Miami is not exactly a destination that screams “Let’s bring the baby!”, but that’s where we ended up spending the New Year’s holiday, first at a hotel in South Beach and then at a private high-rise residence in midtown for NYE and the fireworks.
We really like to travel for NYE and see no reason why that should stop now that we have the munchkin. However, figuring out what was possible for ringing in the New Year without a babysitter was a struggle, and we ended up heading down to Miami very last minute.
As a New Year’s destination, especially one to where you are road tripping it in the winter, the warmth of Miami makes a lot of things easier. There is also no shortage of things to do and see. The only downside was that there was so much hype surrounding Justin Bieber’s NYE pool party at the Fontainebleau that I had “Sorry” in my head for 3 days. Thanks, Miami.
Get out and do something
Our first real hurdle was overcoming the idea that we had to stay in because most places are either too fancy or too alcohol fueled to be able to bring a baby. Granted, for the actual countdown and fireworks, we were in a private residence drinking our champagne, but that’s because we had a killer view of all of the firework shows in the area from midtown. Had we stuck with our original thoughts of staying home or being somewhere where we would have been snowed in, we would not have had as much fun as we ended up having. The key is actually getting out and doing something.
You’d be surprised at where you can take baby
We initially stayed at The Shelborne, right in the heart of South Beach, and were pleasantly surprised to see a number of other guests with kids and babies (something I never thought I’d say). There’s a restaurant on site with a nice happy hour (The Sarsaparilla Club) and several bars, plus a ton of restaurants and shopping in the immediate area, and it is located directly on the beach. The hotel is a bit pricey, but you are paying for the location, the art deco design, and the history of the place.
I would never have thought of a hotel in South Beach catering to couples with babies. In fact, I was worried that the hotel would not even allow infants, but that couldn’t be further from the case. We were also able to take part in the happy hour with no problem, and we were within walking distance of really nice restaurants that also were very accommodating to us bringing in a stroller. We had a fantastic dinner at an upscale ceviche restaurant called OLA, and when the baby was fussy, we quickly moved to a table outside to not disturb other patrons (we’re always very conscious of that). They were happy to make us comfortable wherever we chose to be.
There are lots of strollers around Miami
I was also pleasantly surprised at how many people were pushing strollers around in South Beach, something I never even would have noticed pre-baby. It was a great reminder to me that people do this baby thing and still manage to get out of the house and have a good time. We weren’t the sore thumb I thought we might be, as it turns out. Also, people in Miami have the coolest strollers. We had to order our Quinny online, and it took weeks to ship. Never before, outside of Europe, have we seen so many other Quinnys and UPPAbabys.
Baby just wants to spend time with you
As a guest at The Shelborne, you’re automatically reserved space by the pool, which we happily took advantage of with baby in tow. The temperature was perfect: mid-70s, a nice breeze, and not too much sun for baby. We had a great view of the pool and a waiter bringing us drinks while the baby napped or played in our laps. The baby really enjoyed the quality time by the pool and that’s really the point, isn’t it? We were all able to have a nice relaxing time with our favorite people, which would have happened whether we were in Miami or in a cabin in the woods in rural North Carolina. Miami has my vote though.
How to jacuzzi with a baby
As a total newbie mom, I have wondered what the protocol was for taking a jacuzzi while keeping an eye on a little one. After seeing a 14 week old sleeping in its car seat while his mom took a dip at The Shelborne, I wondered why I had ever been worried about that in the first place. I realized that I had been concerned about other people’s judgement (about what, I’m not sure), and it was really all in my head. I just needed to see someone else do it free of guilt.
We had a successful NYE in Miami, and it really laid the emotional groundwork for me for future successful trips with the baby. It did get me wondering though, how does everyone else do NYE without babysitters?
Wow it sounds a lot more baby friendly then I would have thought. I always think of Miami just being total party central and that is all. You learn something new every day! Thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub xoxo
I was very surprised. Pre-baby, I would never have noticed all the people with strollers and kids. I’m sure they were always there though. 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
Miami NYE with baby does sound daunting but sounds like you pulled it off! We actually might be heading to Miami in a few weeks and I’ve always wondered how it is with kids too. I’ll check out the Shelbourne. #mondayescapes
Surprisingly, there were kids everywhere. It was no big deal, and he was happy out with us by the pool. I was surprised by how accommodating the posh restaurants were too. Thanks for commenting and have fun in Miami!
It’s wonderful you found so many things to do during New Year’s Eve with your baby! I’m glad to hear Miami is accommodating to parents and families. It’s good to see families can travel and enjoy themselves no matter the time of year or location.
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Sounds like you had a great time and as for the judgement by others, don’t let it even come into anything you ever do. #MondayEscapes
I am hoping to head to Miami for a party one day but good to know it is kid friendly too #MondayEscapes
Wow, sounds fantastic. I found getting out and about and going places with a baby a lot easier than expected, it’s when they become tantruming toddlers that things take a turn for the worse. Mind you, even as a toddler my son was fantastic and we could take him anywhere (within reason obviously, I’m not talking nightclubs). My daughter on the hand is like a little Tasmanian devil creating destruction everywhere she goes so we have to be a bit more selective
#DreamTeam
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That’s what I’m hearing. A friend of mine with a toddler keeps telling me “Don’t wait, GO NOW!” He’s pretty good now, but who knows what the future will hold as a toddler? Thanks for commenting!
I lived in Miami years ago and celebrating New Year in the sun is fabulous. I am very envious of the view for the fireworks! visiting from DreamTeam
Yes! I’m originally from Las Vegas, so I prefer my winters sunny too. 🙂
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head here – I think it’s our own reservations and fear of judgement that often hold us back, but actually once you get there most places are more child friendly than you might first expect. Looks like you had a brilliant time. Thanks for linking to #DreamTeam x
Sounds like you had a lovely time. x #ablogginggoodtime
wow I never would have thought to do half of that or seen it as baby friendly. I may have to get braver!!
Thanks for linking to #ablogginggoodtime
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Sounds amazing! I need to get to the US! xx #StayClassyMama
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Wow I’m surprised they let you in a fancy restaurant with the baby, but to be fair I guess they want the business right? Your post has made me feel better about bringing my son to happy hour haha. When Bear was four months old we brought him to a pub (a family pub that was pretty relaxed), obviously at that age he didn’t have a schedule so we were there until about 8:30pm. We started getting ready to leave, and just before the owner came up and said we weren’t allowed to have a baby in the pub after 9pm! Basically they were kicking us out politely. I was shocked and also slightly embarrassed! But I don’t think I should have felt bad, Bear was sleeping in the pram next to me and I had one glass of wine. We need a life too! Haha I love this post because it really shows you can go out with a baby! Thanks so much for sharing with #StayClassyMama!
We haven’t been kicked out yet, but we do try to push our luck and see what we can get away with!
It’s amazing what you notice once you’ve had children! I never noticed anything like babies or strollers either, but now I see them straight away! Sounds like you had a great time! Thanks so much for sharing with #Blogstravaganza xx
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This is brilliant! I always worry about taking the little one out but if Miami is accommodating, then the places I’m worrying about are ridiculous! You’re right, it’s probably me thinking about what others will think – and who cares!? #blogstravaganza
Exactly! Get out there, girl! 🙂