Parenting. We could all use a manual every now and then, regardless of our kids’ ages. But it can sometimes be especially tricky for those who find themselves new to the game with a brand-new baby at home. Whether you’re hitting a wall because of too many consecutive sleepless nights or you’re feeling fantastic and are looking for a place to get out and strut your stuff, we’ve got the inside scoop on new Atlanta parent resources that you’ll be glad to know.
If You Need Emergency Care
We hope you never need emergency care, but if you do, Children’s Hospital of Atlanta offers not only urgent care, but its network of pediatric specialists is second to none. So whatever takes you to the ER will be treated by pediatric specialists in the area of concern, all within the same system.
Pro Tip: You can check the wait times at all CHOA emergency departments and urgent care centers online before deciding where to go.
Children’s Egleston Hospital
1405 Clifton Road NE
Children’s Hughes Spalding Hospital
35 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE
Children’s Scottish Rite Hospital
1001 Johnson Ferry Road NE
Plus additional locations.
Online: choa.org
If You Need to Get Baby on a Schedule
Moms on Call was founded in Atlanta by two pediatric nurses who decided that babies really should come with instruction manuals, so they created a simple and easy-to-follow guide addressing parents’ most common curiosities and concerns. Now they’ve written three books, created three video courses, built two apps and have a flourishing network of consultants who do in-person visits and offer hands-on advice about optimizing a baby’s schedule and work towards sleeping through the night.
Online: momsoncall.com
If You Need a Delivery Service
When you have a little one at home, the wildest thing happens: you literally run out of time to run out for an errand—which is why we’ve got your back. These are our favorite grocery and meal kit delivery services, but you also need to know that Shipt will deliver (often within 2 hours) from stores like Target for when you need an emergency diaper delivery, and Instacart and Shipt will pick up groceries (and wipes) from Costco, regardless of your membership status. And if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get 2-hour grocery delivery from Amazon Fresh.
If You Need a Sitter
We get it. Leaving your precious bundle in the hands of a stranger is sometimes a hard pill to swallow. But nevertheless, sometimes you have to do it. For a babysitting service that gives you the opportunity to read what previous reviewers have written about their experience with each sitter, try Bambino Sitters. It’s an app-driven service that allows you to plug in your needed hours, preferences, and rate, and then you wait to be contacted by vetted sitters who meet those terms. Or, the app Usit (which is a mashup of “university” and “sitter” has a pool of Oglethorpe, Georgia State, and Emory students (primarily) who also similarly reply to requests for sitting jobs by parents. Other options include First Steps Network, an Atlanta-based company that connects trained sitters to parents’ job requests, and Care.com, which requires an annual joining fee.
If You Need a Calm Place to Nap & Walk
Big Trees Forest Preserve, Sandy Springs
This urban forest includes three hiking routes—one of which is a mere one-mile loop that meanders beneath white oak trees—and is open sunrise to sunset, seven days each week. There is ample free parking. Dogs on leashes are welcomed in the Forest.
7645 Roswell Rd NE
Online: bigtreesforest.com
Island Ford Trail, Sandy Springs
Find it in the Island Ford Park, nestled among oversized boulders on the banks of the Chattahoochee. The walk is a two-mile loop that takes you past a waterfall and is manageable for all ages.
1978 Island Ford Pkwy.
Online: sandyspringsga.gov
Dunwoody Nature Center
This well-maintained 1.5-mile woodland loop gains a bit of altitude and is unpaved, but we’ve successfully traversed it with a rugged stroller. There are plenty of well-planned activities—ask at the Nature Center about the geocaching app and treasure hunt—to keep the big ones interested while also being easy to navigate for shorter legs.
5343 Roberts Dr.
Online: dunwoodynature.org
Chastain Park
This Buckhead staple has enjoyed renovation upon renovation and is now a happening hot spot nestled beside the running path, golf course, tennis courts, and baseball diamonds. With multiple rolling slides, nest swings, musical instruments, a treehouse, pavilion, and restrooms, this park is a sure-fire win.
4001 Powers Ferry Rd.,
N. Atlanta
Online: chastainparkconservancy.org
If You Need Caffeine After a Long Night
As that old saying goes, “The days are long, but the years are short.” Well, sometimes the nights feel like they might never end. After a long night awake with your little one, you’ll need to pack up and head out for an early morning caffeine kick to get you through the day.
Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company
The doors are open, and the coffee is brewing at 7 AM. There’s a large patio in the back with pavers and grass that gives kids a place to play and run around, and your fur baby is welcome on the patio, too.
352 S Atlanta St,
Roswell
Online: landofathousandhills.com
ParkGrounds
When you need some fresh air after a long night in, head to the newly renovated patio area that offers shaded tables, hot coffee and even a little free library if you get a minute to read. Bring your family dog, and everyone will have someone to play with.
142 Flat Shoals Ave SE
Atlanta
Online: parkgroundsatl.com
—Angelica Kajiwara & Shelley Massey
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