NYC in January with an Infant

[agrossnickle]

My mom, sisters, and I will be visiting NYC in January. We're bringing 2 infants with us (2 & 3 months old). We plan on purchasing subway passes since taxis could get very expensive with there being 7 of us plus 2 babies. We've got tickets to see the Lion King & Phantom (without the babies) and Good Morning America. I've never been to NY and could use some advice on the following.

Transporting Babies - We plan on bringing front packs and are debating over a double stroller. Is is worth it or would it be more of a hassle considering subway stairs?
Weather/Clothing - How cold will it be and how serious of a coat do we need to bring (gloves, scafs, hats, etc.)? Will it be windy? Will the sidewalks be icy? Should we only bring tennis shoes?
Attractions - What are the main attractions you'd recommend? We're hoping to at least go to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Thanks.

[scumonkey]

Forget that double wide stroller- our sidewalks are our
pedestrian highways- strollers get in everybody's way.

New years eave it will be 20 degrees outside-January in NYC is cold.
Dress appropriately (I always Dress in layers, Coat,Hoodie,shirt,t-shirt, no gloves, & wear sneakers).
Yes it will be windy- will it be icy...
only mother nature knows for sure, but it already has been-
luck of the weather draw.

[agrossnickle]

Scumonkey - thanks for the reply.

Does it make a difference to know the double stroller is a single wide?

[John P Robinson]

We went over to visit our newly born grandson in New York:)

We've had 4 kids of our own and have got 5 grandchildren

so we've done a fair bit of pushing babies about in strollers
(Pushchairs in England)

But I have to agree with Scumonkey the streets are just so busy that it would be hard going as for the subway that in my opinion would be a nightmare:(

Although we did go to Central Park with the stroller which was fine the baby sling (front pack:confused:) really came
into its own on the very busy subway and streets.

Have a great time:)

[stache]

Bring sneakers and wool sox but you might need some kind of boot if it's slushy.

[Ninjahedge]

Scumonkey - thanks for the reply.

Does it make a difference to know the double stroller is a single wide?

Yes and no.

Double wide are traffic blocking monstrosities that should be outlawed, but in-line are not as bad. The ONLY one that would be easy to get around with would be the under-slung duo (where you have the one kid partly below the other in an almost hammock-like affair).

The baby-pack things are fine, but you will be on your feet a LOT, so you will need to rest after a few hours with that load!

The cold is a concern as well, and layers (as mentioned) are best. You never know when it will be 15 or 50 degrees here (USUALLY not in the same week, but you never know!)

Let us know how you fare!

[lofter1]

How do those in-line double strollers fare when trying to navigate subway stairs, revolving doors, crowded street corners and other urban obstacles which our visitors will encounter?

[agrossnickle]

After finding out that once I leave it with the flight attendant at the gate in Portland I won't see it again until New York City (I was hoping to have it for my lay-over in Denver) I've decided to leave it behind completely. From your comments it sounds like having it in the city/subway would be a real pain for everyone Thank you all for your comments.

We're staying in Manhattan. Is it worth the extra money to take the airport service bus from LAG? The difference in expense is $84 vs. $14 (for the 7 of us). I'm just worried about the pain of luggage on a bus and the subway (we'll each have one small/medium case). We're trying to save on expenses but....

[scumonkey]

Have you given a private car trip a thought?
Private Car/Limousine/Van Service
Super Saver by Carmel (http://www.carmellimo.com/) 1-800-924-9954 or 1-212-666-6666
Dial 7 Car & Limo Service (http://www.dial7.com/) 1-800-222-9888 or 1-212-777-7777
Westchester Express (Republic) (http://www.republictransportation.com/) 1-800-910-5466 or 1-201-997-7368
Classic Limousine (http://www.classictrans.com/) 1-800-666-4949 or 1-631-567-5100
Transportation Info counter at Airport

[Ninjahedge]

How do those in-line double strollers fare when trying to navigate subway stairs, revolving doors, crowded street corners and other urban obstacles which our visitors will encounter?

Avoid subway stairs, revolving doors, crowded corners and other urban obstacles (but not outfitters).

Problem solved!!!


Seriously though, the one I mentioned is not much more obtrusive than a pull along luggage set. NYC is big, but it is not SO big that some leg work will not take you to a lot of what you want to see.

Also, those strollers fold flatter than the behemoths (sp) so if they needed something to push the kids around in once they got to where they were going, depending on how many adults were going, they could probably use the front-packs for the subway and carry th folded stroller.

Key is, they would have to pack light for the trip, because carrying much more would be difficult.



Side note. I would recommend you avoiding "rush hours" in your travels. Anything between about 8am-9:30am and 4:30pm-6:00pm. Those are not killer, but if you are slinging two infants with you through Midtown at those times, you will find a bunch of fast moving pedestrians hell bent on getting to work on time (or home!).

[Ninjahedge]

Have you given a private car trip a thought?
Private Car/Limousine/Van Service
Super Saver by Carmel (http://www.carmellimo.com/) 1-800-924-9954 or 1-212-666-6666
Dial 7 Car & Limo Service (http://www.dial7.com/) 1-800-222-9888 or 1-212-777-7777
Westchester Express (Republic) (http://www.republictransportation.com/) 1-800-910-5466 or 1-201-997-7368
Classic Limousine (http://www.classictrans.com/) 1-800-666-4949 or 1-631-567-5100
Transportation Info counter at Airport

I agree with Scum.

It would be much better to get a private company to take you, especially if you look for specials/coupons. You may be able to find something online and print out before coming over.

The bus can be a real PITA if you are hauling major baggage. If you are just taking a backpack of stuff the bus takes longer, but it is much easier to handle.

I just do not know if private limos have baby seats.......

[Front_Porch]

FYI, the Barnes & Noble bookstore chain has clean bathrooms, often equipped with changing tables.

[Zephyr]

I agree with Scum.

Admittedly, that line threw me off for a moment. :eek:

[scumonkey]

:D
Ninja got it right;)
scumonkey = shorthand for scum monkey (sort of)

[Ninjahedge]

You know, I never realized that your name had only one "m"!!!! ;)