Where to go with baby in Philly?
Hanging out with the Fam is hard work
Our baby daughter is one month old!
As new parents, trying to maintain some normalcy in social life has been hard. Even a causal outing or catching up with friends and family are always restricted by feeding and nap time. But the biggest challenge remains: WHERE CAN WE GO? Where are the change and feeding facilities? Is the place too loud for sleepy babies? Can my stroller fit through the aisles without upsetting other patrons? With restless child(ren), stroller and diaper bag full of gears in tow, some research before heading out is needed to avoid frustration and chaos.
While we often search on Google to avoid overly-popular times, and Yelp for perspective condition, a more concise guide for quick reference is needed. The map below are information I’ve collected for eateries and public venues in Philadelphia with regards to their family-friendliness. They are tagged in green, orange or red markers to show the level of parental effort required to visit these places; Green markers being quite well equipped, and red markets means no really for young children.
It is quite disappointing that many of the local establishments do not even have the basic equipment like change table. I have many times, within this short month, resorted to changing my baby on the seat of cafes. However discreet we were trying, the experience was not pleasant for both myself and my child, and certainly not for fellow cafe-goers either, I expect. The alternative was to change the baby in cramped toilet cubicle, either over my lap or on the floor, which is too technically challenging for us rookie parents right now. But once the baby gets older and won’t stay still anymore, we will probably have to master that skill. It’s public bathroom floor or get stuck at home in perpetuity.
I’ll be adding more places to the map progressively. Feel free to comment below! And share with us your favorite places to enjoy with your little one.