How should I get to NY solo with my 15 month old

[Anonymous]

Will be taking a trip to NY in February solo with my 15 month old. Should I a) drive b) take the train c) force my husband to come with us.

[Anonymous]

Drive, at night if you can.

[Anonymous]

Where in NY, that changes my answer.

[Anonymous]

What time of day will you travel? Are you going to friends/family? Is parking available at your destination?

I travel to CT often alone with my 20 month old and I prefer to drive, but I always leave at his bedtime and drive straight through, no stopping. If it were during the day and I had to get meals and change diapers, I would take the train.

[Anonymous]

I've done the drive many times alone with toddlers/babies, and it wasn't too bad, though I'm sure it would depend somewhat on the kids. Try to time it right with traffic though. I've found leaving first thing in the morning works well, especially if that means your child is likely to take a nap during the drive. My kids aren't great at sleeping in the car, so the night thing sometimes turned disasterous for us (cranky, overtired, but not sleeping).

With no need for a car on the other end though, I would totally take the train, though again, you might want to plan around naps (timing and whether or not it's likely your child would fall asleep on you). The good thing about the train is you can move around, though if you have a particularly squirmy 15-month old, having him strapped in a carseat might actually be easier...

[Anonymous]

Delta Shuttle.

[Anonymous]

What will you be doing there? Visiting family/friends?
Just having fun/site seeing?

If you are going to be NYC/Manhattan, I would take the train. The airports are further out and it will be a PITA to get into the city, and not really save you much time.

[Anonymous]

When we went, we arranged it so we didn't need a car seat once we got there (visiting people that had an extra), so we took the train, and it was super easy. I would definitely recommend it.

[Anonymous]

I've taken the train repeatedly both when my DC1 was around that age and when DC2 was around that age - it worked very well, even when I had two kids to cart around, one a preschooler and one a toddler. Train worked better for me because they could walk around a bit if they wanted, instead of spending hours just in the car seat. Plus, driving a busy route like DC-NYC with a toddler who can do his best to distract you is no fun.

This said - train is only doable if (a) you have very little luggage. Transporting a ton of stuff PLUS a toddler is not something I'd wish on my worst enemy. (b) Your toddler is not a loud incessant screamer. Some are, in which case spare the eardrums of your fellow passengers

If you do decide to do the train, they offer pre boarding for those with small children - take advantage of it - that way you can pick a seat in the front with room for a stroller.

[Anonymous]

Where are you staying and what is the purpose of the visit?

I'm from NY and visit frequently with and without the kids. We have friends all around NYC and my parents live in Long Island.

If I am going solo, I usually fly. I usually only go for 30 hours or so. I travel with one small overnight bag. My parents usually pick me up or drive to the airport so I always see them.

We have always driven with the boys (preferably at night) but this is because my parents live in LI. They want to spend time with the grandchildren and it is a pain in the ass to lug car seats, carry a stroller, etc. and visit the suburbs. We have 2 kids though.

If you are going with a 15m old and only plan to be in Manhattan, I would definitely take the train. You can take cabs and travel light with a back pack.

If you are going to stay longer or travel to suburbs, I would drive. It is such a pain to lug gear and be solo.

[Anonymous]

Drive and husband.

[Anonymous]

Train > fly > drive, IMO.

But a lot of it depends on your kid. You could not have paid me to drive solo 5 hours with my kid at that age. He was a raving lunatic in the car seat. And also, as PPs have said, where you are going and what you will do when you get there.

If it were me, I'd train with the baby in a carrier and pack very lightly with a small rolling backpack and a large cross-body purse.

[Anonymous]

(c)

What kind of husband sends his DW to NY with a baby?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:(c)

What kind of husband sends his DW to NY with a baby?

She seems to be going o her own free will. She's not being sent away

That said, it is NYC there is a ton to do wtih DC alone or with DC and husband.
Take the train. They you don't have to worry about a car. You can take the subway with your son.

Red caps will help you get on and off the train.

Are you visiting friends/family or sightseeing?

[Anonymous]

I've driven, train-ed (?), and flown. I prefer taking the train or the flight to driving by myself FOR SURE. Train is probably easiest because you can avoid security/packing issues and the "stay seated" phases, but the speed of flying is a plus.