Help w/Baby Present for Travelers
 

Some good friends of ours have had their first baby and we'd like to buy then a present that will make it easier for them to travel as that has been one of there great loves, whether it's a safari, scuba diving, or just hiking near home. <BR> <BR>Looking for recommendations including the brand name/model of something as since we haven't experience this we have no idea. Initial thought was one of the backpack-like baby/toddler carriers, but don't know if those are good/useful and what to look for. <BR> <BR>Major bonus points for ability/information for purchasing the gift on-line as we don't have a great selections of stores near us! <BR> <BR>Appreciate your input (and hope that I'm not breaking any forum rules w/this inquiry) <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR>Lori

We use a Baby Bjorn (basically it is a snuggly type carrier). I'm not sure where you can get it online, but I would think you could check baby sites and easily find one. Only one warning.., be careful of the imitations. I have talked with a lot of traveling parents and the other just don't seem to be as comfortable. Good Luck!

There was some discussion recently on stroller vs. baby carrier, and people recommended both. Combi has some very lightweight travel strollers that fold up compactly. I just bought one yesterday online at babystyle.com. The Combi Travel Savvy 2100 usually goes for $75. Babystyle has it for $54.99, but there is a $25 coupon (code: 25FREEDEAL). I got it for $34. A gift that won't break the bank. Another gift would be a diaper bag/backpack to be used especially for travelling. There are some great ones out there. You can then fill it with items that would make travelling with a baby easier. In case anyone is wondering, I don't get a single thing for referring Lori to the website or giving her the coupon code, which was emailed to me. I just thought it was a great deal.

For safari of hiking, how about a water filtering unit ? A Katadyn hand filter will render any water safe and drinkable anywhere in the world, even for a baby bottle, it's recommended by health autorities for travel in the 3rd world (and no, I don't have any connection with Katadyn, I use one when I travel). <BR>Check for example: <BR>http://www.freshtracksmaps.com/water-katadyn.htm

The best travel-related baby items we used were a portable playpen/crib, a backpack carrier (babies outgrow snugglies very quickly), a booster seat, a jog stroller. As you can see, these ideas are all for when the baby gets older. Fewer people are likely to think far ahead and give these items to a newborn, so maybe there won't be any gift duplication. If they live near a cold climate, a snow suit or other full-body cold weather wear is very helpful (size 6 mos and up). <BR>

Give them a certificate for a week-end of babysitting during the baby's 1st year, and for a week each sometime after the baby's 1st and 2nd birthdays.