We are planning a trip to NY in August and this will be the first time traveling with my little girl. We'll be flying from SFO, over 5 hours, and she will be 9 months old. I've read some of the past responses on travel and got some good advice. I need some info from people who have been to NY specifically. I am unsure if we need to rent a car (and a car seat) or if the subway would be a better way to travel with a 9 month old. And really any other info that I have not yet thought of since I have never been there. Thanks in advance.
I lived in New York. I assume you are going to Manhattan?
NO, you definitely DON'T want to rent a car in New York. Use bus, subway, or take a taxi. There are a zillion of them everywhere at all times, and you don't want the hassle or expense of parking.
You can also walk many places. Most people use public transit in NY, not drive.
I have taken my kids to NYC a lot. I travel alone with my two kids (2 and 4) and have been doing this since my oldest was 10 months old. What I do is hire a car service in advance. Then, someone from the car service meets me in the airport to help me carry my bags to the car. In addition, I request a car seat in advance (make sure to specify that you want an infant car seat or they'll give you a front facing toddler one).
You can do the subway, but it is a shlep--especially after a long flight. You can also take a cab, but there won't be any car seats. I wouldn't trust the cab knowing how NY cabbies drive!
I'd be happy to give you the name and the number of the car service I've used in the past. Good luck on your trip.
If you'll be spending most of your time in Manhattan, I would not rent a car. You can walk or take the subway pretty much everywhere, and take a cab if you need to get somewhere fast. You can take a baby in a cab without a car seat, if you are comfortable doing it. I think driving in the city, not to mention parking, would be extremely stressful. The subway is fine, not nearly as sketchy as iy seems in the movies. The city is really clean and I have felt extremely safe every time I've gone. Keep in mind that it will probably be hot & humid in August. And head to the Shake Shack in Madison Park for awesome burgers. Have a great time! I'm sure you will love it.
Make sure you have a light-weight and quick/easy to fold up stroller. The subways do not have escalators; there are a lot of stairs to navigate. Also, getting through the turnstiles. There are some gates, to let a stroller through but only if there is a subway employee around to unlock it for you.
Go to central park; lots of playgrounds and plenty of beautiful strolling paths. The Museum of Natural History is across the street from the park.
I understand recently, the city has blocked off the streets for cars in the theatre district to make it a walking promanade.
Plenty of walking; good comfy shoes for mom. Have fun!
I've also (briefly) lived in NYC - Three cheers for the subway! Get a lightweight low profile stroller that can fold up quickly and/or a sling. Enjoy your trip!
I would avoid the subway. It can get real crowded and is loud!! My daughter screamed as the light from the train approached, closer, closer. Nightmare. Plus it is hot and muggy and smelly. Augus is really hot.
If you don't want to drive (can't blame you), take the bus. Surface transportation also provides visual stimulation and whle buses get crowded too, at least they are in the daylight.
Enjoy the city - it is worth the inconveniences we don't have to endure out here!
Hi C. -
Seems ilke you already have lots of traveling advice with a little one so I won't touch on those.
If you are planning on staying in the city, I would not recommend getting a rental car / car seat. Subway there in NYC is very sophisticated and you can get anywhere through subway. Make sure you have a good stroller (agile) so you can navigate through the crowd.
Cheers - and have tons of fun! It is a fantastic place to visit (I used to live there).
If you're staying in NY City, you don't want to drive--a car is a waste of money. Take the subway during the day, and taxis at night. You can buy a subway ticket that lasts a week. A good place to stay is up around West 79th--quiet neighborhood--close to museums, river, Central Park, and subway. Straight shot to Time Square, Statue of Liberty, etc. via subway. Have fun. N.
If you are staying in the city, you probably don't want to rent a car. You'd spend either all your time looking for parking or lots of money paying for it. Plan on walking a lot. Buses, subway, and cabs are the way to get around. It is quicker and a nice way to get a sense of the city. People will most likely help you getting on and off. You'll need a small, easy to fold stroller (miamoda makes a good travel stroller for $100) or a sling/baby carrier. You can check your car seat for no charge on many airlines. you can use an infant car seat without installing the base, securing it with a seatbelt (as long as it has notches to thread the belt through it). This will allow you to easily take cabs, especially coming from the airport. Many people take cabs without carseats. It is illegal, but not enforced and no one even looks twice.
