https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:18:27 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/public-transit-with-an-infant#post-2728275 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 12:08:09 +0000 PawPrints 2728275@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Totally fine to take baby on the bus without a carseat. Carrier or stroller both work fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/public-transit-with-an-infant#post-2728232 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 11:03:22 +0000 MrsLonghorn 2728232@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>thanks ladies!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/public-transit-with-an-infant#post-2726883 Thu, 20 Apr 2017 14:03:11 +0000 KT326 2726883@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: We have some pretty strict seat belt and carseat laws! Kids have to be in a booster until 8 years old or 4'9". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/public-transit-with-an-infant#post-2726882 Thu, 20 Apr 2017 14:01:48 +0000 Foodnerd81 2726882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@KT326: oh wow, under 8? That is surprising (but not bad, in my opinion). But yes now that @MrsBucky: mentions it o do remember Uber's have the imme go, forward facing only seats. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/public-transit-with-an-infant#post-2726877 Thu, 20 Apr 2017 13:53:10 +0000 KT326 2726877@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBucky: good to know! I've never used it, just heard of it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/public-transit-with-an-infant#post-2726874 Thu, 20 Apr 2017 13:52:29 +0000 KT326 2726874@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: I think California is one of the few states that requires an appropriate car seat for children under 8 in a taxi. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/public-transit-with-an-infant#post-2726851 Thu, 20 Apr 2017 13:26:03 +0000 Foodnerd81 2726851@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I avoided taxis unless I had the car seat with me (like attached to the stroller) anyway. Buses I did like other people said, either the stroller or I wore her in the carrier. I felt ok with buses since they never go fast and are so big. I personally wouldn't take a taxi without a car seat even though it is legal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/public-transit-with-an-infant#post-2726792 Thu, 20 Apr 2017 12:09:59 +0000 MrsBucky 2726792@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I believe uber baby car seats are all forward facing, so I don't think it would work for an infant, fwiw. I always found installing He infant seat to be easy in taxis. It's the convertibles that are impossible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/public-transit-with-an-infant#post-2726751 Thu, 20 Apr 2017 11:34:17 +0000 lioneyes 2726751@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We took the bus all the time when DS was an infant. He would be in the carrier, and you can also do the carrier in taxis (they are exempt from the car seat rule). When he got bigger (and still) we use the umbrella stroller; he sits in it, buckled in with the brake on. On a crowded bus it's annoying, but usually is ok, and I always have the option of collapsing it but it never seems worth it for a short trip. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/public-transit-with-an-infant#post-2726740 Thu, 20 Apr 2017 11:20:02 +0000 KT326 2726740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Depending on where she is staying, walking may be the easiest. </p> <p>This is from the Muni website: </p> <p>Strollers:</p> <p>Collapsible strollers are allowed on all Muni buses. Passengers with strollers may request the use of the lift/ramp and may leave strollers in the open position as long as the stroller is under their control and the wheel brake is set. Children are allowed to ride in their stroller. We recommend that the child’s seat belt be fastened. Strollers may not block the wheelchair securement areas or interfere with passenger movement.</p> <p>Also, UberX can provide a car with a carseat for a $10 surcharge. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/public-transit-with-an-infant#post-2726660 Thu, 20 Apr 2017 10:03:58 +0000 catlady 2726660@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The easiest thing is to just wear the baby in a carrier. This is particularly good during busy times, when it would be hard/impossible to get a stroller on board a busy train or bus. However, I do use the stroller on weekends when public transit is less busy and generally you can roll your stroller onto a train and even a bus if there is room (I assume this is the same in SF as it is here in Boston). I avoid cabs completely but yes, you can definitely install a carseat in one if you have to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/public-transit-with-an-infant#post-2726645 Thu, 20 Apr 2017 09:39:26 +0000 Anagram 2726645@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>On the bus, you can't install a car seat. I don't ride the bus very frequently but I have a handle of times with the kids when they were under 1 and I just held them.</p> <p>At her kid's age, the bucket seat with a snapNgo or other lightweight stroller that the bucket seat attaches to is her best bet. I have taken taxis and ubers with the bucket seat and it was no problem. I didn't use the base, just did the seat belt through the loop quick installation and popped the stroller into the trunk. But she should make sure she can do it herself, and quickly, because they aren't going to help at all.