The Big Apple with a Medium Sized Stroller

New York City is a great walking city with ample parks and wide sidewalks that are easy to navigate with a stroller.  I traveled there recently with my 8 month old daughter and my mother.  My sister lives in Manhattan, and we plan to visit frequently in the upcoming years so I spent my days there keenly observing other tourists and locals with young children to get some tips for future trips as my daughter grows. 

The first lesson I learned is that a rain cover for your stroller is absolutely essential. I had it on my list to pack but somehow managed to leave it behind.  Of course it rained most of the time we were there!  Every other stroller we passed had one protecting their children from the rain, while I walked around with only blankets covering my child, sheepishly feeling like a negligent mother.  She didn’t get wet or sick (as I’m sure every other mother walking by was thinking) but a clear plastic cover would have still been much better.  Next time, I’ll also prepare for snow because you never know!  Snacks and stroller toys are also essential, although I did find that my daughter was easily amused just watching all the people go by.  Other considerations for your trip include transportation and activities so I will outline below what I discovered.

Getting to the city

If you are arriving by plane, you will need to safely transport you and your children from the airport to the city.  Newark, New Jersey may be the easiest way to arrive.  There is a train that transports you directly from the airport to Penn Station (34^th St, Manhattan).  If you have arranged accommodation in this area, you could avoid the need for a car seat.   JFK airport now also has an Airtrain that will take you to the A train bound for Manhattan.  LaGuardia does not have a direct link to the train, so public transit would be by bus to the city.  Alternatively, you can take a taxi from any of the airports for a direct ride to your door, but you will need to bring a car seat with you. 

I traveled with an infant carrier and the taxi was an easy option.  You will have to ask the driver to wait while you get your baby strapped in.  I recommend leaving your door open until you are ready because one it is closed, they take off in a hurry. 

The Subway System

Once in the city, get a copy of the MTA NYC transit map and circle all of the stops that indicate wheelchair access and therefore elevators.  If you have extra adults with you, it is just as easy to carry your stroller down the stairs, because elevators are sometimes difficult to find.  If you go down the stairs, you need to ask the attendant to let you through the emergency gate because the stalls are too narrow for a stroller.  It is best to avoid the subway during rush hour when the trains are packed like sardines.  Getting your stroller on, off and finding a place it will fit will be a lot easier at off-peak times.  I am making this sound very complicated but once you’ve done it a couple of times, it will be worth a little extra effort as the trains zip you from one end of the city to the other. 

Taxi-Cabs

If you plan to use taxis a lot, a carseat that converts to a stroller would be a good idea.  Infant carriers often attach to a stroller base.  NYC cabs have spacious trunks, so don’t worry about it fitting!  For older children, you can purchase a car seat that converts to a stroller, such as the  Sit n Stroll Car Seat Stroller: Baby or purchase an adapter made by Phil and Ted’s. 

Shopping

It is very possible to do some shopping with your stroller but stick to areas such as Union Square, 34^th Street or Broadway, that have large department stores as they usually have elevators and wide doorways.  If you venture into Chinatown, trendy Lower East Side or Little Italy, a backpack child carrier may be easier as you duck in and out of unique little stores or “backroom” spaces.  If taking a stroller, bring a friend that can wait outside with your child when necessary. 

Dining

Eating at any of New York City’s restaurants is always a delicious part of the trip.  You can’t go wrong with any of the countless restaurants found on every corner.  Most are very accommodating for children during the day and will arrange space for your stroller, if not at the table, then somewhere in the back.  Highchairs are only available sometimes, so you may need to use your stroller at the table.  Entry areas to restaurants can sometimes be too narrow to fit a large stroller, but you can always park it outside and get a seat by the window. 

Leisure

A visit to Central Park is like stroller heaven.  Endless paths to walk or run, ducks and birds to entertain your children, a zoo and the odd celebrity sighting make it an ideal place to unwind after a busy day of shopping, eating and sightseeing.  There are many other parks dotted throughout the city with playgrounds, dog parks, scenery and more.  The perimeter of Manhattan has a walking trail that also provides some nice views of the skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Battery Park City.  A trip up the Empire State Building  is free for children five and under (although I didn’t try this with a stroller, so you may want to check ahead to see if they will let you take it up).  There are many museums which are accessible by stroller as well. 

Overall my recommendations are that everybody should visit NYC at least once in their life.  There is an energy in the city that will mesmerize the adults and captivate your children.  It can be easily done with a stroller as long as you have a little patience, to reap the greatest rewards the city has to offer. 

© Lisa Woodill and Storytime @ My Little Travel Bug, 2008.  Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Lisa Woodill and Storytime @ My Little Travel Bug with appropriate and specific direction to the original content

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