1) Join a mommy’s group. Even if you have lived in Brooklyn your entire life, it all changes once you have a baby. To adjust, attend one of the many groups throughout the borough. Groups like Baby Bites in Brooklyn host new moms luncheons, and stores like Boing Boing in Park Slope and Still Hip Brooklyn in Clinton Hill also host new moms groups.
2) Join a Yahoo Group. There are many Yahoo Groups for Brooklyn parents. Popular groups include Park Slope Parents, Bococa _Parents, Bay _Ridge _Parents, fortgreenebabies, and many others. These boards are an invaluable resources for new parents. You can meet other parents through new parents, get gently used items for your child, and find out about other local parenting info.
3) If you are having problems nursing, call a lactation consultant. There are many consultants in Brooklyn, plus breastfeeding support groups.
4) Get out of your apartment. Even if it’s the dead of winter, head to a coffee shop and surround yourself with people. Also, many Brooklyn cafes, like The Perch Cafe and the Tea Lounge in Park Slope and The Moxie Spot in Brooklyn Heights, offer kids’ music and story hours for babies and toddlers.
5) Do stuff activities both you and your baby will enjoy. Go for a stroll around the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens—it’s, which is free to the public on Tuesdays— or look at art in the Brooklyn Museum while your baby naps in the stroller.
6) Buy a stroller that works for your lifestyle. If you like to travel around the city, look into an umbrella stroller like a Maclaren— since it’s easy to bring on the subway.
7) Buy a sling or a Baby Bjorn. It’s an easy way to transport your baby around the city streets.
8) If you live in two-bedroom apartment, you don’t need a baby monitor.
If you’re interested in an expectant parent workshop, contact Alison at alison@brooklynbaby.com. And check out this one happening on Saturday!