</p> <p>Also, in SF...where will she be staying? I feel like public transportation + walking is enough to not really need the carseat much. We went there when LO1 was about 1 year old and once we were in the city, I don't recall needing the car seat. I think we walked, took the bus, or took the cable cars around town since we were mainly going to touristy sites and early dinners. We also rented bikes with a childseat to bike across the golden gate bridge to the lookout point and into Sauselito one day. But we mostly walked! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/public-transit-with-an-infant#post-2726643 Thu, 20 Apr 2017 09:39:06 +0000 Iced Tea 2726643@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Well, most buses will not have seat belts. People wear or carry the baby, or keep the baby strapped in the infant seat (not installed). If you are using a stroller, then you'll likely be required to fold the stroller before boarding the bus. It seems scary, perhaps, but buses are statistically much less likely than cars to be involved in a crash. </p> <p>For taxis, some cities exempt the car seat requirement (but I can't recommend this, given the safety hazard). Personally, we avoided using a taxi except from the airport into the city. It's possible, but can be frustrating, to install a car seat in a taxi. There may also be a family-friendly car service (with car seats included) you can call instead of a taxi, though this would mean wondering if the seat was clean, safe, and correctly installed, I bet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/public-transit-with-an-infant#post-2726633 Thu, 20 Apr 2017 09:26:48 +0000 MrsLonghorn 2726633@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A friend is visiting San Francisco soon with her infant and asked what to do about cabs/busses. DS is 6 months, so obviously has to be in a car seat still...how does that work? Do you just lug your seat with you and install it in every vehicle? How does the bus work?</p> <p>She asked me because we visit NYC a lot, but during that infant stage we didn't really take public transit, so I don't have an answer for her! We live in Dallas which is VERY car dependent, so she's never used any form of public transit with her son. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/afternoon-in-san-francisco-travel-tips#post-2569129 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 16:26:06 +0000 sunny 2569129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I loved visiting the Ferry building when I was there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/afternoon-in-san-francisco-travel-tips#post-2569065 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:53:53 +0000 stratosphere 2569065@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JennyPenny: No problem! If it's a nice/warm day the day you head up to Muir Woods, my favorite spot for pics of/with the Golden Gate Bridge is Crissy Field. It is gorgeous, has TONS of free parking, and a super long beach with awesome views of the bridge (and Marin across the bay). It's got a fantastic walking/biking trail that runs the length of the beach all the way up to Ft Point (a historic fort just under the GG Bridge) and past The Warming Hut, a National Parks Service-run cafe/bookstore that I LOVE. On super foggy/windy days, Crissy Field can be COOOLD but on those awesome sunny SF days the beach is heaven there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/afternoon-in-san-francisco-travel-tips#post-2569061 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:49:17 +0000 snowjewelz 2569061@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JennyPenny: Haha yes! Take a nice leisurely nap for me pls! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/afternoon-in-san-francisco-travel-tips#post-2569060 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:44:00 +0000 JennyPenny 2569060@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@stratosphere: Oh man, that food/shopping walk sounds awesome! I've got plans to do Muir Woods with DH and we've both done Alcatraz, but what you described sounds like exactly what I was looking for - with tips for specific spots. Thanks!<br /> @snowjewelz: Confirmed - Ferry Building! Maybe a nap first ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/afternoon-in-san-francisco-travel-tips#post-2569026 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:14:28 +0000 snowjewelz 2569026@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would've taken a nice long shower and a nap, hahaha! </p> <p>Given I want to go out, I'd probably grab a treat at Ferry Building and browse, then pick a spot to sit out overlooking the water. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/afternoon-in-san-francisco-travel-tips#post-2569017 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 13:52:02 +0000 stratosphere 2569017@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For a fun food/shopping crawl that will also show you the "real"/hipster SF, you could start at the Ferry Building (near your hotel) and browse/shop/eat there and then take BART from the Embarcadero Station nearby a few stops south to 24th/Mission. From there you'd walk a block over to Valencia Street and just stroll up that super hipster shopping/coffee/restaurant street (with a detour on 18th St over toward Guerrero to check out rightfully famous Tartine Bakery, which often has a long line, but it moves pretty quickly, and perhaps get a cone at BiRite Creamery--the salted caramel there is divine). If it's a gorgeous day you could stop at nearby Dolores Park (just beyond BiRite Creamery) and walk up to "top" of the park where there are amazing city views. On the weekends Dolores Park is packed with beautiful young hipsters parading around in their festival finest or having PBR picnics--people-watching at its finest.