Traveling in NYC with baby

[landis05]

Hi All,
  I'm new to this forum, just curious on any advice that you can share with me. My husband and I, along with about 6 other couples and lots of babies, will be heading to NYC for a weekend. My baby will be 5 months old and I'm looking for any advice you can give on how best to navigate a city with a baby. I'm planning on wearing baby rather than stoller, I'm nursing to I won't need to worry about bottles etc. But---- other than that--- any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone has some insight to places to go, things to do, and places to eat that are baby friendly. The oldest child that will be with our group is only 3, so they are all really young. Thanks! Amanda

[jruck]

You might want a light stroller as well as your sling. Your husband can walk it with your diaper bag and then you'd have it for sitting down at restaurants and to cool the baby off if he/she gets too sticky against you in the NYC summer heat. Don't forget a hat and something to shield baby from the sun- all the pavement burns babies fast. Almost any restaurant in Carroll Gardens or Park Slope Brooklyn is baby friendly but generally most restaurants in Manhattan will accommodate, just look inside first to make sure the tables are set far enough apart and if there's shade sit outside. Limited space sometimes means people have to climb over your babe. I wouldn't take cloth diapers if you use them. Nature Babycare diapers are pretty eco-friendly and don't give DS rashes in the heat. Definitely take the kids to the Times Square ToysRus to see the indoor Ferris Wheel, to Central Park to the model sailboat pond, the Bronx Zoo and to the Natural History Museum. I wouldn't try to Intrepid with a young baby. Have fun!

[~Amy~]

We've done NYC twice with DS1. Once at 3 months and once at 2. We didn't take a stroller either time. It would have been nice to have the second time, but it was also nice not to have to drag it through the subway. Using a cab just wasn't practical because we'd have needed to have a car seat so we used the subway both times. We've eaten at several places in Manhattan with DS and no issues. We really like Carmines (there's 2...we usually go to the one in the theater district). Food's good and it's loud in there anyway...no one notices the kids:)

[Skippy918]

We're heading up there in a few weeks to visit family.  I'm not too concerned with my 3 year old, but my 3 month old DD will probably bring some challenges.  Like if we go sightseeing, do I lug the stroller especially if we go on the subway or plan to wear her the whole day.  Will it be too hot to wear her (I have an ergo)?  I plan to take a backpack and use that as a diaper bag to make things easier to carry.  There's just so many places I want DS to see while we're there and hope I can do them all.  My mom and hopefully my cousin will be sightseeing with us. 

[LightForest]

One of the most important things I can share about having a baby in NYC in the summer is to walk on the shady side of the street! And invest in an unlimited metro card and use it, not only for subway travel but also to get around by bus. While the bus isn't fast, it is (usually) air conditioned and a good way to get around and see the city in relative comfort.

About whether to bring the stroller: As long as you and your baby don't "run hot", I think an ergo will be a workable idea. Especially if you have a partner with you who you can trade off with. The carrier is also the easiest way to get around with baby in the subway and by bus. (MTA buses require you to fold all strollers.)

I usually do use the stroller when I go out in the city because my baby and I both get so sweaty and uncomfortable in the heat. She also naps much better in the stroller. The stroller is also a good pack mule for all those things you'll be carrying around.  I very very rarely find a restroom in NYC with a baby changing table, so the stroller can be a good place to do a diaper change if necessary. There are some sites that map public restrooms with changing tables - this might be something for you to look into before your trip.

Just FYI, car seats are not required in NYC taxis. While we all know this is not the safest option, it is technically an option.

As for places to go with babies under 3 - I recommend the parks with water features - especially those geared toward younger children (you might want to pack a small towel in your diaper bag). The children's museums (Manhattan and Brooklyn) are fun for babies and toddlers, but the admission fee can get expensive. The Central Park Zoo is a fun place (and free admission for kids under 3, I believe), and the petting zoo is a big hit. Bryant park has a very cute carousel and some weekend programs for kids during the summer. On summer weekends there's a free ferry to Governor's Island - lots of fun things there for families, and a pristine view of the statue of liberty.

Honestly, one of my baby's favorite activities is to ride the bus and interact with the other passengers :)

If your visit is short and you will be relying on public transport, then I wouldn't recommend places like the Bronx Zoo, NY Hall of Science, NY Botanic Gardens or Coney Island/NY Aquarium. This is simply because they take a looooong time to get to by train, which can be dicey (at best) with young children. (These are all amazing places to visit, though!)

Food ideas: for a big group with many small kids, I suggest lots of outdoor eating (just pray for nice weather!). Shake Shack in Madison Square Park (there are also other locations, all of which have shorter lines). 'WitchCraft in Bryant Park. Le Pain Quotidien in Central Park. There's also an "upscale" hot dog stand near the Central Park Zoo that we enjoy going to. With all of these options, you can just grab your food then sit on a park bench to eat (or better yet, bring a small blanket and find a grassy spot in the shade).

If you google "NYC events for kids" you will find listings for street fairs and other fun things taking place during your visit.