As I write this article, I can hear my mother's voice in my head: "Maybe the baby would nap better if you weren't on the go so much." OK, so we took the winter off from running around town to work on napping, but now that spring is here, we are ready to hit the road again. However, some places are not as baby friendly as others. The following is a summary of what I've found in my travels. I have used a five-rattle scale with five rattles being the best and one rattle being the worst. Please note that there is nothing scientific about the ratings, just the impressions and feelings of a new mom pushing a baby stroller around Chicago.

I've traveled far and wide and in been in nearly every Starbucks in Chicago. I have never seen one with a changing table. It really surprises me, as so many Starbucks are in neighborhoods and the mornings are packed with moms and babies. Despite the lack of a changing place, I have always had wonderful help at Starbucks. I once asked for a cup of hot water to heat my baby's bottle, and the barista offered to steam the bottle for me. What would you call that? A breastmilk latte, no foam, no whip? I even asked the manager at my neighborhood Starbucks if they would consider installing a changing table. He was amazed and claimed that nobody had ever requested one. I find that hard to believe, but I'll be first in line if he makes good on his promise to install one.

Rating:

This place is really great. I still like Starbucks coffee better, but Einstein doesn't mind when you roll in with your stroller and meet up with six of your girlfriends and their kids. Some of the big tables almost seem as if they were designed for the stroller set. There are changing tables in the bathrooms and they are simple, but adequate. I find myself returning here again and again for a no-hassle lunch with Baby.

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