Public Transport Etiquette, the Do's and Dont's for New Moms

If you’re a new big city mom, you’re facing challenges that your suburban counterpart doesn’t need to think about. You may not have grown up in the city, so your own mom might not have sound advice for when you and your baby have to navigate that kind of bustling environment. If this sounds like you, fear not, because you can easily raise a family in a big city with the right tools and advice.

Getting around can be difficult in a city even when you’re flying solo. Now that you’ll be traveling for two, you’ll need to plan ahead to make the experience as stress-free as possible. To avoid dirty looks from others, here are a few do’s and don’ts that’ll help you out with transportation.

Feeding Your Baby in Public

As if being a mom isn’t hard enough, there’s such a stigma against breastfeeding in public. Mothers who are just giving their babies what they need end up being harassed for doing their natural job. There’ll probably come a time when either your baby gets hungry and starts to cry or you can’t go any longer without pumping while you’re commuting or traveling. In order to avoid a scene, you need to be able to feed and pump discreetly. If you know you’re going to be going out and you don’t want to be challenged by ignorant people, try to remember to prepare a bottle and pack it in a refrigerated container or a cooler with an ice-pack.

As far as pumping is concerned, technology has improved dramatically since your mom had you. You can now get a hands-free pump bra that’s simple and comfortable to use. Although breast pumps still aren’t yet discreet enough to have a full-fledged pump session without breast shields for additional coverage on the bus, hands-free pumps allow you to pump at your desk before you leave work while still getting your end-of-day work done. You’re a busy mom and pumping takes a lot of time.

Your pump bra can also be your nursing bra while you’re out, so it’s important that it’s as comfortable as your favorite sports bra. It’s a good idea to find one that’s made of a spandex blend so that it moves with you while you work. Some even have straps and Velcro. You’ll be able to make an adjustment in size as your postpartum body changes. Buying a pumping bra will streamline your day, so you can get back to the things that you like and need to do.

Covering All Your Bases

Sometimes, it’s just not possible to get somewhere you need to go on a bus or train, especially depending on the city you live in. In that case, your transportation’s going to be less public and more private. Buying a car can already be intimidating when you’re taking into consideration safety features and other elements that pertain to general customer satisfaction with the make and model. In addition to the actual car and car seat, you also need the best car insurance possible.

Depending on which car insurance company you go with, you’ll get different perks and at different rates. It’s important to shop around to see which auto insurer can get you the comprehensive coverage that makes sense for your needs both now and in the future, without breaking the bank on exorbitant auto insurance rates. For example, if you know you’re a good driver, you might be able to get a lower car insurance rate at one company. If you’re planning for the future, you should make sure your auto insurance policy could cover a teen driver when your little one is of age. Also, you're bound to have your hands full, so make sure you have roadside assistance in case your car breaks down while you and your baby are out. Accident forgiveness is also a perk you’ll want, but hopefully never need.