Life

9 Public Transportation Hacks For Parents To Make Commutes Easier

Before you became a parent, you were probably one of those people who threw some serious shade at the mom trying to force her double stroller into a crowded subway car in the middle of rush hour. But now that you find yourself a card-carrying member of the mommy club, you are facing the dirty looks as you fumble through your diaper bag for your subway card, while balancing a cranky baby on your hip. Public transportation with kids can be easy, if you do it right. There are lots of public transportation hacks for parents that will save you lots of time and frustration on your next trip.

Life in the city can be fast, and little kids are notoriously slow. You may have to deal with a meltdown in the middle of your journey, so you have no time for commuting hassles getting in your way. Little things like keeping your important items close by and seeking out the stroller-friendly subway stations can make all of the difference in the world when you're trying to reach your destination quickly. Try some of the tips on this list today, and you might even decide to take the train again tomorrow.

1

Know Before You Go

If you're going somewhere new, take the time to map out your route before you leave home. Apps like Transit App and Moovit are great for giving you door-to-door routes with estimated arrival times.

2

Know Where The Elevators Are

If you're traveling with a stroller, the stairs can be a pain to navigate. If possible, try to start and end at a station with an elevator. You may have to walk a little further, but it's definitely worth it.

3

Know When The Elevators Aren't Working

Now that you know where the elevators are, you need to know which ones are not in service. Use the MTAs website before you go to check for elevator and escalator outages.

4

Keep Your Transit Card Handy

Stop fumbling through your purse to find your pass. Use a small card holder or case to keep your transit card conveniently close.

5

Leave The Stroller At Home

Wear your baby in a carrier, if possible. You can save yourself the trouble of having to carry a stroller, while keeping your baby close. After all, you don't want too many germy commuters breathing on your little one.

6

Bring A Lighter Stroller If You Need One

If you have to bring your stroller along, leave the big, heavy one at home. Instead, opt for a lighter model. Umbrella strollers make trains and buses much easier to manage.

7

Text For Time

Little ones are the worst at waiting. Save yourself from having to deal with a bus stop meltdown. The MTA has a super-convenient feature that allows you to text from the bus stop to find out when your bus will arrive.

8

Rock A Crossbody Bag

Backpacks and shoulder bags may be difficult when you're traveling with little ones on mass transit. A lightweight crossbody bag will keep all of our belongings safe and convenient to access.

9

Use A Strap

A shoulder strap can be a life-saving convenience when traveling with bulky baby gear. Throw your stroller over your shoulder to leave your hands free during your trip.