Cameleons and escalators

[Blobby11]

Hi

Does anyone have any experience of using their Bugaboo Cameleon on escalators? I've been avoiding them so far but it makes my journeys much longer. Any tips gratefully received

Thanks

[TwinkleWunkleChristmasStar]

I wouldn't take a pushchair on an escalator unless 100% essential and even then I am not sure I would try a larger pushchair like a Chameleon. Could you get an easy one handed fold pushchair like a City Mini or Noa for escalator journeys?

[aswellasyou]

I've taken my Gecko on escalators. It's very similar to the Cameleon, but is narrower. I found it easy to keep on the step because of the big rear wheels and with it being so light. It bounces nicely into place being dragged backwards. I dn't think it would be as easy with it in lie-flat mode though. I've taken a different wider stroller on and it wasn't anywhere near as easy to do. I only ever did it going up and it may be more difficult going down.

I've since found the lifts in the train station that I used to do this in. It's a bit of a trek but there were always loads of people using the escalator and getting huffy and in the way.

Could you try it out one day when the escalator's quiet and you have someone with you who can stand behind the pushchairs just in case it feels too heavy for you?

[TruthSweet]

I thought pushchairs were banned from escalators?

At least on the ones in the local shopping centre have a pushchair symbol with a strikeout through it.

Or do you mean folding and carrying it?

[Blobby11]

Thanks aswellasyou. I'll try with DH at weekend.

I live I'm central London so unless I become a hermit I'm going to have to use escalators!

[pootlebug]

I have a Chameleon. I try to get away with just slings in central London where I can but if I do use the Chameleon I use escalators where there are no lifts. I have a small age gap between my two so there were times a buggy was inevitable.

Before I get on, I:
Put the wrist strap on my left hand (so I can hold buggy with left hand and stand on the right, holding handrail with right hand)
Ensure child is well strapped in

Going up, I either:

• push the buggy on, and then hold up the back wheels, so it's resting on the front wheels and sitting fairly flat; or
  
• put front wheels on one step, back wheels on the one below. This tilts the buggy forward more, so it is worth reclining the seat before you do it so child doesn't lean so far forward.
  
  Going down, I wheel it on, and then hold it balanced on the big back wheels, tipping it back towards me.
  
  I'm careful to get close to the right side so people can still get past, but I am wary of people potentially pushing past in a hurry, especially in rush hour, so I hold tight!
  
  Don't stand too close to the buggy as you get on or you get kind of squashed as it turns into stairs.