If you have never been to New York then you are probably a little nervous about your first visit to the Big Apple. It is, after all, big. If you are a tourist who is taking a toddler or baby along with you, the trip may be even more frightening. The truth is, any time you take a child somewhere you spend more energy and things take more time. I have been through this experience in the city and I have learned from my mistakes. Here are a few tips that will make your New York City adventure with your baby or toddler a little more fun and a little less stressful.
Public Bathrooms: I am going to take a stab and say that this is the most important thing for your trip, even without a child. New York City has a lot of businesses, but not a lot of public bathrooms. As you are walking around the city with a child you will want to find a place to use the bathroom and change diapers if necessary. You will be surprised to find that not even some coffee shops have restrooms that are opened to the public. You can find public restrooms at these locations:
Bryant Park. Located near the library on (42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenues, when the park is open (usually closes at 8:00pm).
Grand Central. Located off 42nd Street between Park and Lexington Avenues. You can find the public restrooms downstairs near the food court.
Greeley Square. Located at 33rd Street and 6th Avenue. The charge is .50¢
Penn Station. Located on 31st Street between 7th and 8th Avenue.
Port Authority. Located on 41st Street and 8th Avenue.
Police Stations. Any police station will let you use their bathroom.
Stroller: If you have a child who cannot walk or is still young enough to ride in a stroller, you will want to bring it with you to the city. Yes, at times strollers can be a pain to deal with and bulky, but it is worth the trouble if you want to make the most of your trip. While in the city, most likely you will be doing a lot of walking. Carrying a small baby all day long is hard on your body and will make you tired. No need to cut your trip short by doing that. Also, if you are not used to the high traffic, a walking toddler could have your nerves on edge by the end of the day. The stroller is a secure way to get your child through traffic, make sure they are not running into traffic or into a heavy crowd, and saving yourself some energy. When your child is not in the stroller it is also great for storing your personal things. Invest in a cheap umbrella stroller for the trip. These are small, have a shade for the child, and travel easily.
Tour Buses: There are many different ways to get around New York City. Some prove to be more difficult and expensive than others. If you are only in the city for a short time I recommend taking a tour on the New York Sight Seeing buses. You can read more about these in my article here. One thing that I failed to mention in that article is the ease that these buses provide for traveling parents. Above I told you that you will want to bring a stroller if your child cannot walk or is still young enough to ride in one. Step onto the double decker buses and you will find a place for your stroller to easily be stored. You can leave it downstairs and still sit at the top of the bus for the great view.
Pack Light: Who am I kidding? When you have a child who requires diapers, wipes, toys, extra clothes, baby food, and a long list of other things is packing light really an option? No, but there are ways to cut down on how much you will be lugging around the city. You will be surprised at how heavy even the smallest bag will begin to feel by the end of the day. If you are staying in a hotel, you are at an advantage because you can leave most of your things in your room. If you are only there for the day then going back to a hotel room is not an option.
Plan Breaks: Depending on where you are in the city, it might be hard to find a place where your child can really relax. However, it is important that you plan breaks through your day and pace yourself. After spending the day walking or being carried your child (and you) will need some time to rest. If you are staying in a hotel, plan to go back there for a short period of time. If you take the New York Site Seeing Tour, that provides the perfect opportunity for a break. Depending on where you would like to stop, the ride in between can be long. Stay on the bus for a while and enjoy the view. If the tour and a hotel are not an option for you, make sure to find a place where you can sit down for lunch. Many of the New York Deli’s provide standing room only. Also, the city has many parks and benches scattered throughout. Take advantage of these!
Traveling with little ones is not an easy task, no matter how well you plan and how many tips you take advantage of. Still, it can be a little easier, a little stress free, and a little more fun for everyone involved. I hope these tips help you make the most of your visit to New York City.
