Ask Shelly: How do I get around New York City with a baby?

 

 

 

I’ll start by saying—with clenched teeth—no, you don’t legally need to have a car seat if you take your baby in a taxi in New York. Traveling with a 5-month-old who can’t yet sit up, however, there are so many instances along the way where you might be glad to have the infant car seat along, if riding in an unfamiliar car with a stranger driving from the airport to midtown isn’t reason enough. Even where you stay, it will probably be helpful to have a safe “baby seat” where you can park him at times, especially if he starts rolling, as my own son just did at 5 months.

 

The New York Taxi:
The great thing about New York City taxis, however, is that they actually have seatbelts in the back seat to secure the car seat! Not so everywhere in the world. And what great timing on your part to travel with a baby that still fits in an easy-traveling infant car seat—especially if yours can travel without the base (see your car seat manual for details).

 

Instead of a taxi, however, you may prefer to employ the wonderful private car hire services of “Carmel” (CAR + Mel) which I blogged about some time ago. Check out their affordable airport specials and rates on their site: www.carmellimo.com.

 

The New York Stroller:
If you are staying in Manhattan, the subway is an excellent way to get around town, as long as you’re prepared to do stairs. For this, you’ll definitely want a good travel stroller, preferably one with a shoulder carrying strap to keep your hands free (click here for recommendations). If you have one that is also compatible with your car seat, like some models from Combi that have enough recline to accommodate infants both with and without the car seat, that would probably be the best way to go. Use it to get your car seat through the airport, leave the car seat behind as you sightsee.

 

The New York Subway with Baby:
As you approach the subway entrance, don’t be surprised if someone suddenly offers to assist you in carrying your stroller down the stairs with your child in it (as they also do for the letter carriers carting the mail). Post 9/11 New York is imbued with an amazing spirit of helpfulness, and this is simply a way of life for the people who make a home there.

 

At the turnstiles, you’ll generally need to wave down someone in the ticket booth across from you, who will then “buzz” to open the emergency exit/handicap gate at the end of the turnstiles for you. Still, it may be easier to make all of these transportation transitions with your baby in a sling or child carrier and your stroller over your shoulder.

 

If you don't mind being so easily identified as a tourist, you might also consider the Hop On / Hop Off tour pass for part of your visit (all loops is valid 48 hours). With this pass, you'll have the chance to board at ground level, travel directly between points of interest, and see the city (above ground!) as you travel around. Traveling around town in these large buses is also safer way to get around New York with a baby--and without a car seat.

 

New York is a great place to vacation with a baby. And a toddler. And a preschooler. Have a fantastic time!