Traveling to the Big Apple with a baby can be tricky if you do not plan in advance. Although a trip sounds like fun, the idea of packing and traveling with a child for the first time might be terrifying.

Here are some tips that will come in handy when traveling to NYC with a toddler:

Pack Wisely

Make sure you pack the right items for you and your child. Remember that you do not have to carry everything; you can pick up items, such as nappies and toiletries, when you arrive at your destination. Your luggage need to be easy to carry because your hands will be busy with the toddler.

Hand Luggage

You also need to make sure your hand luggage is filled with snacks and toys to keep your child occupied. If you do not want any midflight embarrassments, fellow passenger eye rolls and other distractions, pack his or her favorite toy to keep him or her occupied.

Sleeping

If your accommodation does not have a travel cot, you could consider taking your own. If you will be moving around, a travel cot will help your toddler to sleep better because it will be familiar. Also, buy a mosquito net to protect your child from insects.

Things to Do

Children’s Museum

You can spend the day in the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, especially if the weather is not good. This museum is a five-story building that is located in Upper West Manhattan and filled with things to look at and explore. The ticket will allow you to come back on the same day even if you leave for lunch.

Exciting Eats

Choosing what to eat in New York is an adventure in itself. Your child might choose to eat fries everyday or mix it up with pizza. You can eat your first food-truck taco and share your food to avoid wastage.

Central Park

You cannot say that you have been to New York if you do not visit Central Park, which a classic and free NY experience. You can hire a horse and carriage, watch people, do all sorts of physical activity or rent bikes and ride them together. However, if your child cannot ride a bike yet, carry him or her on yours.

Coney Island

If you are renting a hotel in Queens, you can take the F train to Coney Island. The beach there is huge and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Coney Island is famous for its hot dogs, so do not forget to buy one for yourself and your child.

Getting Around

Public transit in NYC is easy but you should choose the most convenient means of transport for you and your child. The cheapest way of getting around the city is by train. However, if you are pushing a stroller, try to avoid the subways altogether because they are not the most stroller-friendly.

If you want to see several attractions but have no idea where to start, consider letting a professional lead the way on a New York sightseeing bus. You won’t have to bother with creating a sightseeing itinerary or with the navigation through the busy traffic.

Accommodation

If you have friends in New York, staying with them for the duration of your trip will save money. If you have nobody to accommodate you, choose the one close to the attractions you want to visit that also fits your budget.

You also need to think about the amount of room that you will need. Most 5-star accommodations have small bedrooms and this might not work if you have a baby. Whatever you do, make sure you book a hotel before embarking on your trip.