Baby Jogger Q Series Single Stroller, from $300. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-241-1848; www.babyjogger.com

INFANT FORMULA: The Baby-Everywhere Diaper Bag is a roomy, multipocket, nylon shoulder bag that comes with a 21- by 12.5-inch plastic-lined nylon changing pad, a 33- by 20-inch blue fleece blanket, a heavy-duty, plastic, zippered pouch for stashing soiled diapers or clothing, anda plastic baby bottle.

There's also a 40-page booklet on baby care and emergency procedures as well as a small ZipLoc bag containing two adhesive bandages, a sanitizing towelette and a packet of sunscreen.

The plastic-lined diaper bag is loaded inside and out with helpful zippered compartments, including two Thinsulate-insulated side pockets to keep a milk bottle cold.

The bag has a padded shoulder strap.It comes in three styles: a sleek satchel for mom, a business-brief look for dad, and a slightly bigger bag to keep stashed in the car.

Baby-Everywhere Diaper Bag is $50. For more information, call toll-free 1-866-888-8711;

www.baby-everywhere.com

Freelance writer Judi Dash lives in Beachwood, Ohio.

[Last modified July 15, 2005, 09:37:27]