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AIBU?

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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:
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.

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.

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!

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.

lemondropsandchimneytops · 23/06/2024 09:02

cuckyplunt · 23/06/2024 08:59

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

😂

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:
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.

BarcardiWithGadaffia · 23/06/2024 09:06

Why wouldn't you?

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:
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:
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 🙄.

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.

ThatTimeIKnewFamousPeople · 23/06/2024 09:15

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

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!

Peonies12 · 23/06/2024 09:17

I wouldn’t even think twice about it, sounds amazing. Babies don’t care where they are. Obviously you’ll have to be realistic about what you do each day. And make sure you have comprehensive medical insurance for you and baby, and know how to get medical help if needed.

Original poster
newyorknewyorks · 23/06/2024 09:17

Wills890 · 23/06/2024 09:10

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 🙄.

Edited
Show quote history

Thank you for this comment (although it is 6 weeks, not months BlushGrin). I do understand the sentiment and think it is meant to be reassuring but I do also think it goes without saying that it is very different raising a baby somewhere (with all your own equipment, support, knowledge of the place) vs. being somewhere new in a different environment for baby to adapt to with no local knowledge.

OP posts:
CassandraWebb · 23/06/2024 09:19

I think where people go wrong is it they expect travel with children to be anything like travel before children.

If you plan to make sure your days and activities will work with a 1 year old it will be fine.

I travelled heaps with my son as a baby/toddler and I just made sure he always had time to play with toys and rest and time in playgrounds etc. so a very different pace to pre children travel but still lovely

Original poster
newyorknewyorks · 23/06/2024 09:20

Thanks @ThatTimeIKnewFamousPeople. Definitely agree about not being routine driven - we are not as a rule but also have never had such an opportunity to leave our comfort zone before so this is definitely new and an opportunity to take. We both agree now (with just one baby!) is a great time to do it. Not sure where we we will stay yet - grateful for any advice there as well!

@HipHipWhoRay thanks. That's the kind of practical thing I worry about a little! We have a little gannet who would love to live on restaurant food and take aways for the trip if allowed but we will definitely want to be somewhere we can do some home cooking as well.

OP posts:
Allthegoodnamesarechosen · 23/06/2024 09:20

Make sure you have comprehensive health insurance for the child as well as the adults. Health ‘scares’ are very expensive in USA

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

Thanks @CassandraWebb. This has been our rule on holidays so far. We've found we love the slower pace and exploring new parks and walks. This is why I think 6 weeks is a great amount of time as (particularly with grandparents babysitting!) we can tick off the things we'd like to do without rushing DC around everywhere. I definitely plan to just take things as they come. Some days here we end up just pottering around all day because she is teething / has a cold / is generally grizzly, so I wouldn't expect it to be any different away and want to make sure we are staying somewhere we can do this comfortably in.

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

@Allthegoodnamesarechosen this will be the first thing I organise!!

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

Definitely do it! I took my one-year-old to Singapore for 5 weeks when my then husband was working over there temporarily. Had to entertain myself and baby during the day while ex was at work. No problemo, went out and about with buggy and really got to see the place! Excellent experience and I’m sure NYC will be just as good.

Greenlittecat · 23/06/2024 09:24

Can we come? Our 1 year olds can be friends 😅

Sounds amazing! You will have such a great time!!

ThatTimeIKnewFamousPeople · 23/06/2024 09:24

I don't know how else to word this... Manhattan is full of the most neurotic mothers in the world 😁 these woman will not accept lowered standards for their children, they excel in crafting an environment where 1 year olds have their needs met! Your baby will not have to adapt to anything awful. Really. Find the online mom group for the neighbourhood you're staying in. Post and introduce yourself. You will be inundated with suggestions for what to do and how to cope. You'll be fine!