</p> <p>Continue your stroll up Valencia Street and then, if you're up for a little more walking, stroll on up to Hayes Street, another great shopping/retail street with cool boutiques and restaurants/bars, etc. If you didn't already get your ice cream fill at BiRite Creamery (on 18th) you have another chance to sample a local cult ice cream favorite, Smitten (on Octavia near Hayes), with super yummy seasonal flavors. After you're done on Hayes I'd just grab an Uber back to your hotel. Parking within SF is a royal pain, so I'd leave your car. </p> <p>But if you're a nature lover and especially if it's a weekday, another option is to drive over the Golden Gate bridge and head to Muir Woods (part of the National Parks system, and full of AMAZING old growth redwood trees yet only 30-40 min drive from downtown SF). It is my happy place (first date with DH was a hike there, we got engaged there, I told him I was expecting LO there...it's a magic place). But it gets super packed on Sat/Sun when it becomes kind of a hassle to visit with lack of parking/needing to take a shuttle, etc. so I recommend it for a weekday. But you might not have enough time for that before your husband arrives unless you can start the drive up there by noon or 1pm.</p> <p>If you haven't been to Alcatraz, it is my favorite thing to do with visitors. Fun ferry ride from the Embarcadero to get there, and great views of the city and Golden Gate, plus an amazing audio tour of the Rock itself (don't skip the audio tour!). Your DH might be jealous if he's never been though...</p> <p>Have fun!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/afternoon-in-san-francisco-travel-tips#post-2568934 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 12:35:52 +0000 JennyPenny 2568934@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've got an afternoon to myself in SF coming up and I have no idea what to do with my time. I've been before so I've seen a lot of the major touristy things. My husband will be joining up with me at 6pm so I also don't want to do anything he'd feel really bummed about missing or that would be better to do with him. I'm staying near the Embarcadero Center. I'll have a car, but also love walking and am comfortable walking long distances. Any fun ideas? </p> <p>Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-sfbay-areasv-moms-advice-on-relocation#post-2522163 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 08:16:12 +0000 irene 2522163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you everyone for all the thoughts.... I guess one thing for sure it is unreasonably expensive. Sigh. Why would none of the people move away, I wonder?! All of them would have been living in a gigantic mansion with swimming pools and butler and maids if they were to live ANYWHERE ELSE.</p> <p>OK. Why don't you guys all pray for me that somehow somewhere the PERFECT job locally would open, DH applies for it and he gets in and we don't have to worry about all these? Grrr.....</p> <p>Again everyone, we have lived there before for 4 years, in San Mateo, then Redwood City. When we moved there in 2000 at the edge of the dot com crash (when everything was sooooo insane), my rent to a 2 bedroom ugly apartment that we could actually get, on the ground floor in a miserable place, was $2195 for rent. And it was the only thing that we could get in without a waiting list. We moved in 2003 to redwood city to a lovely 2 bedroom duplex right next to caltrain station with double paned windows, it was $1995. I know it is way worse now because the duplex in Redwood city is now rented for close to 3k. My friend's house in Noe Valley SF is appraised 7 million, and it is just a very cozy cute, nothing fancy tiny place. So I know it is expensive. Guess why I didn't want to go????</p> <p>Another one thing I worry about is schools. Sorry I forgot who said this (could not find it now), that mountain view/palo alto has the best schools in the country. We read an article that schools are becoming more segregated and these schools are great because they are mostly made up of asian population. There are schools that has 95% asians and a handful for everybody else. One thing I really love about where we are now is everything is so diverse. I really enjoy it. It never even cross my mind that it will be an issue. </p> <p>@tofuwad: Thank you for all the links! That map was just so unreal. SF is basically 50% more expensive than NYC?!?!?! I talked to the husband, and he said if he doesn't get a certain $$$ offer then he wouldn't leave for sure... and that $$$ is higher than that amount listed on the map. So I guess I am glad he's not just blindly jumping into it for the heck of it. But still. His salary would probably be the primary salary. Reading your response made me sad! Have you guys consider moving, or is he set with staying in the Bay Area?