6 Things You Don’t Know About Center City Until You Have a Kid

1. The sidewalks are almost un-strollable. Those in wheelchairs already know this. On too many sidewalks, cracks are high and wide, and bricks that don’t look loose are just that. The smoothest streets are Broad and Walnut, where taking the baby for a walk is actually a pleasure. Too bad getting there is hell. Your eyes have to be peeled to the street, and I’ve heard horror stories of strollers tipping over and kids falling out. I crave the smooth, clean sidewalks of Manhattan. Hell, even L.A., the most un-walkable city in America has safer sidewalks.

2. We will get hit by a bike before we get hit by a car. It’s like bikers see green as go, yellow as go faster, and red as, eff it, go anyway.

3. It’s hard to get into a lot of places. Historic buildings give our city its special charm, but they are also architecturally protected, so don’t have ramps or elevators. Let me be clear: I’m talking about places that are vital for new moms, like Anthropologie. Thankfully, the sweet girls who work the door know that carrying strollers up the steps is part of the job, three-inch platforms or not.

4. There are a lot of resources for kids and moms—which is really surprising given the fact that there are only about 2,000 babies born in Center City a year. I mean, lots of stuff: free breastfeeding support groups, playgroups, art and music classes, gyms, mom/baby yoga classes, stroller workouts, Nest, nannies, daycares and preschools and great pediatricians. The list goes on and on. (Not to mention how nice and supportive new moms—women who probably wouldn’t have held the door for each other pre-baby—are.)

5. Center City dwellers are surprisingly patient and sweet to those of us with crying babies and bulky strollers. I’m in awe of how many doors are held, lines are offered to be cut, and “congratulations” or “she’s adorable” are uttered by strangers. I’m talking about unexpected strangers, like tatted-up bike messengers and suited-up CEOs. That is, unless …

6. … It’s lunchtime. Center City worker bees have zero patience during their lunch break. I know, I know, you are so busy, and so tired, and so stressed, and so important, but still. I’m looking at you customers of HipCityVeg. I know it’s small, but would it kill you to walk around the stroller to pick up your smoked tempeh spinach salad? Or maybe you are just hungry. Eat some meat.