Be prepared for anything (and we mean anything!) with these must-have on-the-go baby gear picks.On-the-Go Baby Gear! Perfect parent products in a pinch.

by Vicki Salemi

We know your type: You’re hip. You’re happening. (And let’s say it together now…) You’re super busy.  On the go 24/7, you do what any smart parent would do – you check out cool baby products geared toward helping out parents in a pinch.

Fold Away Potty Seats

Unlike those nasty Port-a-Johns (the outdoor make-shift green little outhouses we’ll use in case of emergency and we do mean an emergency), these mini portable potties for your little one are almost worthy of being called Port-a-Janes; that is, they’re that sweet. For instance, the On the Go Potty by Kalencom is for your little tyke 18 months old and up. With three disposable liners and a plastic carrying case with drawstring, this lightweight potty is geared for your road trip pit stops and fits right on top of normal toilets.

$10 at  Kalencom.com

Dad-Focused Diaper Vests

How much do we love these, let us count the pockets… The folks at DadGear have the hottest invention in parenting gear. Think style. Think purpose. Think manly mangear.  This innovative twist in which the traditional diaper bag meets fisherman’s vest lets fathers grab diapers in strategically placed compartments.  Two large pockets on the interior can be used for diapers or other baby gear, two pockets on the side of the vest may be used for bottles, and as for the right chest zippered pocket? Quick access to baby wipes for spit-up emergencies, of course.

$82 at www.DadGear.com

Portable Snack Trays

Courtesy of the folks at Fisher Price, we’re particularly gaga over their car seat snack tray. Where else could you have a make-shift tray that attaches to most car seats and strollers? There are two clamps for a better fit and get this – it hsold sippy cups, juice boxes, and bottles. The three different sections are fab for snacks on the go like chopped apples or little PB&J triangles.

$11 at www.FisherPrice.com

Travel High Chairs

Picture it: a high chair that’s lightweight, safe, sturdy, and goes everywhere you do! This high chair clamps onto most tables and voila (snap fingers here!) it creates an instant high chair whenever you need it.  The travel high chair from Phil & Ted’s weighs only two pounds and collapses to one inch of thickness. The nylon seat makes it easy to clean and the frame and clamps provide a secure grip.

$49.95 at www.PippinMcgee.com

Take Along Toys

They’re portable. They’re adorable. Better yet, we’re wondering if they’ll make them for adults!  For instance, the Manhattan Toy Company’s dog take along toy is designed to stimulate and strengthen your baby’s new skills. It rattles, squeaks, and rotates as your little one can honk the paws, pull the legs and arms, and wiggle-jiggle the entire body.  As for the best part? The fabric loop allows you to attach it to strollers, carriers, and car seats.  Road trip, anyone?

$12 at www.ManahttanToy.com

Portion Snack Cups

If you sometimes feel like a walking kitchen, you’re not alone. In your right pocket perhaps you’ll find a baggie of Cheerios. In your backpack or purse, perhaps a banana. As for the left-hand coat pocket? A bottle of water. In any event, The First Year’s take & toss portion snack cups allow you to carry customized portion-controlled snacks in a no-spill container that’s sectioned off so your raisins don’t intermingle with your Goldfish. Now that’s what we call smart snacking.

$2.99 at www.ToysRus.com

Throughout your pregnancy, you do everything you can to give your baby all the advantages you can to come into the world a strong, healthy newborn. Now that your little bundle of joy has joined the outside world, you are doing every possible thing to keep him healthy, right?

You may be surprised to learn that the things your baby comes in contact with every day are filled with harmful chemicals that can affect his growth and development, as well as harm to the environment. But, before you go online and order that pure air bubble you want to raise him in, take a peek at some of these natural alternatives that will have even Halle Berry making room for you on the go-green buggy, er, bandwagon.

Nursery

If you’re like actress Laura Dern, her environmentally friendly philosophy is “less is more.” But for the things you can’t live without, here are some green options for your pink or blue nursery:

Crib - Furniture made of pressed wood products can contain formaldehyde, which has been linked to cancer. Try PacificRimWoodworking.com for solid maple cribs and furniture that is finished with natural oils and formaldehyde-free.

Bedding – From the flame-retardant chemicals in the mattress to the pesticides in the sheets and pillows, a good night’s sleep may do more harm than good. Rule of thumb: Always choose organic, untreated materials such as wool or natural cotton.

Flooring – If you have to go carpet, sink your toes into 100 percent biodegradable carpet with wool fibers and no toxic adhesives like Nature’s Carpet by Colin Campbell’s Studio Line. Otherwise, opt for cork, wood, linoleum, or natural material throw rugs. You may find it’s a cleaner way to go for the entire house!

Paint – Older homes may have been painted with lead paint, which is harmful to babies and adults alike. Try using paints with natural pigments, such as clay. Check out GreenPlanetPaints.com for a variety of these earth- and baby-friendly pigments.

Clothing

Dress your tot to the nines like celebs Courtney Cox and Kelly Preston by choosing organic cotton garments, like the ones found at UnderTheNile.com. Or, products made from natural hemp fibers or organic cotton and hemp blend fabric can be found in baby wear and cloth diaper solutions.

Laundry Detergent

Method® (MethodHome.com) makes environmentally friendly products like their HE Compatible Laundry Detergent – Baby, which is free of harsh chemicals and dyes to reduce irritation to your tiny tot’s skin. Or, ALL® makes a Free & Clear product in a Small and Mighty® size which uses a concentrated formula in a smaller bottle, using 50 percent less material for their packaging than their 100-ounce bottle.

Health Care Products

Keep your baby’s sensitive skin soft and protected by Mother Earth by going organic with baby’s health care products. BurtsBees.com offers an entire line of ecologically friendly products called Baby Bee, while Arbonne.com offers a baby/kids line that includes sunscreen, lotion, and body/hair wash that is all natural as well.

Organic Food

What goes into your baby can be Earth-friendly as well as good for your baby. Many products on the market like Gerber Organic’s Tender Harvest® are preservative-free and made with food that is pesticide-free. Stars like Gwyneth Paltrow prefer to use a food mill to control what goes into her kiddies, but if you’re not the from-scratch type, check out stores such as Trader Joe’s Markets (TraderJoes.com) and Henry’s Market (HenrysMarkets.com) for organic food options. Or, browse the local farmer’s market for more home-grown favorites, but make sure you ask if they meet the USDA’s organic standards.

One-stop Shop to Save Planet Earth

Actress Soleil Moon Frye co-founded a store and Web site that gives you everything you need to go all-natural with your tot. TheLittleSeed.com features clothing, bedding, toys, and furniture to “help make our planet a little greener, and our children’s lives a little healthier.” Just be prepared to break out the greenbacks (products range from $4 for smaller toys to $795+ for furniture).

Whether you completely refurbish your abode or change some simple habits, you’ll not only be giving your precious babe a healthier environment, you’ll be saving the environment, too.