Link: New York With Babies, Toddlers and Kids: City Guide
Hotels
New York hotel rooms are famously small, and in general, we recommend renting an apartment rather than staying in a hotel (you get some extra space, a washing machine and a kitchen), but it can be difficult to find two or more bedrooms in New York, especially if you're not planning well in advance. Suite hotels can be a great alternative, and you can often arrange to have two adjoining rooms.
Greenwich village is very family friendly, and if you want to just soak in the New York scene, this is a great area to stay. If you're more interested in museums and tourist attractions, however, we recommend staying close to Central Park (on the east side) or in midtown. Times square is a popular choice for families as rooms are reasonably choiced and there are newer hotels (for example the Westin) with larger rooms.
Alternatively, there are some great suites hotels, for example Affina hotels has some nice properties. The Parker Meridian has some nice suites and often has a reasonably priced upgrade from a standard room. In general I'd recommend staying close to central park (on the east side) or in midtown. Times square is a popular choice, and you can often find reasonably priced rooms there, but it's also pretty hectic. (if you don't mind the times square location, the Westin has very nice & very spacious rooms)
Attractions
If you'll be visiting many of New York's major attractions, one way to save money and skip the lines is to buy a New York CityPass. The city pass includes 6 New York attractions for just $89.00 ($162.00 value)
Dining Out
Restaurants are more understanding than you might expect about kids, but there are also lots and lots of takeaway and delivery options. Whole Foods Market (in Columbus Circle) has beautiful produce and a wide variety of choices. There are lots of takeaway restaurants, especially in midtown, with buffets or sandwich options that work well for families wanting to make a picnic in the park.
Car Services and Taxis With Car Seats in New York
Taxis are exempt from Car Seat laws in New York, but that doesn't make it any safer to hold your child on your lap than it would be in your own car. Instead, consider public transportation or use a service that provides car seats.
Baby Gear Rental Companies in Manhattan
The following companies rent baby equipment such as high chairs and cribs for your use on vacation.
Baby's Away: Phone: 800-374-3403
Granny's Rental Service: Phone: 212-876-4310
Subway with Strollers
The toughest part of taking a stroller aged child is getting the stroller into and out of the station. Don't be afraid to ask a stranger for help, or you might print this map of Subway stations with elevators and bring it with you or check out this Guide to getting around the NYC Subway With Kids
Budget Tips
Here is a great list of Free times at NY City Museums
References
Here are my favorite websites for timely information about activities to do with kids, toddlers and babies in New York.
MommyPoppins is a great blog about things to do in New York with kids. The site has lots of seasonal ideas and current events. It is be a great blog to review beginning a couple of weeks you leave for your trip.
TimeOut New York Kids has the best comprehensive listing of kids activities in NY.