</p> <p>@Anagram: Oh boy, you are describing us.... And yes, that is a cute house! I wonder why is it priced so low (under a million).... the first thing that came to my mind was is it haunted? hahaha. Our existing 3-story housein Atlanta is half that price... and we can afford 0.2 houses basically for most of the houses in the Bay Area / SF. And you can be a real estate agent when work is slow ;-) ETA: I showed it to DH and he said it is an apartment not a house. Ah. but I'd take that! :-)</p> <p>@ShootingStar: Yes he's in technology.... dont want to go into too much detail as this is not a Gold thread :-) . He has mentioned that jobs are mostly in Texas, and we both don't want to move there. I didn't know about NC Triangle area... let me tell him about it... And it's not that it's crazy he didn't talk this over with me before applying, it is that either he has a job, or he has no job (and income) if we stay in Atlanta. You know? So I kinda understand. He did apply to this other thing in Atlanta but he was late, that opportunity was filled, and you have no idea how BUMMED I was. And then there is really nothing much left. ETA: Just told DH about NC triangle area... he said he doesn't want to go there because he doesn't want to shovel snow. lol. Priorities.</p> <p>@gingerbebe: Yeah, I don't think we can make 300k... We used to before DS and before I gave up my career. mm. But we also only have one kid. Phew. Oh great now what lol</p> <p>@lemong: Yes I hope you will share your experience if you have time! I used to ride caltrain to commute from san mateo / redwood city to sf for 4 years too. While I complain DH never did (He goes the otherway to SV). He really enjoyed the exercise he got from biking daily from the train station to the office and back. We'll see.</p> <p>@Boogs: I can't tell too much! Sorry... It is not one of the big ones like facebook or google or apple that's for sure.... although I was headhunted by Apple many many MANY years ago when we were still in the Bay area... but I was so over it back then and was happy to move back....</p> <p>@sooz: Thats what I heard from my friend about the school system in SF. And Thank you for the positive note :) Like I said, we read an article that yes Palo Alto Los Altos and Cupertino has great schools but they are very segregated with mostly (90%) asian population. I just wish we could be in a more diversed community.... but I guess that's reality right.... And yes, I MISS the Asian/ Chinese food there (I am from Hong Kong originally)!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-sfbay-areasv-moms-advice-on-relocation#post-2521606 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 14:46:56 +0000 sooz 2521606@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I live in the SF Bay Area and I love it. Granted, the cost of living is ridiculously high and rent is the highest in the nation, but there is a reason for that...people love/want to live here.</p> <p>I agree with the other posters and would suggest not living in SF. It isn't the most family friendly and yes, the public school lottery is very challenging. If you're lucky, you can get into a fantastic school, if not, you're stuck with what you get and you can opt out to a private school (which is more money). Also, the commute to SV/South Bay can suck and it's just not worth it.</p> <p>The Peninsula and the South Bay have a ton of families and lots to offer, but I will be completely honest with you...it's expensive and not just a little expensive, it's crazy expensive. Public schools can be a great in the right cities/areas and as other posters have said, those include: Palo Alto, Los Altos, Cupertino. But, it also depends on what you're ok with. Do you want a school with an API of 900+ or are you ok with something lower? The remaining areas have decent schools. </p> <p>And as others have mentioned, rent prices will range anywhere from $2K-$4K for a two bedroom. It just depends which city you want to live in. If you're looking at Palo Alto, you'll need at least $4K and you'll be lucky to find a rental. </p> <p>But, what do you get in return? Everything...I love raising my kids here. We can always find something to do. My kids go to camps/classes at UCB and Stanford. He also be going to a great summer camp, Camp Galileo. The diversity, whether it's going to SF's Chinese New Year parade or the Gay Pride Parade. Or, outside activities, my older son went skiing for the first time this year in Tahoe. The food, we had the best Indian food in Fremont and then dim sum in Oakland. </p> <p>Good luck! I think you'll end up loving the Bay too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-sfbay-areasv-moms-advice-on-relocation#post-2521425 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 13:05:03 +0000 Boogs 2521425@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I'm curious what company it is! It's not a great time to buy now, and renting would be a great way to see if you like an area. A commute from SF to SV every day might get rough. And it just keeps getting worse. I would avoid a commute if you could. Look into Cupertino, super close to SV, great schools, etc...you get what you pay for. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-sfbay-areasv-moms-advice-on-relocation#post-2521367 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 12:01:46 +0000 avivoca 2521367@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@tofuwad: Oh my gosh, the prices on mobile homes there are INSANE. I live in KY, you can get a pretty nice one here for about $100k (like, larger than my 1100 sq. ft. House, nice upgrades, etc.) and lot rent is not that bad. Or you own land and put yours on it (this is what my ILs did). I could not fathom paying that much for a trailer. Not to mention getting over the thought that they are lesser homes, which is the mindset of a lot of city folks here. