NYC: Best and Worst with Baby

As amazing as New York City is, and as lucky as I feel to live here, there’s no question that this city can feel daunting at times. If you’re like me, you’ll think to yourself “I love it here” or “Ugh. I hate it here” on an almost daily basis. Throw in a baby and it’s quite possible you’ll experience those moments even more intensely.

Here are my top LOVE and UGH picks as I navigate this city with my Little One in tow:

I LOVE that I can strap my baby in a carrier and head out into the city on my own two feet with ease. Mass transportation is (for the most part) a reliable force to be reckoned with in this city. Hopping on the subway or a crosstown bus is the easiest and most stress-free way to get around with a baby on your chest.

UGH. I hate trying to find a place to change my baby in this town. It’s too bad that the quaint coffee shops and cool restaurants I used to frequent (and would still like to) aren’t equipped with restrooms larger than my fist, let alone changing tables. Thank goodness for baby stores and *park benches.

I LOVE the fact that you can order baby food off the menu of some restaurants or have it delivered to your door. The city of convenience doesn’t disappoint here. Check out GustOrganics, the only certified organic restaurant in the city, which makes a variety of baby purees (allow yourself some time, everything is made fresh to order). Or try Petit Organics, a new artisanal baby food service, which was founded by two moms on the go. Delivering to most locations in Manhattan, each order comes with a keepsake insulated lunch bag with reusable ice packs.

UGH. Winter. Okay, so this applies to all cold-weather locations, not just NYC. But the likelihood is, come time for frigid temps, you may not be getting out much with your cutie. Cabin fever will inevitably set in, which means somebody might get a little loopy. Invite friends over for coffee at your place, STAT.

I LOVE that we live in such a melting pot.  I love that when I take my baby to the doctor or playground, the other babies we meet are made up of every shade and hue there is. That when we walk down the street, we hear different languages spoken, different opinions expressed.  I love that my babies, just by virtue of living here, will grow up to be open and tolerant of all people because they’ve never known anything different. I love that I can pass on my love of this city to my children.

Do you agree? I’d welcome reading about your top picks, too. City mamas, we’re all in this together!

*Yes, I have changed my baby on a park bench.

Mama to a newborn & toddler, Ellen Schmidt has called NYC home for the last 11 years. While living here as a parent is a much different experience from that of a single gal or newlywed, NYC still captures her heart every day. Currently attempting the balancing act that is family & career, you can find Ellen blogging about all of that & more at Baby Meets City.

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