using London underground with a 14 week old

[barbareebaa]

Hi!

Just wondered if anyone had done this and at what age you first took them. Really want to go into town (and spend mothercare vouchers...) but don't want to if there is any risk (pollution/ germs??) to the wee boy.

Thanks,

Bx

[EldonAve]

Pollution risk is probably similar to central London air

Go to town

[christiana]

Message withdrawn

[mrsruffallo]

It's fine, but avoid bank station at all costs- too many stairs!

[dinkystinky]

Definitely use a sling - and use buses rather than tube if you can.

[babyphat]

my lo's first tube trip was prob around same age, she loves it! (the noise and lights). agree about sling - pushchair a nightmare. i think the tube is maybe a tad dirtier than outside but you're not on it for long. happy shopping!

[abraid]

I took a baby this age in a bug on the tube. It was fine. At this age they're still light and it's easy to pick up the buggy with them in it to take up/down escalators. I found people were very helpful and kind. Especially one young Asian lad who carried my buggy up and down stairs for me and when I thanked him, said that he came from a large family with lots of small children and was used to helping when they went out.

[diedandgonetodevon]

I took DS on the tube when he was about 12 weeks old. Just stick 'em in a sling- wouldn't dare try negotiating a buggy around.

[MrsMattie]

A pram on the tube without a second person there to help you is tricky. You'll have to rely on people helping you - which can be hit and miss. I would use a sling. And don't travel at peak times, as it can be nightmare-ish and people will have much less patience / be much less helpful.

I have a 14 wk old and a 4 yr old and am a Londoner - germs have never bothered me.

[EldonAve]

Personally I would always take a buggy but then I'm not a sling person

[poppy34]

use a sling - not many stations have lifts and if you're alone can be tricky. Have taken dd in /out reasonably often on tube since she was 6 weeks old and not had any issue re pollution/germs.

and agree avoid anything before 9.30 or after 4.30 and be prepared that around lunchtime cna be busy too if you're in the west end.

[NormaJeanBaker]

Sling, not rush hour and if they don't sleep well, go round and round the Circle line while the noise keeps them dozing and you read a book.

[dylsmum1998]

i took my dd at this age and she was fine- i had her in a sling- actually she' nearly three and i still put her in the sling on the underground!

[notcitrus]

I've taken A on many a London train and bus, but he was 5 months when he went on his first Tube, simply because escalators and stairs and pushchairs don't mix.

Go to the TfL website and search Advanced Journey Options to see how feasible your journey might be (or do what my friends do and ask me... it's more reliable!)
Avoid the tube at Victoria, Oxford Circus and Bank - most of the rest is OK if you really have to, but most stations have stairs.

[Smee]

Definitely use the buses if you can and avoid rush hour. Though having said that, I never ever not had some kind person stop to help. Escalators can take a bit of mastering too

[wobbegong]

Easy peesy but take a sling. I was out there at about that age- DD didn't peep at all, in fact I think she found the train noise and general hubbub strangely comforting.

Shopping on the other hand, she loathed... Cried all the way round.

[barbareebaa]

hello!

thanks so much for all your responses - feel much more confident about going for it now! Think sling is the way forward to start off with - will have a go the next time we get a sunny day

[PurpleCrazyHorse]

On the www.tfl.gov.uk website, under the maps section. There's a step-free map and a toilet facilities map. Maybe they might be helpful if you're want to plan a journey with the buggy or taking a toddler!

Turns out you can also call the information number for TfL for info too (like checking the lifts are working etc).

I've found most station staff to be really helpful too.