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

[newyorknewyorks]

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!

Which area? It makes all the difference.

Sounds amazing! You’ll be just fine and lovely of your parents to join you.

Take a light buggy or carrier if you’ll spend much time on the subway as they’re ancient and full of awkward steps.

If your baby has formula, take plenty as the ones there take some getting used to.

My thoughts are (and I am sure you have thought about these already)

Do you need to take a buggy. Can you buy one there and get it delivered to your new place? One less thing to lug, but awkward till it arrives. I was in US last year and I noticed some of their buggies were great, hadn't seen similar over here.

Medical insurance is a must - if hubby gets it included with his work package, make sure it includes you and your baby.

Check what baby food is available. Might be the same manufacturer but ingredients can differ so the taste might change. Take some with you so that baby has some familiar food while you introduce other new stuff.

I think you"ll have a fab time. I have such happy memories of exploring the world with a toddler. We saw countries in a different way, I actually preferred it too manic sightseeing.

I also think it's reasonable to be a bit apprehensive and want some tips!

Good family friendly neighbourhoods:
Upper west side
Greenwich village
East village
Tribeca
Harlem
Park slope in Brooklyn is fab and more laid back than Manhattan
Just avoid midtown, most other places are fine.

Bring a good light weight stroller. A hundred percent make sure you have excellent insurance. Years ago I paid $300 to be told my son did not have conjunctivitis, just hay fever, and to buy OTC drops. I was never able to get that back from insurance either, dunno why!

Plan a trip to see the foliage in new England, better if you rent a car. Vermont is amazing and a real breath of fresh air after. Afew weeks in the city.

Prepare for your baby to come back with a love of fresh bagels!

She’s going for six WEEKS. It’s a slightly longer than usual holiday in an English-speaking first world city.

@newyorknewyorks

You'd be better posting in the travel section.

I went in earlier this with my kids and felt as safe as I would in most British city centres.

I think it sounds amazing!
What a great memory for you to have!

I completely understand where you’re coming from though.
I took my baby to London for a weekend and I didn’t know the area and found getting up and down the stairs to the tube stations with a buggy and all of the baby bits and shopping etc quite difficult at first but if you have a second pair of hands to help you, especially when it comes to shopping, then you’ll be absolutely fine.

This is great advice. New York is extremely walkable, although as others have said, the subway is much less buggy-friendly than the tube. Try to find somewhere near either Central Park or Prospect Park. And ignore the scaremongers! You’ll have a great time!

Make sure you dont rent a 5th floor walk up apartment as that means no lift. Buildings with doormen are great as there is someone on site to help if there is a problem in the apartment, receive packages and as an extra layer of security.

there is no ground floor btw, so first floor is street level

you wont want a car unless you are leaving the city for a week etc

will you have travel insurance or will DH employer give you a US family insurance plan? If you get a US plan, you will likely need to chose a pediatrician for LO and a primary care doctor for you and DH as they mostly gatekeep all services
if you just have travel insurance then work out where a local urgent care facility is and check woth the insurance company on how they want you to handle any problems like rashes or ear infections etc

you can rent baby gear and toys, just google rent baby gear NYC and about 8 companies pop up

That sounds like a good plan. I'm getting excited for you! 😄

What a great idea to bring your parents along for part of the trip to help with babysitting so you can have date nights. For them, they get to visit the city at such a reduced rate without the hotel costs. It's a great idea for everyone, and the baby will be fine.

What a fantastic opportunity! You definitely should do it.

Thank you again everyone. We agree we are lucky to get my parents along! We've also now got some friends joining later in the trip also.

@ThatTimeIKnewFamousPeople thank you for your suggestions. We have chosen somewhere in Park Slope thanks to your list!

Any recommendations on things to do would be much appreciated.