Coolest Travel Gear For Kids

Moms and Dads who travel by air may want to invest in the CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) harness. The harness is made especially for airplanes, and is the only restraint certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. It's a lot more portable than dragging your car seat aboard that commuter jet, and it leaves your hands free to deal with any child-induced turbulence.

Available at BuyBuy Baby, the CARES system retails for $74.99.


CARES

There's one in every family – the wanderer. Airports and rest areas are irresistible for curious little explorers. If your kid likes to wander off in crowded places, give yourself peace of mind with the 411 Wristband from Mabel's Labels. The custom-printed paper bracelets include your child's first name, your first name, cell-phone number and any special needs your kid might have. Bonus – 10 percent of the profits from this item are donated to Autism Speaks.

Available at Mabel's Labels, $21 for a pack of 30 completely customizable wristbands.


Mabel's Labels

Getting stuck at the airport is every parent's nightmare, but even a late-night delay can be bearable if you remember to bring My NapPak. Created by a mom who couldn't find a good nap mat for her son's day care naptime, My NapPak is a cushy mat with an attached pillow and blanket. The whole kit and caboodle rolls up into a nice, neat little package, making it perfect for the overhead bin or for squeezing into a packed-to-the-gills minivan. My NapPak also makes a great solution when there aren't enough beds at Grandma's house.

Available at My NapPak for $54.


My NapPak

Nothing says road trip like eight hours of Miley Cyrus. Don't despair. Buy your kid these pint-sized headphones and navigate the open road in blissful silence. Made by Kidz Gear, these headphones have the high-quality components of standard adult audio gear, but are sized just for the wee ones. Use them for MP3 players, portable DVD players and gaming systems.

Available at Kidz Gear for $16.99.




Kidz Gear

Forget that ratty old backpack. Pack your kid's road-trip essentials in the Trunki. This adorable, hard-sided case has all the features a little explorer needs: A teddy-bear seat belt to stop toys from tumbling around, an internal pouch for those tiny doll shoes and a fixed strap that can't get lost. The Trunki is great for air travel, since kids can sit or ride on the closed case, resting their little legs when the check-in line is particularly long. It can also be easily carried on Mom or Dad's shoulder.

Available at Trendy Kid for $59.99.


Trunki

Crayons get lost – or in some cases eaten – when you're traveling a long distance. Avoid the tears and the digestive upsets by investing in the Fisher-Price Doodle Pro Tag-Along. This small-scale version of the classic magnetic drawing toy is just the right size for small laps and carry-on luggage. Here's a tip: Surprise your child with it just before you leave the house and keep your little travel companion very happy, and very occupied.

Available at Toys "R" Us for $10.99.


Fisher Price

Space-challenged parents rejoice. The Easy Fold Baby Bed by Kushies is a great alternative to the heavy portable crib. Made of lightweight fabric, the bed folds up and fits inside a standard-sized suitcase. The padded liner and UV protected fabric make it extra comfortable and safe for baby. Use it for naptime, bedtime or even playtime, indoors and out.

Available at Kushies for $69.99.

Kushies

How would you like it if someone stuck a freezing-cold bottle of milk in your mouth? So why would you do that to your baby? Now you don't have to, thanks to Baby Goga Baby Bottle Warmers. This cool gadget heats up in 10 minutes, and all you have to do is flex the metal disk inside the warmer. It never gets too hot, and can be recharged by placing it in boiling water and letting it cool down again. It's small enough to fit in a diaper bag, and can also be used to soothe your aching back after hauling the kids through the airport or driving for 500 miles.

Available at Mom 4 Life for $22.99.


Baby Goga

Grown-ups know how hard it is to sleep in a strange bed, so why not make it easier for your baby? A little white noise or soothing music helps little ones ease into dreamland, but it's hard to fit a bulky machine or CD player in a suitcase. The Sleep Sheep & Friends On The Go collection from Cloud B is the perfect solution. The small-scale stuffed animals have a sound box that plays lullabies and peaceful nature sounds, like falling rain and a heart beating. Use the Velcro tab to attach the cute animal to a car seat, stroller or portable crib.

Available at Cloud B for $23.


Cloud B

Traveling is fun, no doubt about it, but it can disrupt a family's routines. Keep your bedtime rituals intact no matter where you roam, and consider the Carry Me Everywhere Suitcase from Haydenburri Lane. This cute suitcase comes with five sweet finger puppets, a fleece-and-satin blankie and a "Bedtime Safari" storybook. It keeps little hands and minds busy, and provides a complete routine for getting your child to bed.

Available at Haydenburri Lane for $29.95.


Haydenburri Lane