Raising an NYC baby...what I've learned so far.

I moved back to NYC when Chunks was a little over 6 months, life in Philly was miserable and stagnant and I needed to get back to where I could breathe. I've always dreamed of raising a family in NY because growing up here was really special for me and I felt like anyone coming from here was just so much more well rounded than those I had met in undergrad and even grad school that were from other areas. I loved that we were more street smart, we had a little more cultural knowledge, and our swag was just different. I knew it was expensive and I knew there were some jerks but there were so many other things I hadn't accounted for when I moved back with hubby and baby in tow...

1- An umbrella stroller like our Uppa Baby is a MUST have! Living in the city is a get up and go lifestyle with so much to see, do, and teach little one that fighting with a huge travel system on and off the train is more than annoying to you and everyone else squeezing into the train car. A plus is to find one with a cup holder that folds in IDEAL!

2- Huge diaper bags? FORGET 'EM!!! This can also get cumbersome while on the go and will
force you to focus on the unnecessary and accidentally forget some of the essentials. I started out with a deluxe bag that I received at my shower but, you live and you learn and then there's Skip Hop. It's compact but holds everything and has a patented clip that allows you to hang it on the back of any stroller. It stays flat and hangs just low enough to keep everything in arms reach.

3- Speaking of diaper bags, I got a crash course in what is essential and what was just taking up space maybe my 3rd week back in NYC.  Quick Anatomy of what an NYC mom's diaper bag should look like:

• 4-5 Diapers (even if you'll only be out for an hour or two, you never know when an explosion might happen)
• travel wipes and diaper cream
• a meal and a half, if you're doing formula take a small bottle already mixed and another with just the formula and a bottle of water to mix as needed. If you're breastfeeding, as I did, you can either take the milk in storage bags to prevent spills or a good nursing cover and safety pin to secure it to you. NO FLASHING :-)
• a change of clothes for baby and an extra shirt for yourself, spit ups, diaper blow outs, and spills happen and baby's not the only one that needs to be comfortable.
• a blanket: SUMMER: hot swings, laying out in the park for lunch. WINTER: extra bundling.
• a favorite toy you won't mind losing. Chunks didn't care for things swinging over him so we stuck with animals and such that he could hold, but be forewarned, they do get tossed.

4- I heard some of the stories but didn't really believe until now, research which schools you would like your child to attend the minute you find out you're expecting. Ok, maybe not that early but start fast and look hard. Save up and do your research because finding a Pre-K is just as daunting as the undergrad app in NYC. You learn such amazing things along the way and meet some great people and really in a city like this, where your child starts out actually does affect where they'll go in the future.

5- New Yorkers are really nice people and can be great to Mommies with Babies. Chunks talks to everyone-on the train, in stores, everywhere. Instead of rolling their eyes or ignoring him, they wave, ask how he's doing, some have even offered money lol. Surprisingly, I've been offered seats several times, so against popular belief NYC is a pretty nice place.

I thought of these things while speaking to a friend who recently learned she was expecting and I do not regret my decision on moving back here and raising my little NYer.

What are some mommy-tips you've picked up since your little one arrived?

Chunks @ 4 mo.