Taking the kids can be easier and more stylish -- and more fun for them -- thanks to these new travel products, which have been tested by the writer.

CARRIED AWAY: Strollers that are suitably lightweight for travel tend to sacrifice sturdiness. Not so, Inglesina's Trip, a feature-packed, 14.5-pound stroller with big swiveling double wheels front and back and a quick three-step umbrella fold and self-lock mechanism that makes for maximum maneuverability when traveling by train, plane or car. The Trip has a five-point harness, four-position deeply reclining seat back and extendible leg rest for a napping baby or toddler (up to 45 pounds), tall soft-touch, and a peep-hole window at the top of the hood. It comes with a shopping basket, raincover and that all-important cup holder. Comes in bright red and white or muted gray or blue.

• Inglesina Trip Stroller is about $190 at www.inglesina.com; 877-486-5112.

GIGGLES ON THE GO: Elmo's Tickle Hands are a pair of big red, fluffy, four-fingered gloves that provide an extra pair of hands (sort of) to help little ones entertain themselves wherever they roam. One of the two gloves bears an Elmo face; pushing the nose activates a battery powered mechanism that sets the glove vibrating and giggling as Elmo leads kids in the Tickle Hand Groove dance, then instructs them to ``tickle someone.'' Included DVD teaches the dance, step-by-step. The Tickle Hands make for a fun group activity, though probably not on a public conveyance or anywhere quiet. Recommended for ages 18 months to 4 years old.

• Elmo's Tickle Hands (item P4385) are $30 at www.fisher-price.com; 800-747- 8697.

THROW BACK: Here's a handy alternative to having to play fetch every time a tot decides to throw his bottle or sippy cup from his stroller, car seat or high chair. Twin Beginnings NoThrow is a 17-inch-long nylon ``leash'' with a Velcro strap that tethers bottles or cups to a child seat or any secure spot. Loop the tether around, say, the child's seat belt, loop the Velcro strap around the bottle and, if junior throws, the bottle will stay attached to the tether. Comes in variety of colors and patterns.

• Twin Beginnings NoThrow is $5.99 for a two-pack at www.walgreens.com; 877-250-5823.

RIDE AND SHINE: Pediatricians have raised the recommended age for keeping children in a rear-facing car seat to at least 2 years old, up from 12 months. Graco's MyRide 65 Convertible Car Seat keeps babies from 5 pounds to 40 pounds safely rear-facing (a higher weight capacity than most other models), then converts to a forward facing seat for toddlers up to 65 pounds. The car seat has a five-point harness with front adjustment, a removable infant insert, a toddler head pillow and dual cup holders.

• MyRide 65 Convertible Car Seat is $159.99 at www.babiesrus.com; 888-222-9787.

STOW BIZ: For the woman carrying a full load -- including a baby -- CindaB has designed a line of brightly-patterned cloth bags that pair with matching diaper pouches and diaper pads. The Takin' Care of Business zippered tote has a padded pocket for a laptop, and compartments for files, folders, cell phone and other essentials. The Backpack provides hands-free storage, with four inside pockets, a zippered pocket on the back and side pockets for water bottles or baby bottles. The Courier shoulder bag has six large inside compartments, a padded laptop pocket and additional pockets for smaller gear. The folding 13- by 23-inch Diaper Changing Pad and 8- by 10-inch Diaper Pouch will fit right in -- and quite stylishly.

• CindaB Takin' Care of Business Bag or Backpack is $89; Courier Bag, $98; Diaper Pouch or Pad, $19, at www.cindab.com; 877-692-4632.

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