Baby Parade Tradition Continues in Hoboken

The 13th annual Hoboken Baby Parade returns to the city on Sunday, June 29.

The annual event, which begins at 1 p.m. at Sinatra Park, will feature babies in their finest attire, toddlers in cute costumes and parents with their creations of mini-floats atop carriages and wagons. The event benefits the Hoboken Historical Museum.

The parade is free and registration begins at noon. The rain date is Sunday, July 6. Registration can also be done online: http://bit.ly/BabyParade14

This year’s title sponsor is CarePoint Health. Double Stroller Trophy sponsors include: Bright Horizons at Maxwell Place, IRMS at St. Barnabas, Palisades Medical Center, Hoboken Family Alliance; Trophy sponsors are Beyond Basic Learning, Hoboken Radiology, Jersey City Medical Center, Hoboken Mommies 24/7, and Rite-Aid; and Stroller sponsors include: A Whole New World Academy, Hoboken Montessori, Big Fun Toys, Johnny Rockets, Class Dash, Musicology 4 Kids, Be Lingual, Chrissy Davenport Revitalize & Nourish/Ariele's Apothecary, Monroe Street Movement Space, Right Angle, Preschool of Rock, World of Wonder and Mimi Kids Yoga.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to dress up their babies, toddlers and older siblings—and, of course, themselves and their strollers. 

Trophies are awarded for Best Dressed Child, Most Creative Carriage, and Best Dressed Family (the latter category has been awarded to twins and triplets, families with multiple children, parents and children, cousins, and even playgroups). Past trophy winners have included “Captain Sully,” “Charlie Chaplin,” “Minnie Mouse,” and “Rocket Man,” as well as a fierce pirate, a spring garden and exotic princesses.

“The parade is full of surprises,” says Baby Parade organizer Eileen Lynch. “The creativity that local families put into their costumes and stroller decorations is what makes this event so special. We are looking forward to a big parade this year as the family community in Hoboken continues to expand.”

The parade’s roots extend to the early 20th century. It originated as a way for the public health authorities to identify newly arrived families or families with newborns and to encourage them to take advantage of basic health services.