Fashion Week came and went in its usual whirlwind of street style, runway shows, and coffee-fueled chaos—but this season was different. This time, I had the tiniest (and chicest) plus-one in tow: baby Colette.
As any traveling mom knows, venturing into the wild world of NYFW with an infant in your arms (and a diaper bag on your shoulder) is equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. Would she have a meltdown mid-show? Would I survive without my usual 12-hour prep time? Turns out, with the right prep (and the perfect hotel), we not only survived—we thrived.
Traveling With an Infant: The Reality Check
Let’s be real: Babies don’t care about your itinerary. But I quickly learned that Colette’s mood was directly tied to two non-negotiables:
- A full belly (milk on demand = happy baby).
- Solid sleep (which meant I had to prioritize her naps over my FOMO).
The surprise? She was a total rockstar. As long as those two boxes were checked, she was content to people-watch from her carrier, snuggle with the nanny backstage, and—most importantly—let me sneak in a few shows without a soundtrack of wails.
Why The Peninsula New York Was Our Saving Grace
If you’ve been following along, you know The Peninsula holds a special place in my heart. Last time I stayed here, I was eight months pregnant with Chloe, waddling through the lobby like a very stylish penguin. This time? Same impeccable service, but with a diaper bag instead of a baby bump.
The Room: A Spacious Oasis
We stayed in their Deluxe Executive Suite—a game-changer when you’re juggling:
✔ Me (trying to look semi-put-together).
✔ The nanny (aka the real MVP).
✔ Colette (who, thankfully, didn’t inherit my aversion to mornings).
With separate living and sleeping areas, we could tuck Colette into her crib early while I prepped outfits or scrolled through next day’s schedule. And the blackout curtains? Worth their weight in gold.
The Service: Next-Level Thoughtfulness
From the moment we arrived, the staff anticipated everything:
- A ready-to-go crib (no frantic calls to housekeeping).
- Bottle warmers on request (because microwaving formula at 3 AM is no one’s idea of fun).
- Quiet floor placement (bless them for not putting us near the elevator).
It’s these little touches that make traveling with a baby actually enjoyable—not just survivable.
Fashion Week, But Make It Mom-Friendly
The Shows
I kept my schedule light but meaningful—prioritizing only the shows I was truly excited about (and could realistically attend between feedings). Pro tip: Front-row access helps. Fewer stairs to navigate with a baby carrier = fewer chances of tripping in heels.
The Street Style Struggle
Gone are the days of leisurely posing for photographers. This year’s “street style” was more like:
- 5-minute outfit snaps (before Colette decided she was over it).
- Comfortable-but-chic shoes (RIP, sky-high stilettos).
- A diaper bag that doubled as a purse (practicality > Pinterest perfection).
The Takeaway
Was it the same Fashion Week experience I had pre-kids? No.
Was it better in its own chaotic, sleep-deprived, heart-bursting way? Absolutely.
There’s something magical about introducing your little one to the world you love—even if they’re more interested in chewing on their onesie than the runway looks.
Your Turn!
Moms who travel with babies: What’s your #1 survival tip? A must-pack item? A hotel hack? Share below—I need all the wisdom for next season!
(P.S. The Peninsula, if you’re reading this: Never change.) ✨
