Hey guys and gals, Christine here, momma of 9-month-old Finnen, and known as @mommahasyou. In his adorable 9 months on this side of the world, he has visited 3 countries, been on 12 flights, and crashed countless romantic dinners at fancy restaurants around the world. In all our adventures, I’ve learned some tips to make a day in any city, with a baby, much easier!
Make a plan
Where do you want to go and how do you want to get there? Timing is everything with little ones. The faster you can get to your destination, the more time you will have to enjoy exploring (before it’s time for a nap or to eat)!
My tip? Research the area you are visiting before leaving your house. How does public transportation work and is it baby friendly? How far of a walk is it to each attraction? Where can I find a spot to take a break and let my little one get their wiggles out?
These are all questions you should know answers to before leaving for you fun day out!
Don’t be afraid to seek out help
If you are a trusting person, perfect strangers can be a great resource! On my first day exploring the “L” train in Chicago, I got out at a stop and it didn’t have an elevator. It was 20 degrees, windy (duh!), and I was in a rush to get where I was going. I quickly realized I had two options:
1. I could wait for the next train to take me home and forgo my planned adventure (totally not my style)
2. Find a stranger to help me.
Sure enough, there was a nice guy waiting for an Uber and I simply asked for him to help carry the stroller down and he obliged. A perfectly nice stranger can become your greatest friend when you’re in a pinch!
Kill em’ with kindness
Over the years, I’ve learned that a smile can go a long way. Whenever I’m out and feel the stares of judgey eyes, I just shoot them that Colgate smile and typically people lighten up and smile back. Also, “please” and “thank you’s” are major. My advice is to over use them when necessary!
Kindness is key! After someone has helped me out (like Uber guy in tip #3), I always like to “pay it forward.” Go out of your way to say hi to people, try to help out when can, and simply engage with people you meet 😊
Show off your cute kid
For the most part, people all over the world love children. They want to see them, say hi to them, and do some pretty ridiculous things to try and get them to smile. If you are in a long line or crowded museum, give the people around you a little taste of that cuteness you created. Hey, it’s free babysitting!
Also, I’ve found that when eating at those restaurants you never thought you could bring your baby too, if you open up their stroller or prop them up in a highchair, people will stop to say hi and comment on how cute your little one is. Your baby becomes the unexpected surprise of the night at their fancy dinner!
Have confidence
Finnen has been to numerous amazing restaurants like Menton in Boston, Girl and the Goat in Chicago, and Cinq-Mars in Paris. (Sadly, he only has gotten to taste the delicious food at Cinq-Mars.)
One thing is consistent with all three of these places, you typically need a reservation, made well in advance, to get a table. So how did I manage a table at each, last minute? I walked in with our stroller and just asked! A little bit of tip #3 and #4 doesn’t hurt, but seriously, I’ve found that wherever I go, if I act like I belong or don’t show signs of discomfort, I usually am successful. People in general want to accommodate you so have the confidence to just ask for what you want!
In the end, most importantly, remember to have fun! If your day out isn’t fun, modify your time and make if work for your family’s schedule.
I would love to hear how other people make baby outings easier! I am always down for new tips and tricks 😊Leave me a comment with your ideas! Thanks for reading and enjoy your next easy day out in the city with baby!
Xoxo,
Christine
