Hitting the road in 2005 is easier than ever, as new companies tackle some of the age-old challenges faced by parents of infants and toddlers. These new products make embarking on a road trip less stressful.

Practical Gear

Inflate-A-Potty
(www.onestepahead.com, $14.95)
During the process of toilet-training, or just about anytime you are traveling with a toddler, finding a clean bathroom as soon as you hear "I have to go," can be a challenge. Inflate-A-Potty solves the problem by providing a portable, sanitary surface. Inflatable and reusable, it is lined with disposable plastic bags and can accommodate a child weighing up to 60 lbs. This very practical item can even be used in the back of a car or SUV and can be packed in a purse or pocket. Our review dad, who "hates public restrooms," considers it very useful and is happy that he doesn’t have to "worry about germs."

Diaperbridge
(Diaperbridge Products LLC)

If you’re tired of laying your baby down on the floor for diaper-changing, you will surely appreciate having a portable changing station. Diaperbridge is small enough to fit into a diaper bag, it can be unfolded with one hand, placed over a sink, and securely hold a baby up to 40 lbs. Our reviewer says, "It’s very useful, fits easily onto the sink," but she thought it was a bit heavy at 2 lbs. This diaperbridge can be used anytime and anywhere.

Baby Jogger City Series
(Baby Jogger Inc, from $279.95)
For active parents who are always "on the run," Baby Jogger offers a new type of stroller designed for city life. The model has a one piece frame, a lightweight, aerodynamic design and quick folding latches. It features front swivel wheels which enable it to maneuver in tight environments, and is available with both single and double seats which easily fit through a standard size doorway. As with all Baby Jogger strollers, the City Series meets or exceeds requirements set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials.  For more information about this and other models, visit their site.

Entertainment Software For The Road
Daddy-0
(Banana Productions, $12.99)
Children’s songwriter and performer Danna Banana (Dan Cohen)’s songs are written to entertain both children and their parents, who spend many hours listening together to "kid’s" music. His goal was to create music that everyone in the family would like, and he is proud that his songs are not too sweet or syrupy, but clever and funny. On this second collection CD, the former opera and cabaret singer focuses on fathers’ relationships with their kids, and says his ideas and inspirations often come from his own sons and daughter. Our reviewer reports that "the beginning was good, but my 3 1/2-year-old daughter lost interest after awhile." Daddy-O is a winner of the iParenting Award 2004.

Are We There Yet?
(Banyan Entertainment, $13.99)
Who hasn’t heard that question? Well, if you have a portable DVD player, you may hear it less often with "Are We There Yet" starring Miles the Goose, the first DVD aimed at entertaining children (ages 3-8) on car trips, or  at home. "AWTY" keeps kids occupied with while engaging their intellect and expanding their horizons, and with Miles’ mild sense of humor, kids are entertained with a few episodes of healthy TV while you’re driving. They can play on-the-road games and sing songs, while educational segments teach letters (and has kids look for them in highway signs) and provide information about bridges, trains and weather. Our teen reviewer admits he was "embarrassed to have enjoyed watching this movie. It creates an interactive experience for kids, with quizzes and games. Hopefully, this will inspire a series of themed videos, based either on geography or age."

LollipopRock!
(Lollipop Rock LLC, $14.99)
You’re sure to recognize the melodies of the songs on this CD, while the cleverly re-written lyrics will appeal to your kids. Re-visit "Crawlin’ Around" (to the tune of "Stayin Alive"), "Squirrels (Girls) Just Want to Have Fun," and others from the 50’s through the 90’s. Older kids will want to make up their own lyrics and even Grandma and Grandpa will hum along! Our reviewer thought it was "great fun" and enjoyed watching his daughter jump and dance around. LollipopRock! is a Parents Choice Award winner.

Braincandy – My 5 Senses
(ThinkFilm Kids, $17.99)
Calling it "smart food for hungry little minds," the people behind this DVD present educationally stimulating entertainment to help young children experience their world and form connections. It’s designed to motivate infants and toddlers to age 4 to interact with the world through active play, instead of passively watching a video. Our reviewer thinks it is "truly designed for babies and it excels in this area." While Braincandy "might help stimulate their brains" cautions our reviewer, " any kid over 18-months-old should not be shown this movie in order to protect their self esteem."  He continues, "I recommend this movie for babies 1 to 18-months, psychics who are trying to communicate with babies, Huggies executives trying to conduct focus groups, and absolutely no one else.

"Time Out Tot, The Behavior Coach"
(Positive Programs LLC, $19.99)
Managing misbehavior and teaching acceptable behavior is a challenge for most parents. On this DVD, Tot the Squirrel coaches children (ages 2-6) with simple words, songs and role-playing to understand why they are in "time out." Topics covered in individual lessons include tantrums, whining, grabbing and pushing. Our 3½-year-old reviewer didn’t like it, insisting she was a "good girl." Her father agreed and was unimpressed by this disciplinary approach.

FTF Staff thanks Gia Portfolio, Steve Ramkissoon, Regan Bozman, Dylan and Kate for their feedback on these products.