Boston Baby
Are you looking for a compact, portable reference to help navigate the kid-friendly ins and outs of our fair city? Today I share my thoughts on Kim Foley MacKinnon's new book, Boston Baby: A Field Guide for Urban Parents. Read on for my review, as well as to learn about an opportunity to meet Kim and eat well tomorrow at Aura Restaurant, and be one of three winners to receive a copy of Boston Baby:
Being a Boston lifer, I know a considerable amount about the ins and outs of this city and its surrounds, but I'm always happy when a local guidebook comes along and points me to some cool leads I don't already know about. Such is the case with Kim Foley MacKinnon's Boston Baby: A Field Guide for Urban Parents. Slim enough to stow in your diaper bag for on the go referencing, this book hones its scope on Boston, Cambridge, Newton, and Brookline (though it does include some notable mentions beyond those borders) and covers support groups and classes, postpartum resources, classes and gyms, indoor and outdoor adventures and attractions, family friendly dining spots, play spaces, retailers, and day trips. MacKinnon even bravely wades into the child care, preschool, and Boston public school system waters.
I know Kim via her work at Daily Candy Kids, Boston and our paths have crossed a few times over the last year or so at media events. However, she's so humble and laid back that we talked about Boston Baby briefly in the early stages, but otherwise, I didn't hear a peep about the book until I received a press copy (and was honored to see Boston Mamas listed as a web resource).
But that's not why I'm recommending the book. Though I do wish this book featured a page index in the back, otherwise, Boston Baby is a thoughtfully compiled, well organized little volume packed with a wealth of information; it's a great pick for new and seasoned local parents. And an unexpected benefit? It recently helped me help a reader. Just the other week a mom wrote in asking about cooking classes for kids. This is not an area I've covered editorially since I do a lot of cooking and baking at home with Laurel and subsequently have never had reason to explore cooking classes. But just like that, I was able to thumb through and point my reader to a couple of leads from Kim's book (and also recommend the book itself!).
Even if you don't reside in Boston proper, Boston Baby offers plenty of fodder for exploration, whether you want to take advantage of Kim's family-friendly out of town getaway recommendations, or take a jaunt into the city and neighboring communities to shop, connect with other parents, eat real food, and explore cultural offerings.
Intrigued about Boston Baby? Of course you are! So:
1. If you want to meet Kim and nosh on some fantastic food, reserve a spot at Aura Restaurant's "I Love My Boston Baby" family-style dining event tomorrow, March 5. Kim will be signing copies of Boston Baby and chef Rachel Klein will offer kid-friendly fare and a fine prix-fixe menu for parents. Extra bonus: staff from ArtBeat will be on hand to lead craft activities for the kids.
2. Want to be one of three winners to receive a copy of Boston Baby? Here's how:
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winners Phyllis, Caitlin, and Kate!
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*Three lucky winners (drawn using Random.org) will receive a copy of Boston Baby ($18 value).
Comments
In case you miss this event, you can also see Kim at The Blue Bunny in Dedham, next Thursday the 11th from 7-8:30pm. It's an open house, adults only!
Posted by: Dawn | March 5, 2010 10:02 AM | Reply to this comment
i wish i had this book in hand need advice ASAP....
Posted by: mary ann | March 8, 2010 10:06 AM | Reply to this comment
Does this book cover traveling on the bus? We are looking at relocating to Boston, with a 3 mth old. Yes, we are crazy. Coming from the South and big spaces, I am terrified by two things: an infant on the bus system and infant in snowy weather. We will be leaving our car behind and I have no experience with snow.
Posted by: Denae | December 16, 2010 3:31 PM | Reply to this comment
Hi Denae,
The book doesn't dedicate a chapter to public transit but Boston is a really great city re: public transit. You can get your stroller up onto buses via the wheelchair lift and many stations have elevators. If you have more specific questions about public transit with kids in Boston, please let me know. One of my contributors is an urban planner/public transit devotee (she literally does not drive at all!) and I'm sure she'd be happy to answer specific questions.
-Christine
Posted by: Christine Koh - Editor replied to comment from Denae | December 21, 2010 3:45 PM | Reply to this comment
We are looking for as affordable as we can get around Jamacia Pond. Brookline was outrageous for a 2/1 bedroom flat. Something $1,300 or less would be ideal.
Would north-east of the pond be more transportation friendly? My hubs would be going to school just west of the pond.
I used to live in a small walkable town without children and had no issues. We also waited less than 10 minutes to get on a bus, it wasnt crowded, and rarely colder than 50 degrees. I currently live in a suburb spral, the true LA kind and have never seen snow.
Lets see specific questions...
Is it common to bring strollers on the bus? Would I not need a car seat? You cant strap a car seat into a city bus right?? I assume a baby carrier (ergo?) is the best way to get the kiddo to daycare and back. How do you keep an infant warm enough for the bus wait and trek to where ever you go? The snow suit doesnt look like it really comes in small baby sizes much less fit in an infant carrier. Is this area really walkable? How do you grocery shop with an infant while not having a car?
I am trying to get the idea of how this city is planned but its seems to make little sense. Roughly around squares? There seems to not be strong commercial centers in these not downtown(CBD) areas. Around the squares seem to have sidewalks but the area around the pond seems to not. I dont relish the idea of walking a stroller on the side of the street especially with the Boston driver reputation.
I feel stupid asking this stuff but its currently 79 degree and the week before christmas. The nearest bus to my job is about an hour walk and its one of a handful (maybe 5?) of stops in a 9 mile radius. This is honestly out of my element.
With the hubs getting his masters we would be going to a single income and it looks like we could save a lot of money by not bringing our Honda Civic .. if we can make it work.
Thank for your help!
Posted by: Denae replied to comment from Christine Koh - Editor | December 21, 2010 4:38 PM | Reply to this comment