Five Tips For Travelling With A Baby On Public Transport

Navigating public transport with a baby in tow can be a challenging experience. However, sometimes it might be unavoidable, but planning ahead makes the whole process easier and less stressful. Once you have successfully completed a few journeys you will soon feel more confident about using buses, trains or taxis with your little one.

Here are some useful tips to help you prepare.

Choose lightweight foldable baby transport systems

The easiest way to travel with a baby on public transport with a baby is to use a carrier or sling, because this way you will avoid the need to manoeuvre a wheeled item up and down steps. If you prefer to use a pram or pushchair, look for a lightweight design that is simple and quick to fold. 

If you have an unfoldable pram or buggy, bear in mind that buses only reserve spaces for two pushchairs, and wheelchairs take priority. If the spaces are already taken, you will have to wait for the next bus with an available space. 

On a train, there will usually be a dedicated space to store pushchairs near the doors or vestibule area. Be considerate of other travellers and do not block aisles or doorways with your buggy. 

When manoeuvring a pram or buggy down steps, go backwards so that you have more control and reduce the risk of tipping the child forwards. When waiting on platforms, always apply the brake and ensure your child wears a harness at all times. 

Check out the accessibility of the route in advance

If you are travelling across London by Tube, check out the TfL accessibility guide, which allows you to plan a step-free journey. Currently, only about a third of London’s Tube stations (92) have step-free access to the platform, with either a level or gently sloping route. All overground stations and all 41 Elizabeth Line stations are step-free. 

If a station with steps is unavoidable and you want to use a pram or pushchair, enquire if there will be any staff available to help you get up and down stairs. If you need to board a bus with steps, make the driver aware that you need extra time or assistance. 

If you can, book tickets in advance so that you are guaranteed a seat and have choice over whereabouts you sit. An aisle seat might be preferable if you need to go on a long train journey and want to use the toilets or walk your baby up and down to calm them. Older babies and toddlers may prefer a window seat to look at passing items of interest. 

Pack essentials only

Avoid weighing yourself down with a lot of unnecessary bags as this will just make everything more complicated and you might leave one behind in the stress of the moment.  A backpack that you can fit a changing mat, nappies, snacks and water in is ideal because it leaves you hands free for your baby and dealing with tickets and so on. 

If you need a small handbag as well, choose one with a cross-body strap and pack whatever you want to keep handy for the journey, such as wipes, favourite toys, and snacks. 

Plan times strategically

You might not always have any choice in the time that you travel, but if it is flexible, avoid rush hour between 8 and 9am in the morning and 5 and 6pm in the evening. If possible, plan to travel at a time when your baby is naturally ready for a nap so that they will be more likely to sleep during the journey. 

Older babies and toddlers may travel better when they are not woken from their usual sleep routine and are at their most awake, well-fed and active. Think about your child’s usual day and temperament, and when they are least likely to be grumpy and tired. 

Be aware of your rights and responsibilities

Some transport networks will publish information about your obligations as a traveller, as well as your rights. There should be a dedicated place for baby travel systems and some trains will provide baby changing facilities. However, they may not always be available, or have very high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. 

Remember that the majority of people will be patient and understanding, especially if you show consideration in return and do not take up unnecessary space and block aisles.