Carfree in Boston with kids (Cambridge: loan, neighborhood, school)

[new2mass]

I have been living in Boston for almost seven years now and I've been carfree most of that time. I had a loaner for about two years, mostly for short out of town trips necessary for work, but quickly gave up the loaner once I was working full-time in the city again. I'm pretty committed to living carfree as I found I don't really need a car to do the things I need to do in Boston. Living with a car was more of a hassle than a convenience for me. I commute to Cambridge for work (about 30 minutes on the Red Line) and do just about everything else in my neighborhood in Dorchester -- short bus or train trips to visit friends, walk to the grocery store and pharmacy, etc. Several parks are in close walking distance as well as a few childcare options.

I'm expecting my first child in June () and am so far planning to continue my carfree lifestyle. I am interested in hearing the experiences of other Bostonians who live carfree with kids. I'm not a biker so I don't plan on getting a family or cargo bike. My main means of transportation are bus, train, and walking, though I will reserve a zipcar for special occasions. I know Bostonians are not particularly kind about strollers on the subway and buses. Are there certain train lines you avoid with an infant or child? How well does it work taking an infant in a soft carrier on the bus or train? Are there certain things you find it necessary to have a car for with kids? Any trick or tips for being carfree in Boston with an infant?

Thanks!

[charolastra00]

I have a few friends with kids in Dorchester and Cambridge - strollers are fine on the red line, just be careful around rush hour. I think most of us get annoyed with the gigantor strollers taking up the space that 5 people could stand in (and bumping into everyone around!) - the green line seems to be the worst for this for whatever reason.

Babywearing seems to be the most common way of getting around - but that's less practical once baby gets to be a toddler.

Congratulations!

[Estate28]

Yeah, I'll give my +1 to the above comment.
If you go car free now a baby doesn't have the change that. Bostons transport makes things accessible as you know.
It's not just a Boston thing though, it can bother people in any city, especially when things are busy when someone insists that they, their child and their 3 ton stroller are the most important thing in the world.

As long as you are respectful of other people and thier space it should be a big deal.
(i.e. it's it's rush hour, would it be easier for you and everyone to fold up the stroller on the platform and carry your child until you get off? Things like that.)

[queenbee78]

I have two kids (2 and 5) and I have had no issues with taking the trains. As long as your stroller is not in everyone's way, I think you will be ok.

[eevee]

Originally Posted by new2mass

I have been living in Boston for almost seven years now and I've been carfree most of that time. I had a loaner for about two years, mostly for short out of town trips necessary for work, but quickly gave up the loaner once I was working full-time in the city again. I'm pretty committed to living carfree as I found I don't really need a car to do the things I need to do in Boston. Living with a car was more of a hassle than a convenience for me. I commute to Cambridge for work (about 30 minutes on the Red Line) and do just about everything else in my neighborhood in Dorchester -- short bus or train trips to visit friends, walk to the grocery store and pharmacy, etc. Several parks are in close walking distance as well as a few childcare options.

I'm expecting my first child in June () and am so far planning to continue my carfree lifestyle. I am interested in hearing the experiences of other Bostonians who live carfree with kids. I'm not a biker so I don't plan on getting a family or cargo bike. My main means of transportation are bus, train, and walking, though I will reserve a zipcar for special occasions. I know Bostonians are not particularly kind about strollers on the subway and buses. Are there certain train lines you avoid with an infant or child? How well does it work taking an infant in a soft carrier on the bus or train? Are there certain things you find it necessary to have a car for with kids? Any trick or tips for being carfree in Boston with an infant?

Thanks!

You should be fine, especially since you've already put yourself in a position where living car-free is feasible (e.g., walkable neighborhood, easy commute to work). I would look into baby wearing while the baby is small. It'll free up hands, make getting around a bit easier (no need to worry about elevators and ramps), and allows you to commute during rush hour on public transportation without getting any evil stares. For an older child, umbrella strollers work great for quick trips on the T. I would try to avoid using "Cadillac" strollers on the T unless it's not during rush hour. Even with such a stroller, you should be fine on the train; it's mostly on the bus where strollers can become a bit of an issue. Oh, and most importantly, keep the stroller off the escalator! I've seen quite a few tumbles when parents put strollers on escalators.

I would suggest you invest in some key items:
-baby wrap, preferably convertible ones that allows you to wear the baby in multiple ways
-umbrella stroller for when the child is a bit older and you need to take trips during busy times
-larger stroller, like a jogger or anything with good sized wheels and a bit of storage, for long walks and trips on the T where it won't be an issue (just keep in mind which stops have elevators and that such a stroller on the green line can suck, especially on the old school trolleys).