NY City with LO??? Is that nuts?

sarahryandrewlo

My 30th BDay is coming up and I am trying to think of something fun to do. I really would love to get away with DH, and if possible, LO.  We live in the Cleveland area, so NYC is about 8hrs away- we would drive.  (other places I thought of are Niagra on the Lake, CA) 

Just wondered of the logistics of traveling to a big city like NY with LO. I know there is lots of fun for her there, and she would love it (she loves people, and being busy) but I don't know if it would be more of a pain than worth it- traffic, ect.  I'm thinking like 3 days

I found this website airbnb, so we could lodge in someone else apt or condo (they aren't there) without spending a fourtune- but I have no idea what areas are safe, and what are- have to kinda look that one up.

Any thoughts?  Suggestions?  Advice?  I know there are some NYers on here... or other Bumpies that have traveled to big cities with LOs.

 TIA!!!!!!!!!!!

RD'sgirl

It all depends on your LO's personality, I think.  I live in a big city (not nyc) but we have been to nyc with dd during the summer.  My dd is a very nosy baby, as long as there is something going on around her she's pretty content.  She people watched in the stroller ALL.DAY without making a freaking peep.  I can't give you any tips on where to stay, my dh's uncle lives in nyc, so we stay with him.

My only piece of advice is to use a lightweight umbrella stroller.  Especially if you plan on using the subway, which I'm sure you will because taking a taxi and having to carry a carseat is just ridiculous.

Cityplanner

Do it! We regularly drive 6-7 hours with DD to see in laws. Driving at night, or doing half at night and half in the AM during naptime is very doable. And, once you are in NYC, you'll park your car and take subways. No big deal. Happy to advice on neighborhoods and restaurants, let me know the possibilities.

sunnyday016

Well, I haven't taken DD to NYC, but it sounds totally doable! I think there'd be tons of fun things for her to do and see. Personally, I'd opt to use my Ergo over a stroller (seems like it'd be easier if you're taking the subway and maneuvering through crowds), but either way you should be able to manage just fine. Good luck and have fun!

Tomkat8403

I'm sure it's not the easiest thing in the world to do, but clearly people live there with children so it's doable.

I would. There's all kinds of family stuff you can do there.

stellasmommy

NYC is great for little ones. i work in nyc, i can walk to central park, brought DD to CP and she had fun, even though she was super tired (she wouldn't nap because she wanted to take everything in). there's so much to see and do, i would not hesitate to bring your LO to NYC. definitely take the subways everywhere, or just walk.

Cityplanner

I looked at some of the listings on that site. Some are in good neighborhoods, some are in grittier neighborhoods and some are pretty far away from any neighborhoods you'd want to see as a tourist (those Union City listings are in Jersey, and not one close by Jersey). Also, I'd want to be careful that even the good one are not like second floor apartments next to a bar.

weelass24

Get a metro card, an umbrella stroller and you will be fine. There are a million things to do her.  Even if you are out with her by yourself, someone is always there to help you on the stairs with a stroller. 

emiliemadison

There's a ton of stuff to do with a LO in NYC. Museums, zoo, parks, etc. I love the city and so do my kiddos.

I'd be hesitant to drive 8 hours each way (or more realistically closer to 10 with a LO) to spend 3 days there, though. So that would really be 5 days for a 3 day trip.

Another issue with driving is parking. Would the condo you rent come with a free parking spot? If not and you're IN the city, you might have a helluva time finding parking and it'll be expensive. Plus, you wont want to drive around the city when you're there. Just something to think about...

weelass24

emiliemadison:

Another issue with driving is parking. Would the condo you rent come with a free parking spot? If not and you're IN the city, you might have a helluva time finding parking and it'll be expensive. Plus, you wont want to drive around the city when you're there. Just something to think about...

Excellent point.  If you can find street parking, you're going to be dealing with alternate side (street cleaning rules) at some point and will spend an hour and a half on any given day sitting in the car praying it doesn't need to be moved.

janinekrause

Parking to me is really no different than when I go to any other city. When I stay in a hotel it is $35-$40 a night- almost everywhere.

You can park on the street in NYC if it is going to be over a weekend since you wouldn't have to move it.

Otherwise a garage and factor in the $30+ a day. You can get deals on line though for parking if you do in advance (I think search Icon Parking).

 As for the city, totally fun for little kids. There are always a million people walking around with strollers and NYC is VERY stroller friendly. Central park is great to let them run free since they obviously can't on NYC streets.

Subways are good- so are buses and more fun for kids to look outside.  

Some people don't feel safe but you can take a taxi- there is no law on car seats- you don't need them. Most of my friends who live in the city do this. I don't think i would be comfortable but just an FYI.

MarriedBestFriends

We were just there. DD LOVED it. It was her second time but she didn't remember being there at 5 months She was so far forward in her stroller in awe I thought she would fall out! She napped on H's back in our ergo for an hour and was perfect the whole time. I say do it if you have a good traveler like we do.