From portable cribs to deluxe infant carriers-- the right gear can make your trip with baby easier for all of you.
Shade canopy on top, multiple storage compartments, you're good to go, whether it's hiking in a National Park or up and down the hundreds of tiny bridges in Venice.
Babies know that facing forward is a sporty way to get around. And Baby Bjorn makes this front-facing carrier with extra lumbar support for mom or dad.
Quite the concept: the "Kelty Convertible baby backpack" converts from stroller to backpack.
Graco, Cosco, Eddie Bauer and others make these brilliant hybrids. A "travel system" usually has three pieces: an infant carrier/carseat attaches to a stroller and to a carseat base.
Deluxe stroller for a child (newborn to four) to ride with pride however uneven the surface and even on the beach.
You can sling this over your shoulder, as a shoulder bag: then, voila, it's a little bed, with protective sides so baby won't roll; zippered fitted terry sheet; snap-on mosquito netting cover; insulated compartment. Doubles as a diaper-changing station, too.
Bring along your own shade, at the beach.
Portable cribs can be useful even at home: they can double as a playpen in the backyard. Somewhat like an umbrella stroller, portable cribs unfold in a jiffy, and are made out of nylon and sturdy plastic parts. My family used one on many trips: it did indeed set up in one minute (after the first time!) Some models have an attachable change table or bassinet.
About's Guide for Adventure Travel has the scoop on a new line of gear from Fisher Price for the family who wants to stay active in the outdoors with baby along: kids' utulity vehicle (good for dirt trails), Potty-On-The-Go, and more.