We usually talk about why D.C. is great for kids and families, but we thought it might be fun to ask the area’s main movers and shakers (AKA moms-to-be) why the District is such a great place to be whilst carrying a wee one. We staked out some local hot spots and asked pregnant mamas to bestow some insight into why they love bumping around the Nation’s Capital.

Photo: Aina Vidal via flickr

  1. You’re never the only pregnant lady. “It’s a perk living in such a populated area, because you can find almost anything you need (advice, gently used belly support bands, etc.) on a Facebook group, email list serv, large consignment sale, meetup group, etc.” —Meghan M.
  1. You don’t have to get on a plane to go on a babymoon. “There are lots of local ‘mini babymoon’ options, like the hotels in DuPont Circle, Shenandoah Valley, and Harper’s Ferry.” —Renee W.
  1. It’s a pregant foodies paradise. “No matter what food I’m craving, I can find it within a 10 minute walk or drive of my house (and usually they deliver!). Even if it is ice cream and pickles at 2 am. ” —Jessica A.
  1. Two words: breastfeeding support. “Easy access to the Breastfeeding Center in downtown, which is fantastic.” —Liz B.
  1. You can dress cute (so can your kids) without spending a bunch of money. “There are tons of fashionable baby boutiques to help build my maternity wardrobe!” —Marie T.
  • Pre- and post-natal yoga options are endless. Just endless. “The access to lots and lots of prenatal yoga, which I still credit with helping me deliver a giant baby!” —Meghan S.
  • Middle of the night diaper runs are no biggie. “No matter what I need—be it clothes, food, gear, gizmos—I can usually find it within 15 minutes of my house.” —Mary G.
  • Dairy Godmother. “My bump loves their custard!” —Melissa I.
  • The photo ops are so fun. “Some of the most awesome bump pictures can be snapped at the memorials!” Sarah M.

What did we miss? Why else does it rock to be pregnant in D.C.? Tell us in the comments section below. 

—Hilary Riedemann

Chicago’s unique vocabulary and insider references could fill up an entire dictionary. We figured it was time for an addendum just for you parents out there. Here’s a lesson in local lingo for Moms and Dads.

Dan Ryan
Everywhere else: Common names for dudes.
In Chicago: The clogged interstate where your little one conveniently decides to have meltdowns or diaper blowouts during rush hour.

photo: David Wilson via Flickr

Wiggleworms
Everywhere else: Kids that can’t sit still, no matter how many candy bribes their parents offer.
In Chicago: Old Town School of Folk Music’s music- and puppetry-filled classes that get babies and toddlers shaking their thang.

photo: Old Town School of Folk Music

The Jewels
Everywhere else: Precious gems.
In Chicago: Where you buy your groceries. Replace “The” with “Da” on the South Side.

 photo: Jewel-Osco Facebook page

Cubs & Sox
Everywhere else: Crosstown teams that typically need minor miracles to win.
In Chicago: A fandom choice you make for your child at birth. Switching sides or choosing Wisconsin is grounds for disownment.

photo: courtesy of a Red Tricycle reader

Babies, Tots n’ More
Everywhere else: What you see at a zoo, park or Yo Gabba Gabba! concert.
In Chicago: The twice-yearly consignment sale that’s so big, Moms have gone in and come back out hours later with bouncy seats, strollers and enough clothes to dress a small village.

photo: Babies, Tots n’ More Facebook page

Prentice
Everywhere else: An archaic word for “apprentice.”
In Chicago: The hospital where many bouncing babies are born.

photo: bradleypjohnson via Flickr

The Bean
Everywhere else: What’s usually left ignored on a kid’s dinner plate.
In Chicago: The shiny silver sculpture that your child left a nose print on, just before you took a family selfie.

photo: Cody Austin via Flickr

NPN
Everywhere else: A acronym for what sounds like some big fancy corporation.
In Chicago: A warm group of parents (Neighborhood Parents Network) that plan events for learning and fun.

photo: NPN via Alexis Staryk Photography

The El:
Everywhere else: The 12th letter in the alphabet.
In Chicago: The elevated train system you take with your kids — but only while clinging to hand sanitizer like it’s the key to the universe.

