Mass transportation has always peeked my interest. I love everything about it; planning, building, policy and of course using it. So when we moved to SF, divorcing our car was an unspoken rule, or at least it was for me. We've kept a car for the years we've lived here and is mainly used for my husband's job.
Up until my ninth month I was BMW-ing (BART, MUNI, walking) to get around town. I really learned to appreciate being driven around town for only $2, who wouldn't? Of course there are times when mass transit runs late and it's annoying but I've dealt with it.
Before giving birth, I was sure that I wouldn't change much about commuting, I would obviously give myself more time and be more patient. And then Edward was born. I mean of course you can bring a newborn aboard a bus or train, but the fear of tripping or falling ran through my mind, so I nixed that idea. So can you imagine how relieved I was we had a car. Well I got very comfortable driving around town and enjoyed giving my little boy his personal tour of the City. But realizing the car was not my best friend we planned our first MUNI ride together when Edward was about 4 months. We were heading to a play date in the Upper Haight, I was nervous for many reasons; would he start a crying-fit, would I get paranoid and want off? Mommy and baby did great it. It was nice to slide back into a seat and gaze out the big windows at my beautiful City and stare in amazement as Edward took in his surroundings.
Edward and I are on the bus at least 2x/week. I think he likes it a lot, I know the older women love him! Now that he's getting heavier, a baby carrier isn't always the most comfortable way to travel. One afternoon, I decided to go downtown and bring along the bugaboo. Well I learned the hard way it is not, I repeat not bus-friendly (I won't get into it, but if you really want a good laugh let me know and I'll share). So I stuck to the carrier for awhile until I just caved and invested in a Maclaren Quest. It's lightweight and super easy to fold up, has a great strap to throw over one side as you maneuver your tot on your other side. It is a bit pricey and the cost of those 2 strollers makes my eyes roll. But you do what you must for comfort. Hopefully, they'll last us through the next tot.
Both MUNI and BART have great trip planners. I use Next MUNI, which also finds your location and tells you what bus is near and time of its arrival. Have you ventured on MUNI or BART with your tot(s)? Would love to hear about your experiences.
Love Lots,
Mommy SF
Up until my ninth month I was BMW-ing (BART, MUNI, walking) to get around town. I really learned to appreciate being driven around town for only $2, who wouldn't? Of course there are times when mass transit runs late and it's annoying but I've dealt with it.
Before giving birth, I was sure that I wouldn't change much about commuting, I would obviously give myself more time and be more patient. And then Edward was born. I mean of course you can bring a newborn aboard a bus or train, but the fear of tripping or falling ran through my mind, so I nixed that idea. So can you imagine how relieved I was we had a car. Well I got very comfortable driving around town and enjoyed giving my little boy his personal tour of the City. But realizing the car was not my best friend we planned our first MUNI ride together when Edward was about 4 months. We were heading to a play date in the Upper Haight, I was nervous for many reasons; would he start a crying-fit, would I get paranoid and want off? Mommy and baby did great it. It was nice to slide back into a seat and gaze out the big windows at my beautiful City and stare in amazement as Edward took in his surroundings.
Edward and I are on the bus at least 2x/week. I think he likes it a lot, I know the older women love him! Now that he's getting heavier, a baby carrier isn't always the most comfortable way to travel. One afternoon, I decided to go downtown and bring along the bugaboo. Well I learned the hard way it is not, I repeat not bus-friendly (I won't get into it, but if you really want a good laugh let me know and I'll share). So I stuck to the carrier for awhile until I just caved and invested in a Maclaren Quest. It's lightweight and super easy to fold up, has a great strap to throw over one side as you maneuver your tot on your other side. It is a bit pricey and the cost of those 2 strollers makes my eyes roll. But you do what you must for comfort. Hopefully, they'll last us through the next tot.
Both MUNI and BART have great trip planners. I use Next MUNI, which also finds your location and tells you what bus is near and time of its arrival. Have you ventured on MUNI or BART with your tot(s)? Would love to hear about your experiences.
Love Lots,
Mommy SF
Ha! You'll have to give me a buzz and tell me about the traveling bit. You know I love to hear that stuff! Glad to see Edward is loving mass trans! It's really a great (and eco friendly) way to travel :)
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