Bringing Up Baby in Brooklyn

Since the question was raised by a couple of the comments in my last baby update post, I thought I'd address the topic of what having a baby in Brooklyn is like.  From my perspective, this is the only thing I've known but once I got to thinking there are some distinct differences of note.


snaps from Sunday: breakfast at the diner, stop at the farmers market, a long walk and first time on the swings!

The biggest difference right from the start is that Agatha spends much less time in a car than a baby outside of a city.  (While its not absolutely necessary in Brooklyn, we do have a car but there are lots of kids in Brooklyn and even more in Manhattan than rarely step foot inside a car at all).  Her main mode of transportion is her stroller, thus the reason why I think a good stroller is such an important baby purchase (see: most useful baby products).

Brooklyn has very good public transportation and Agatha has already experienced the joys of the bus and subway.  That said, its not super convenient when strolling.  Strollers must be carried up/down stairs (most stations don't have elevators) or folded away (on the bus only).  Here is where a baby carrier would come in handy but I haven't loved wearing one and the need to go far is so infrequent it hasn't been an issue.  This will definitely change as she gets older, but for now, sticking close to home is fine. 

Another difference is how we stock up on baby supplies.  Instead of trapsing to the local Babies R Us, we use the magic of the interwebs to deliver just about everything we need right to the doorstep. I still enjoy shopping for baby which we can do at local boutique type places (pink olive and lulu's are a couple of fun stops) in my area or the more occasional pitstop at Target (my mothership!) but that is more recreational than required.

Now we've discussed what baby A doesn't spend a lot of time doing (driving in cars, rolling around in a shopping cart), I'm sure you are asking what she does all day.  She spends almost all of her time outside the house either strolling around the sidewalks, in the park or a nearby playground.  We happen to live just a few blocks from Prospect Park (Central Park's hipper little brother) where she often spends time lounging on a blanket in the grass or in one of the playgrounds with the occassional stop in the zoo or ride on the carosel. Summer is the season for farmer's markets - there is a small, sleepy one just a few steps away from my door on Sunday as well as some larger, more happening markets every weekend within walking distance - so we like to visit those regularily too.  There are lots of other babies around there is no shortage of baby friendly classes, activities and playdates to partake in when I have my act together.  On the days when we feel like eating out, almost all restaurants, gastropubs and cafes will happily make room for baby. (see: more about Brooklyn)

All in all, its a pretty sweet but there is a downside and its a dirty one: a dearth of changing tables.  Not because there isn't a need for them - you would be hard pressed to go anyway before 8pm and not see babies within toddling distance - but the shops and restaurants are small and bathroom square footage is at a premium.  So we must be resourceful - both by mapping out the available changing tables (we love Barnes + Noble for this!) and doing quick changes in the less ergonomic of spots.  I admit this is one area that I struggle with a lot - I don't think I should subject the public to a diaper changes in full view but also don't want to change baby in an unsanitary spot.  

So that pretty much sums it up.  Its likely not that different than from all of the babies out there.  As she gets older, I imagine the gap between urban and rural life will grow ever wider. Considering I didn't think I had much to say on this topic, I've certainly written enough.  For those of you who were curious, I hope I answered your question (if you have others, please ask!).  For the other urban moms out there: have I left anything important out?  anything you do differently?