photo: discosour via Flickr

Bubbles
Everywhere else: What you can blow using soapy water and a wand.
In Chicago: Lincoln Park’s magical play space and education center that delights parents through the baby and toddler years. (See also: Little Beans Cafe, Purple Monkey Playroom, Kidville, Sod Room.)

photo: Bubbles Academy

Polar Vortex
Everywhere else: Something very cold.
In Chicago: Something very, very, extremely, overwhelmingly, need-three-snowsuits-and-omg-my-eyelashes-are-frozen cold.

photo: Rob Swystun via Flickr

Cheers
Everywhere else: What you say when you raise a glass.
In Chicago: A Facebook moms group that insiders rave about.

photo: Donnie Ray Jones via Flickr

Sue
Everywhere else: What you do when you want to take somebody to court.
In Chicago: The large bony T.rex that greets you in the lobby of The Field Museum.

photo: Kelly Aiglon

Magnet
Everywhere else: A piece of iron that attracts other iron-containing objects.
In Chicago: The type of school you become obsessed with getting your kid into when he or she is still in utero.

photo: Catherine via Flickr

The Suburbs
Everywhere else: Big yards, green grass, good schools, peace and quiet.
In Chicago: All of the above. Otherwise known as “way out there” and “the country” to city parents.

photo: LancerE via Flickr

The City
Everywhere else: Awesome architecture, exciting sports, beautiful lake, amazing museums.
In Chicago: All of the above. Otherwise known as “way out there” and “date night Mecca” to suburban parents.

photo: Nicolas Henderson via Flickr

Oak Park & Evanston
Everywhere else: Suburbs on the west and north side.
In Chicago: All of the above. Otherwise known as “still the city — really, we swear” to parents that live there.

photo: Eric Fredericks via Flickr

Do you have any additions to our dictionary? Let us know in the Comments!

— Kelly Aiglon

Score everything you need for your kids at rock-bottom prices at the Just Between Friends Baby, Kids & Maternity Consignment Sale, held Sept. 26-28 at the San Mateo Event Center. You can sell your own kids’ items, too! With 20,000 square feet packed with clothes, toys, shoes, books, games, baby gear, furniture and more, you can stock up for months at 50-90% off retail. Early birds get the worm, so visit the Facebook page for an early shopping pass.

Boasting 5,000 square feet of bargain shopping heaven, Itsy Bitsy Thrifty is Boston’s biggest kids consignment sale—and your Totally Awesome pick for best kids consignment. Featuring a humongous selection of discounted brand name clothing, baby gear, toys, books, and much more, this seasonal spring-up shop draws a crowd for a reason! Founders Ann Marie Palmer and James Fedas recently summed up what makes this sale such a hit, how they balance business and parenthood, and more. Read on:
Red Tricycle: Congratulations! Your community recently voted you “Most Awesome.” What do you think your customers value most about your business?

Ann Marie Palmer & James Fedas: Our customers love that we are down to earth, accessible and fun! And most importantly that we give back to the community that we work in.

RT: What inspired you to start your business?

AMP & JF: We were excited by the prospect of being able to find new homes for gently loved toys, clothing and baby gear and giving other families the opportunity to make a little extra cash for whatever they need next!

RT: Any advice for new business owners just getting started?

AMP & JF: Do your homework and be ambitious!  Turn your “Someday…” into “Right Now!”

RT: Can you give us one tip for balancing entrepreneurship with parenthood?

AMP & JF: Keep the kids involved!  Running a business is no easy task, especially when you’re also running a household. We get the kids involved and let them help! Whether it be drawing our next advertisement layout (in crayon, of course)or helping to organize items for our next event (a.k.a. “testing” all of the toys) making them feel like they are a part of what we’re doing makes them feel included instead of slighted by the fact that you are working.

RT: What is your proudest moment as a business owner or parent?

AMP & JF: The thing we are most proud of is what we can give back at the end of each event to a local charity that helps kids in need.  That makes all the effort worth it!

Intrigued by Itsy Bitsy Thrifty? Follow this totally awesome business on Facebook!