Navigating NYC public transportation with a child can be hard. If you want to get some exercise and fresh air, you can choose to walk to your destination provided it is not far. Here are some tips that will come in handy when traveling to NYC with kids:
Walking
Before you head out with a baby, you should check out the weather to make sure that you are dressed appropriately. Once you do that, you should make sure that you carry a bag of snacks and beverages, as well as diapers and extra clothes. If your kids are old enough to walk, you should avoid taking the stroller because it can be hard to navigate.
Lugging a stroller up and down the streets of New York can be hard because of the foot traffic. However, if you need help, you should not be afraid to ask for it because New Yorkers are friendly. If you want to take your children on Central Park Tours to explore Central Park and all its beauty, you can rent a bike for yourself and the kids who know how to ride them.
Taking the Subway
When taking the subway with children, you need to know where you are going. This is the cheapest and safest way to travel long distances with children. If you have three children who are below 44 inches, you can take them on the train without paying for them. However, you should use the subway during off-peak hours if you want to avoid the crowds.
Still, if your kids can walk, you can take them to the subway at any time. Other than the occasional person who will complain about their slow speed, the kids will be fine. You must stress the importance of staying off the tracks to your kids. Moreover, you should sanitize your kids’ hands after you get off the subway because it is not clean.
Taxis
Getting around NYC with children in a taxi might be the easiest option, but definitely not the safest. Because taxis are excused from car seat rules, you might be risking the lives of your children. A cab seats up to four people, but children do not count because they can sit on adults’ laps.
If you have your own car seat, traveling with an infant is easy; however, once he or she outgrows the contraption, things will be a bit challenging. If you do not have a car seat, you can carry your child on your lap, strap yourselves in, and make sure that you are secured. However, this is easier said than done because kids are always moving and cannot sit still.
Traveling With a Toddler
If you have a toddler, then carrying him or her in a carrier is the easiest solution. However, if you must use a stroller, make sure that you opt for a light one that folds up and is easy to carry. When traveling with a stroller that cannot collapse, you need to plan ahead especially if you will be using stairs and escalators.
You should use maps to look for stroller-friendly routes that you can take. Here are some other tips that will come in handy:
Do not over-pack – since you will be walking to most places, you need to pack light to avoid putting undue strain on your shoulders. If you forget something at home, you can always purchase another one.
Ask for help – most people know that traveling to NYC with a baby is not easy. Therefore, you will always have help when you need it: you might need help carrying a heavy stroller down the steps, for example.