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-sfbay-areasv-moms-advice-on-relocation#post-2521359 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 11:55:15 +0000 lemong 2521359@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm happy to share my experiences and opinions when I'm not on my phone. But as everyone says, it's super expensive. I just wanted to add that I've been commuting on Caltrain from Palo Alto to SF for about 6 years, and I'm so over it. It's gotten super crowded and Caltrain is trying their best, but the stress of the commute is really starting to grate on me. Commuting is one of the major stressors that can affect quality of life, so I'm ready to take a lower-paying job closer to home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-sfbay-areasv-moms-advice-on-relocation#post-2521310 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 11:16:36 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2521310@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@tofuwad: That's really interesting about the mobile homes. I didnt even know about that except for hearing something about the owners wanting to sell the land. I grew up in San Jose, went to college in SF, and lived in SF for a few years before moving over to the East bay. It's expensive over here too but the peninsula is like an alternate universe. Our friends bought a small condo in PA at the very tip top of their budget and it's such a stress on them. They just get by with two salaries but I think if anything happened... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-sfbay-areasv-moms-advice-on-relocation#post-2521301 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 11:06:36 +0000 tofuwad 2521301@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: basically from my experience you either inherit a home, come from money or have two spouses who make a ton. My husband and I live on his teacher salary in a 1 bedroom. Even people who bought houses 5-10 years ago don't believe me when I tell them how crazy the market is right now. Like they literally don't believe me. </p> <p>And I would expect to pay at least 1.5mil for any house anywhere on the peninsula and up into SF (I'm less familiar with east and north bay prices). If possible I'd budget for around 2mil and that will give a person more reasonable options. </p> <p>From what I've learned living here you just have to change your life expectations. Living here I'll never own a home or have more than two bedrooms, I'll never be able to go on fancy vacations, or send my kids to private schools or sign them up for lessons. I'm totally fine with that and the other people I know in similar circumstances feel the same. Most teachers I know who live in a house are either married to someone who makes over 200k per year or they bought a manufactured home and live in a mobile home park. And honestly, the four star parks on the peninsula are really nice (nicer than apartment complexes because they're full of regular people in it for the long haul, plus they have all the amenities of a complex). I just can't even afford that because you have to buy the home (350-450,000) and then pay rent on your space. And the owners of the parks are trying to close all the mobile home parks because some of that land sells for over 1mil/acre. </p> <p>If anyone ever goes to HMB the mobile home park right off of 92 is mostly populated with people who own BMWs, Ranger Rovers and Mercedes. That's just how expensive it is right now. So you adjust your expectations. </p> <p>Plenty of single parents actually rent rooms and garages and in-law units to get their kids in good school districts. </p> <p>But I'm coming at this from a negative perspective so I'm sorry to be a downer! And sorry for thread jacking and going off on a tangent! Again, I do still live here and I'm okay with potentially raising my kids here in these circumstances because my husband loves his job and we are able to afford rent and bills and food. It is a nice area, it's just crazy expensive.</p> <p>The last thing is check out Below Market Rate housing programs in several cities. You may be surprised at how high your salary can be and still apply. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-sfbay-areasv-moms-advice-on-relocation#post-2521271 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 10:38:08 +0000 gingerbebe 2521271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I do well and we could not afford to live in the Bay Area, much less Silicon Valley. Our friends who live in Oakland, are both professionals make probably close to $300K or more, drive company or paid off used cars, live in a modest rental, and have two kids and they are barely making ends meet. They do a lake vacation locally once a year, have their parents watch their kids one day a week to save on daycare, don't eat out very often, all that. </p> <p>My friends in SV who live well and have their kids in all the activities have like sold companies or come from money or both and they live awesome lives but I cannot fathom how much money it would take to do that. They would have to be making well into 7 figures for sure. I know one who bought a new construction tract home in Palo Alto maybe 2-3 years ago and the base model was like $1.8 million before any options and that's a good deal nowadays. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-sfbay-areasv-moms-advice-on-relocation#post-2521184 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 09:32:47 +0000 ShootingStar 2521184@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Personally, there's no way I'd move to that area. I live outside Boston now, which is way better in COL than SF. And I still want to get away from this area. IDK what your DH does, but I'm assuming it's something in tech. Both DH and I work in tech and SF is not the only place in the country with jobs. Have you checked out the research triangle area of NC? Or Austin, TX? </p> <p>I also think it's kind of crazy your DH didn't really talk this over with you before applying :bummed: . </p>