Will This Carrier Help on the Subway?

Hi there. I'm a native New Yorker with a 2 1/2 year old and I travel extensively so I hope I can help you.

How old is your baby? I used a carrier like this up to when my son was about 12 months old (the Peanut Shell). More for the plane or train or rocking him to sleep at a friend's house not so much for walking around outside. I used the Bjorn for walking around. After that we switched to an Ergo carrier - more like a fabric backpack where you can carry the baby on the front, hip or back. Both the Bjorn and Ergo are much more secure and balanced. In fact I still carry my son in the Ergo on the days when I take the bus and don't bring the stroller. I'm not sure how comfortable this hip carrier will be for you. I would recommend either the Bjorn or Ergo over this hip carrier.

That being said, is there no way you can bring your stroller? You will be walking A LOT in New York and carrying a baby for many days can be really tiring. Strollers in NYC are our minivans and SUV's - we live for them. I've brought my Bugaboo all over the world (which as you know is a massive stroller) and I've never regretted it.

Here are the rules for public transport - no strollers on the bus. If you do bring a stroller, you must fold it up before entering the bus. You can bring a stroller into the subway. Take a look on the map mta.info for the stops with elevators (marked with the handicapped accessible sign of a person in a wheelchair). They are usually the most popular stops - 42nd Street Times Square, 34th Street, 14 Street, Union Square, etc. Other times you can just ask someone to help you carry the stroller up the stairs. I do this less frequently - I'd rather get off at a stop with an elevator and walk further, but that's me. So many of my mom friends just ask for help and people are always happy to help you - the same for me when an elevator is broken.

I don't believe museums rent strollers. In fact, there are some with anti-stroller policies, such as the Children's Museum of Manhattan. You can bring your stroller there but you have to check it before you enter. Here's a link to a great resource to help you plan your trip to NYC with children mommypoppins.com. It's a list of museums and their stroller policies - http://mommypoppins.com/ny-kids/stroller-policies-at-new-...

I hope this helps! Have a great time in NYC.

H. Ureña Black (mom to Christian Black)

I can't speak to the baby carriers issue but I have a very light and cheap umbrella stroller (under $20) from Babies r Us/Toys R Us. It folds small and is light. The only down side is there is no basket under it. It is cheap enough to use just for this trip and you could get it at home or in NY. I used it for my kids as toddlers up to 2.5 when traveling. It held my son who was big for his age and active so it reasonably sturdy.

Goodness you will be tired from walking and carrying the baby all day long. We used to live in the city but did not have kids back then. When we go now we bring Maclaren VOLO stroller, only 11lb ,folds in a second, has a carrying strep (throw it on your shoulder ) while using the stairs. I was 8 months preg when we went last (had 2 small kids with us) and only one time a guy offered me a seat on the subway. Just my 2 cents:)

I have never seen strollers rented anywhere. on the train I would recommend a carrier like there whip or an infantino. I have 2 infantinos and I love them. I very rarely use a stroller. My daughter is 8 months old, almost 9 and I find it easier than lugging a stroller on the subway. I have in the past worn her in the carrier and then carried a light weight stroller if I thought I was going to be doing a lot of walking.

I would recommend trying a carrier out before buying one. Some babies do not like it, especially if they are not used to it.

A lot depends on the age of the child. I don't really like that hip carrier for the train though. If it is crowded there will most likely be people bumping into you and could easily bump lo off the seat, even with your arm for support. I would try a front facing carrier or even a rear facing one if lo is bigger. My infantino flip works both ways and carries up to 35 lbs.

I would take a light umbrella stroller and a real carrier with support that you can use without your hands. This looks like a gimmiky kind of thing to me. Aren't your arms going to get tired??? I would use something like an ergo or a peanut shell sling. You don't say how old your baby is?? I saw a diaper bay with a sling built in which looked perfect for this situation. (sorry cant remember the brand). Why are you not bringing the stroller? I would strongly rethinking that. Airlines let you check them at the gate and it is usually free.
The subway is a huge pain no matter what but this looks like if you were standing you will only have one hand to hang on with... I would not do that with my baby. You really need 2 hands. P.S I take my baby everywhere in the sling or a wrap rather than the stroller but a stroller is handy in the city.

Subways are rough for moms, any way you slice it.
Most of the time, someone will offer you his seat (I use the word HIS generically; it is as often a woman who does it). But I have had the experience where I am on a very crowded train and have to hold a handrail or post and hold my almost 30-lb daughter with my unsupported left arm. People very often bury themselves in themselves on the train and don't notice what's around them. You can't be guaranteed a seat at rush hour. During the day you're probably ok. Since you can't keep an open stroller on the subway, you don't have much choice, but make sure the carrier you have gives you support.
Still, if you plan to do museums and any walking, I really think you should invest in a cheap umbrella stroller. Most places do NOT rent strollers. You will be exhausted by the end of the day if you try to carry your baby the whole way.
Have fun!

Hi J.C.,
You may have to stand on the subway and might be doing a lot of walking. I would bring the carrier and a light stroller (you'll see a lot of other people with strollers on the subway.) If you can fold it up great but I never did..Unless it was really crowded. I lived in NYC for seven years and almost three were with my baby daughter. It's easer to push than carry for long days out. The carrier is good for shorter walks. You can also hang the diaper bag on a stroller and anything else you buy. I don't think all museums allow any kind of stroller. Usually you have to check them at the door (The MET and Natural History) so that would be a good place for a carrier. I would call ahead to the museums and find out their policy. Good luck and have fun.

I didn't see what the hipseat is, but it may work, but may hurt your back if it's not centered. No, there are not always seats. I've held infants on my hip (short trips) and had them in the Bjorn chest carrier (longer trips) on the NY subway nicely. I've also taken the lightweight MacClaren Volo stroller on there folded up and carried, or if its a quiet time, I leave the kid in and carry the stroller down the stairs, but you may be doing the right thing not bringing a stroller-although, with all the walking, it sure is nice to have out on the street. If you have anyone with extra hands? hubs? You should bring a lightweight stroller, it's only a hassle during packed times on the subway, it's a lifesaver everywhere else. It can get REALLY hard carrying a baby so many miles, especially when you accumulate bags from any shopping-snacks, whatever (stroller stashes stuff including purse or bag-and even your carrier!). Most museums don't allow strollers, because they're cumbersome to other patrons (carrier will be great), but you can check them at the coat check.
Be sure the carrier is balanced and sturdy and lets your hands be free.
Congrats you will have a blast-don't forget your camera the baby pics in NYC are awesome!