
Do you have an ergo? Put your kiddo in the ergo and carry what you need in a backpack instead of a diaper bag (with valuables well hidden or in the front ergo pocket. Go during a quiet time like noon or on a weekend. Enjoy! |
Yes, this. Ergo is invaluable on the subway. If you really need a stroller, have a small one like a maclaren (or similar) that you can fold with one hand and carry easily. Downsize the diaper bag (I put dipes, wipes, etc into my own purse). enjoy! |
Pack light. Don't use a massive stroller during rush hour. Bring something to entertain the baby. Yes there are elevators - you can check for outages. If you use a carrier you can avoid the hassle. If you can't use an elevator, take the baby out of the stroller before getting on the escalator.
And no, you don't need a ticket for the 14 mos. old. I think 4 and under rides free... but I could be wrong about that. I know young kids ride free with an adult rider. Start small and build yourself up to longer trips. Avoid rush hour if possible if you're just doing day trips - go after 9:30 am or on weekends. |
LOL! I'm in Bethesda which is considered the burbs I guess and I've been taking DD on the Metro since she was a few months old. I guess we Burb Moms are a hardier stock? |
not a big deal. my daughter rode the metro when she was two weeks old, and we even ended up on the metro during rush hour when an appointment ended up taking much longer than expected. It wasn't bad at all. try to board on a less-crowded part of the train, and get your stroller out of the way. don't let your stroller block the doorway. |
This, this, this. Strollers are a pain on the Metro; wear the kid. Have fun! |
I have found the Metro system to be incredibly convenient. Are you sure OP's concerns are about how to navigate the space? I thought it was the claustrophobia and germ-fear. Maybe. The Red Line is generally problemmatic (it's the most popular line for delays, for example), but the Green Line is just perfection in my book. We make our way downtown for an easy museum trip with just zero problems. I lovelovelove being able to cart everything we'll need in DS's stroller and am glad to have my hands free. |
OP, my kid is a teen now. Whenever I see people with small children on the metro, I remember what it was like and I cut them a break. |
"Not one of those burb moms that come on here" is not sarcasm misunderstood. It was snarky and you got called out on it. |
I used to wear my one year old in one of those snugli things. Could you do that instead of a stroller? |
I am an orange line inner urban/burb mom and think you are a freak. Put the kid in a bjorn and hop on the metro.
I think you've lost all bragging rights over your 'urbanness'. |
sorry--given the age of child--switch that to ergo or backpack carrier...or get a light umbrella stroller and build some damn muscles...and b*lls! |
If you asked in all seriousness, let me ask you: do you NEED to ride the metro with your kid, or does your daily routine not really require that sort of thing? Do you ask because you feel like you should have done it by now, but haven't yet, because you just don't happen to need it?
Here's the thing: metro isn't all it's cracked up to be. There's no badge of honor that comes with riding it. It doesn’t make you extra cool or glamorous or anything. I grew up in a country where very few people drive and most rely on public transportation, so I logged thousands and thousands of hours in that subway system. Let me tell you: I'm freaking glad to be rid of it. I’m ecstatic to drive everywhere. I drove everywhere before I had a baby, and I lived in Dupont for crying out loud. I drive and park everywhere and love my personal car bubble. There’s something very special about not sharing your space, controlling the smell and sound of your surroundings and having freedom to go wherever. And with a baby, doubly so. That’s just me, a converted Euro. |
OP - Are you my long lost sister?
As a new mom, I was terrified to do EVERYTHING. Go on the metro - I'd always picture the worst case scenario. Mom with stroller blocking the entrance with an angry mob forming behind her - I'd drop my card, the stroller would get stuck - the doors would close on my baby. I have found the following to be helpful. First, I ask for suggestions on how to prepare. Yep, people give me strange looks, but I just explain that I get flustered easy and like to be prepared. So I just find a mom thats done "x" and ask for tips (where to park, what to take, what went wrong). Next, I suck it up and try it. Most of the time, it turns out that most of my fears were not founded. Sometimes, they are, and I get flustered and stuff goes wrong, but we survive. For the metro. Use the elevators. They can be hard to find at some stops. I also took my lightweight stroller so if needed, I could just take the kid out and pick up the stroller. I suggest taking a backpack (so if needed, you can physically carry everything) Kids ride for free, so you only have to worry about one card. |
1. ignore everyone who is in a rush and/or being rude and just do your thing calmly and slowly
2. check wmata for the elevator outtages before you leave the house. remember that most stations have two elevators: between train and mezz and between mezz and street. check both. 3. follow the wheelchair signs on the posts to help you find the elevators 4. use the gate/turnstile designed for wheelchairs to get your stroller through. 5. when the train approaches, try to keep an eye out for the wheelchair logo by the doors. these cars will have wider space around the door to accomodate wheelchairs. you can park your stroller there. 6. keep a distance on the platform from other strollers and wheelchairs so that you aren't crowding into the same car i'd do all of this during the day, non-rush hour until you are comfortable. hth. i don't have a car and my dd is now 5. it can be done! |