BTDT: Best ways to maneuver around NYC with infant?

We are taking 3 month old DS to see "real santa" tomorrow at Macy's Herald Square and then we are going to do the whole tree, window thing. We are taking the LIRR. Any tips from the BTDT moms of what to do/not to do in terms of the stroller or what to bring so I can prevent this from being an all out sh it show?

Re: BTDT: Best ways to maneuver around NYC with infant?

Do you have a sling type wrap that you can wear on your body? Last time we went it was awful with the stroller and the crowds, but that was on a weekend.

Re: BTDT: Best ways to maneuver around NYC with infant?

Def bring an umbrella stroller and I would advise a backpack over a diaper bag.. if you have a bjorn that'd be great too but the less you carry with you the better

Re: BTDT: Best ways to maneuver around NYC with infant?

definitely backpack it!
Bring as little as you can but of course all the necessities. Blankets to stay warm...Starbucks or any department store have nice bathrooms to change the baby in.
Check what subway stations have elevators before you leave home...

Re: BTDT: Best ways to maneuver around NYC with infant?

At 3months I would definitely use a pouch instead of stroller if you can. Going during the week shouldn't be as bad but try to avoid any trains before 10 am and after 4 pm so you don't get hit with all the commuters on the Lirr.

Re: BTDT: Best ways to maneuver around NYC with infant?

Wear him if you can and bring an umbrella stroller for back-up.

Re: BTDT: Best ways to maneuver around NYC with infant?

Thanks ladies! I have the bjorn but I didn't want to carry him b/c my little sweet potato gets heavy! I feel like the stroller is going to be a giant PITA though. Thanks for your suggestions!

Re: BTDT: Best ways to maneuver around NYC with infant?

Even when we lived in manhattan, i always took a stroller around.

Some moms can wear babies all day. I think they get heavy fast. I recommend taking an umbrella stroller.

Re: BTDT: Best ways to maneuver around NYC with infant?

Hey! Glad you posted this. How are you getting from penn to the tree? Subway (I don't wanna get on the subway ) or walking?

Re: BTDT: Best ways to maneuver around NYC with infant?

We are going today w 2 kids. We drive in, and use our citymini double. There are so many people the maclaren doesn't "protect" the kids. So maclaren doesn't work. Then we store everything underneath.

Re: BTDT: Best ways to maneuver around NYC with infant?

I usually take my Maclaren which can be slung over my back and carried up and down the subway stairs. I also have a backpack diaper bag which stores all the necessary goods. I wait until the LIRR train empties and then make my way to the elevator. I also take the elevator out of Penn to the street. I never worry much about finding subways with elevators b/c it would really limit me. I"ve done this by myself to meet DH at work but trips into the city are definitely easier with more than one adult to help.

Re: BTDT: Best ways to maneuver around NYC with infant?

I live in Queens and whenever we've traveled to Manhattan, we always take the stroller (city mini). I wouldn't want to carry my baby all day, especially with having the baby bag and possibly shopping or whatever.

We've gone to see the tree with the stroller and I feel it's "safer" for baby to be in a stroller.

Re: BTDT: Best ways to maneuver around NYC with infant?

I usually drive into the city & pay for a parking garage that is walking distance to where I want to be (often, the farther you go... the cheaper it is). On weekends, especially if you go early, the price of parking is cheaper. Look up websites that tell you prices specific for days and times (there are lots of them). Take a small car (they charge extra for SUVs). The prices for Sat. range from $13 to $50 in at 9 and out at 5. call the garage you are interested in & have a few back-ups.

Stairs & subways are hard with a stroller. If DH goes with you, with an infant... it may be a bit easier. Even if a subway has an elevator, it is not guaranteed to be running.

I have a citimini & this is the perfect stroller for the city... but when DS was 3 months old, I had him in the car seat & the snapngo. This elevated him a little bit over the crowds & made it easier.

Bring lots of warm gear & layer it.

Bring the least amount of other stuff possible. You need to feed the kid, keep him warm & be able to change a diaper. That's it. Forget the toys & other accessories. Hang a small diaper bag off the handles of the stroller & you will be fine. For YOURSELF... carry a small camera & your wallet (even better is a credit card, drivers license & some cash). If you have extra bags & purses & a baby & are distracted, you would be a great target for holiday pick-pockets. All your attention should be on a minimalistically packed baby bag behind the child in front of you.

Also, have a plan in case he freaks out. Mine went through a horrible period at about 3-4 months where he would freak out & cry & scream without good reason. That's why driving in is nice. I left last year during a holiday brunch after only 1 hr.

Re: BTDT: Best ways to maneuver around NYC with infant?

At 3 months, DS was in his infant seat with snap n go. I was a stroller mom too. I got through any crowd, any terrain with the stroller. What's the difference it if it's a stroller taking up the space or an adult. I like having the handle up as a protective roll bar. Be sure to have a blanket to keep baby cozy when outside. Take your time. A big outing in crowds with a baby is what it is. You'll encounter some rudeness but pay no mind. Enjoy yourself and go with the flow. Be sure everything baby has is secured by straps to prevent dropping or losing anything. I have multiple snap straps and sippy cup/bottle straps that I attach everything to, toys, blankets. Downsize your diaper bag as best you can as well as your purse. You may get away with just DH's wallet. He can hold the cash, cards and ID. Bring hand sanitizer as well as an extra thin blanket to cover baby during naps. Have your system down for stairs, who's grabbing the front of the stroller, going forwards or backwards. Have one or even two simple outfit changes. One piece with footsies is best. Have fun. Whatever you do not have, you can always buy in a pinch.