Can we hire a travel cot and buggy in NYC?

[tiredandgrumpy]

We're going to join DH in NYC in a month or so. He's working there for a short spell and has an apartment we'll use. Trouble is, it obviously doesn't have a cot.

Can anyone recommend a place where we could hire a travel cot and possibly also a buggy? I'm going to be travelling back on my own with 2 kids (4 and 1) so want to carry as little with us as possible - am expecting a horrendous journey as it is without juggling luggage as well!

He could look on craigslist for a second hand cot or buggy. Maybe even Freecycle?

If you are ok with an umbrella stroller, you can buy new ones for about $10.

You will find things so cheap compared to the UK that you will just end up buying one. Go online to www.target.com or similar and buy a cot and buggy a week before you leave and have them delivered to your new address to be there when you arrive. Will be cheaper than anything else. Craigslist is great, but can take a bit of time sorting through stuff and if you are only in town for a short while you are better off just buying something new.
However, having said that, I highly recommend travelling with an umbrella stroller (buggy). Travel on BA and they will take care of you and let you bring your umbrella buggy onboard. This is essential because at the other end you will have at least one, if not two sleeping children. Mine fall asleep like clockwork on descent regardless of time of day.

Let me also add that you will find people in NYC helpful and childfriendly. Traveling on the subway with young children is easy and pleasurable in NYC. I found that there was always someone to help me get my buggy down the stairs into the subway. Be prepared to have an absolutely wonderful experience. (Old Navy for kids' clothes is the place to go!!!).

Hi there - we had a great experience with Babiestravellite.com when we when to US. You can buy absolutely anything and everything from them and it'll be there when you arrive. From nappies, toys and food.

For hire - you will easily find good local hire company -just do a google search. I've just one and found a company called baby's away which looks reasonably good.

Good luck!

Would definitely second SofiaAmes' advice about travelling with a buggy. Just getting through the airport at both ends can involve long walks to get to your gate. You can take it right up to the plane and it SHOULD be there for you as you get off (I know at Heathrow it won't be as they won't do it but every other airport I have ever flown into has done).

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Thank you - Target in particular sounds like a great idea.

Was thinking of taking one stroller & maybe hiring another. I can't imagine the 4 year old will be up for walking all over NYC, so guess a second would make life easier.

Actually - thinking about it - don't rely on being able to find a Target - we didn't manage to find one in NY so ordering is a good idea.

V. v. v. . We went in April and it was freezing and DH got sick but I still loved it!

The other option would be a sling. That might help? And would save needing a second stroller.

Definitely order in advance if you can. You could also pop onto the All those in the US thread/ Start a new one and see if an MNer in NY has stuff you could borrow?