infant car seat carrier strap

infant car seat carrier strap
Best (and safest) ways to get around San Francisco with a 6 month old?

We are going to SF on vacation and taking our 6 month old daughter. I’m wondering about the best ways to get around with her if we want to go places that are not within walking distance of our hotel (we aren’t renting a car). How does BART work with an infant? Can you take on a stroller? Does she need her own pass? What about a taxi? Do you just strap the infant carrier (without the base?) into the taxi’s back seat? I would think the cable car would not be a safe alternative, right? Any information and experience would be appreciated. Thanks!

Question: Best (and safest) ways to get around San Francisco with a 6 month old? We are going to SF on vacation and taking our 6 month old daughter. I’m wondering about the best ways to get around with her if we want to go places that are not within walking distance of our hotel (we aren’t renting a car). How does BART work with an infant? Can you take on a stroller? Does she need her own pass? What about a taxi? Do you just strap the infant carrier (without the base?) into the taxi’s back seat? I would think the cable car would not be a safe alternative, right? Any information and experience would be appreciated. Thanks!

OK, many questions here, but I’ll try to answer them with the knowledge I possess as a long-time Bay Area native.

1. Best (and safest) ways to get around San Francisco with a 6 month old?
In general, BART is a very safe way to get around, although many cool and fun destinations aren’t particularly close to the stations. You’ll be able to see a lot of things in the SOMA (South of Market Area) and also downtown. If you want to see the Legion of Honor or the SF Zoo on Sloat, then you’ll need to make other arrangements.

If you are traveling to the East Bay, there are several stations which have high rates of street crime. Avoid MacArthur, West Grand, Fruitvale, and Coliseum stations after dark. They can be scary places.

2. How does BART work with an infant? Can you take on a stroller? Does she need her own pass?
http://www.bart.gov/tickets/types/types.asp
I don’t have personal experience traveling with an infant myself, but that URL indicates children 4 and under ride for free. I’ve seen numerous strollers on BART in the past. In general, it’s far less crowded during non-commute hours. During 7-8AM and 4-6PM the trains are often standing room only and a stroller might be a bit trickier. During non-commute hours, you should have no problems getting around unless there’s some sporting event at the Oakland Coliseum or ATT Park.

3. What about a taxi?
There are a good number of cabs in the areas frequented by visitors, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery, Ghiradelli Square, Pier 39, Coit Tower, and maybe a few other destinations which I’m forgetting. If you happen to other areas, then finding a taxi might be more difficult. If you really get stuck, then it’s possible to call for one, although this involves some waiting.

4. Do you just strap the infant carrier (without the base?) into the taxi’s back seat?
I’m guessing here, since I’ve never ridden in a cab with an infant. However, I think that you want to bring along your car seat (the kind which is incorporated directly into the stroller is best, so it’s two-in-one functionality). Strap in the seat and then put the little one safely in the car seat. Most cab drivers will accommodate this, and if they don’t then it’s best to find another driver. Surely a decent tip will help alleviate any inconvenience the driver might endure by taking a car seat + infant.

5. I would think the cable car would not be a safe alternative, right?
Cable cars are actually quite safe, particularly during the daytime and on weekend when the cars are filled with tourists. Keep aware of your valuables since pickpockets tend to gravitate to where the tourists/travelers hang out! You’ll have to carry your baby the entire time. It’s not a stroller-friendly mode of transportation, but it’s a worthwhile experience if you haven’t ridden the cars before.

6. Other info
The tenderloin district is VERY unsafe. Avoid this area unless there’s something which is a must-see on your agenda. There are other non-safe neighborhoods, but I doubt you’ll be making a trip to Hunters Point where Candlestick Park is located.

Muni is another option, although I really don’t recommend it. It’s *somewhat* safe, but the buses do get crowded and there are sometimes shady/seedy individuals riding on them.

I suggest plotting out your course of action on BART where possible, making sure it’s a walkable distance to the final destination. If BART isn’t going to work, then get the hotel concierge to offer suggestions — most likely they’ll recommend taking a taxi.

As a general rule, watch your belongings closely in high traffic areas where there are tourists around. I mentioned this before, but it’s worth repeating. Common sense rules also apply — avoid dimly lit streets and try to keep the bulk of your sightseeing in the daylight.

Have fun in SF! I hope this helps.