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Original poster

To take 1 year old to New York for 6 weeks?

65 replies

newyorknewyorks · 23/06/2024 08:54

DH has a chance to work in NYC for 6 weeks and I'm planning to go with him with our baby who will be just one. DH will be pretty flexible (some time in and out of office) and we'll have some time to do some long weekends away also. We'll get a 2 bed apartment and my parents plan to join us for 3 weeks or so so I'll have help for most of the trip (and they are very very helpful!).

I've never been to the states before. DH has many times but doesn't know New York that well. Is this a crazy idea or will it be good fun? I'm not expecting a whirlwind of sight seeing, just some new museums, new parks, new food, new walks and a few nights out with DH whilst the grandparents kindly babysit. Can anyone give us any tips to make it work for everyone?

I should add, DC on the whole is pretty relaxed with no particular schedule and sleeps very well in the pram or carrier. Sleep overnight is ok and usually settles pretty quickly on holidays, although we haven't been further than western Europe before.

Grateful for any tips!

OP posts:
HipHipWhoRay · 23/06/2024 09:15

I remember (from years ago, pre kids) staying in parts of Manhattan that didn’t seem to have much in the way of supermarkets, so we ate out/takeaway all the time, because it was hard to pick up food. I suspect that has changed, but if I was going back with a baby I’d just check that was true for the neighbourhood I was in so you have options!

ThatTimeIKnewFamousPeople · 23/06/2024 09:15

@newyorknewyorks do you know what neighbourhood you'll be in?

ThatTimeIKnewFamousPeople · 23/06/2024 09:14

newyorknewyorks · 23/06/2024 09:05

I knew I'd get this reply as I typed the thread Grin. I know it'll be well set up for babies - my concern (and there isn't really concern, I just want some tips to make the trip great!) was more about spending 6 weeks out of routine in a new busy place that neither of us know that well.

Show quote history

I think your life as a parent is generally easier when you can adapt to being out of your routine (or comfort zone) without stressing. Might as well start exploring the world now, it will be much harder in 12 months time!! You can't be so routine drive that you miss out on adventures, where's the fun in that??

Nyc is incredibly easy with kids. Every restaurant you go to will have a high chair, lots of play parks and kid friendly museums. A lot of the main subway stops have elevators now. If not, stand at the top or bottom of the stairs and inevitably someone will help you carry the stroller.

It's a good walking city, plenty to do and see with a little baby.

Wills890 · 23/06/2024 09:10

cuckyplunt · 23/06/2024 08:59

There is some evidence that babies do survive in New York..

She's talking about uprooting her family for 6 months, flying and getting used to a new environment with a little baby. She's saying it might be stressful, not that babies can't be in New York. No need to be sarcastic 🙄.

Original poster
newyorknewyorks · 23/06/2024 09:08

Thanks so much for the replies everyone. I appreciate I probably sound a little precious! We are usually quite relaxed but I did some idle googling of travel tips with babies in NYC and found lots of threads of people saying it was a terrible idea so had a slight wobble...

OP posts:
Original poster
newyorknewyorks · 23/06/2024 09:07

theleafandnotthetree · 23/06/2024 09:01

Am unsure as to why on earth you would have any need for your parents to help in any way but otherwise, why on earth wouldn't you do this. What an amazing opportunity, am wildly jealous.

I don't 'need' help, my parents are just very keen to come with us and provide it and I definitely think it'll make the trip more fun and a different vibe to being alone with the baby whilst DH is working. The main help I envision is help moving the buggy around. I plan to mostly use a carrier but a light weight buggy would be a good back-up. I do think it is an amazing opportunity and am getting very excited!

OP posts:
BarcardiWithGadaffia · 23/06/2024 09:06

Why wouldn't you?

WaltzingWaters · 23/06/2024 09:06

I used to go to NYC with a family I nannied for for a month at a time since the children were babies. It’s a great place to be for a little trip and to see different things. I’d advise staying near Central Park as it’s such a good base to pop out to with a little one. It’s huge and so many different parts of it to see with a few playgrounds and the Central Park Zoo.
Then there’s the children’s museum of Manhattan. The Bronx Zoo. Loads of playgrounds. Have a Google as there’s sometimes little shows aimed at babies and toddlers.

Original poster
newyorknewyorks · 23/06/2024 09:05

cuckyplunt · 23/06/2024 08:59

There is some evidence that babies do survive in New York..

I knew I'd get this reply as I typed the thread Grin. I know it'll be well set up for babies - my concern (and there isn't really concern, I just want some tips to make the trip great!) was more about spending 6 weeks out of routine in a new busy place that neither of us know that well.

OP posts:
lemondropsandchimneytops · 23/06/2024 09:02

cuckyplunt · 23/06/2024 08:59

There is some evidence that babies do survive in New York..

😂

theleafandnotthetree · 23/06/2024 09:01

Am unsure as to why on earth you would have any need for your parents to help in any way but otherwise, why on earth wouldn't you do this. What an amazing opportunity, am wildly jealous.

cuckyplunt · 23/06/2024 08:59

There is some evidence that babies do survive in New York..

TellMeWhoTheVillainsAre · 23/06/2024 08:59

People in New York have babies! I don't see any particular reason not to bring him. You'll get your bearings after a few days and soon know your way around.

My mam and dad got stuck in New York during the volcanic ash cloud. My mother said she was initially nervous about going at all, but once there she soon figured out how to get around and would have no problem going back on her own now!

Moveoverdarlin · 23/06/2024 08:57

I think it’ll be great. Six weeks is perfect. Take a good quality buggy that’s up to the flight and for walking miles in NY. If your parents are there too you could have a few days sightseeing and shopping by yourself or with DH. They can go off on their own too. Sounds like a great opportunity.

CoffeeCakeAndALattePlease · 23/06/2024 08:56

We’ve taken babies, toddlers and kids to nyc…. It was fine!

buggies on the subway are a pain though so I’d advise taking a carrier instead.