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<\/p>\nHi Mommybites world – I am so honored to be a member of this community both as a fellow mom and as a contributor to the blog. So with that, let’s get talking!<\/p>\n
Getting around with kids of all ages in New York City is a unique experience. I\u2019m not always one for sports references, but sometimes it can feel like making a 40-yard dash up the middle while trying to avoid these crazy people coming towards you.\u00a0 And you\u2019ve got the precious cargo!<\/p>\n
There are lots of ways to go about it. And while hopping in a cab might just seem the easiest thing, it might not always be the safest unless your child is a certain height and weight or you\u2019re carrying around their car seat.\u00a0 And considering they weigh more than most luggage that\u2019s probably not likely. So public transport becomes a must at some point or another and, quite frankly, a daily occurrence.<\/p>\n
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So here\u2019s the rundown on how to make it easier on yourself.<\/p>\n
In the early days I always recommend a baby carrier.\u00a0 Stay tuned and I\u2019ll help you try to figure out which one is right for you and make some recommendations.\u00a0 There are so many reasons to use a carrier but the highlights are that you can get around, up and down and in and out easily.\u00a0 While you must be careful to pack lightly because you are managing it all on your back, literally \u2013 it\u2019s probably my favorite way to get around.\u00a0 Now the one time that I absolutely do NOT recommend a carrier is in a taxi.\u00a0 See here for some details from The Car Seat Lady<\/a> on that.\u00a0 But on the bus, the subway and pretty much anywhere else a carrier is the prime way to go.<\/p>\n Now as the baby gets to be a bit bigger – or you\u2019re going out for the whole day, or its just too stinking hot – a stroller is a must.\u00a0 If you are going out for a walk or to get groceries or to the park take a big \u201cstrolling\u201d type stroller.\u00a0 But if you are planning to take public transportation I always recommend a quick-fold lightweight stroller.\u00a0 Some of my favs are a Maclaren Triumph, Uppababy G Luxe or a City Mini GT.<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 Always try to have anything in a bag (meaning no lose items in the cargo space or accessories of the stroller) so that you can easily get your child out, pick up your bags, fold the stroller, carry everything and hold your baby or their hand.\u00a0 That sounds easy, right??\u00a0 Ok, maybe not.\u00a0 But it is do-able.\u00a0 Just plan ahead.\u00a0 And remember, there will always be another bus or train and it is better to be safe and ready to go than to rush.\u00a0 So leave yourself plenty of time.<\/p>\n The one exception to using a quick-fold stroller when using public transportation is if you can manage to organize your ride to have elevators on both ends and in the middle, if you are doing a transfer.\u00a0 Now I will choose to walk 10 blocks to grab an elevator so that I can take a bigger stroller sometimes because I prefer to not have to fold everything up or carry something up and down the stairs. **\u00a0 The downsides of elevators is that they do turn on that dreaded \u201cOut of Service\u201d light from time to time and you\u2019re stuck managing the stairs now with an even heavier stroller.\u00a0 Also, they can be, well, very unpleasantly stinky sometimes.\u00a0 I\u2019ve even taught my daughter that all hands and feet go inside and we don\u2019t touch the walls while riding.<\/p>\n I hope that helps!\u00a0 Feel free to reach out to me if you have any specific questions or requests for topics.\u00a0 You can hit me up at @BabyPlannerNYC<\/strong> and I will see you all soon.<\/p>\n ** Let\u2019s do some quick math \u2013 10-12 lb stroller, if you\u2019re lucky, 10 \u2013 15 lbs in stuff and oh, a 15-25 lb child.\u00a0 That\u2019s um, about 25 \u2013 52 lbs of stuff to carry up at least 2 \u2013 4 flights of stairs in your arms.\u00a0 Now its do-able and I find that many many people offer to help you carry a stroller up, but I\u2019d prefer to fold, throw it on my back and help my daughter walk up or down.\u00a0 And like I said, I\u2019ll walk for an elevator if I can.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n