Travelling alone with toddler - help!

[appleturnovers]

I'm unexpectedly going to have to take a 2-hour train journey, then a tube through London and then a Eurostar next week, with an 18 month old, on my own. I'll have a rucksack with all our stuff in.

I've never travelled with her on my own. Last time we did that journey she was 4 months old so I had her in the baby carrier on my front, but she's outgrown that.

I'm thinking I can't bring the pushchair as our one is very bulky and heavy even when folded, and needs two hands to fold, so I'm thinking it would be a lot of hassle to bring it down the tube steps, get it onto the eurostar etc., plus it probably won't fit in the boot of the person who's picking us up the other end.

But, without a pushchair, I'll pretty much have to carry DD all day long. She does walk, but hasn't got the hang of walking briskly in a straight line from A to B and not getting under everyone's feet yet, so realistically I would have to carry her the 15 min walk to the bus stop, through the stations etc., have her on my lap all the time, she'd have to have her afternoon nap in my arms...

I'm already exhausted just thinking about it. I'm really wishing I had one of those umbrella pushchairs, but since I probably won't have time to get one before I have to go, does anyone have any tips on how to make it less stressful/exhausting..??

Ask on your local Facebook page for a lightweight stroller?

I would definitely go buy an umbrella pushchair. Many tube stations have lifts and you have somewhere to strap her in to keep her safe. Carrying my DS at 18 months would have been impossible.

Your only other option is to get very good, very quickly at carrying her on your back in a sling.

Can you get a cheap buggy. You can get one for undet £20.-
I have also been travelling with toddlers/ small children. And have always found people being very helpful when getting on / off the trains.

You definitely need a buggy or sling. Buggy will be easier and cheaper to get hold of at short notice. Can you ask around locally to see if anyone has one to lend, or get a cheapo one like this (£30 from Argos)?

www.argos.co.uk/product/9445635?clickSR=slp:term:cuggl%20stroller:6:211:1

Which station does your train get you to? Ask the tfl staff for help - I always found them very kind when struggling with toddler/luggage.

I'd just Amazon Prime or Argos same day delivery a cheap umbrella stroller for £20 or something.

Get a cheap buggy and then try to relax. Bring snacks, toys, ipad etc and try to enjoy it. I know, easier said but it's only a few hours

You absolutely need a buggy. I would ask on FB for a second hand one or get a cheapy one. Check tube stations before you go as less have lifts than you might think.

Have you checked your tubes journey? Many have lifts, from platform level to exit.

If I were you I'd practice with your rucksack and carrying your DD. I find that when I'm carrying DD and have a backpack on her legs kick one of the straps so it becomes really uneven, it's probably not comfy for her either. For short durations it's fine though. I think if you'll be walking longer than 20 minutes at a time then getting an umbrella pushchair is definitely your best option, or a sling that she can forward face in (though it might kill your back...)

Does your pushchair have space under it for your rucksack. Most trains and busses, you won't need to fold it. Go the long way to stay on the disabled routes for the trains and tubes, so you can take lifts. But contained child in the buggy, lots of stuff in the buggy/hanging from it and pushing that will be easier than carrying things.

Definitely a larger or toddler carrier, a standard tula or toddler integra would be perfect. At 18 months she's too big for forward facing on the front but could face you and rucksack on back. Have a look for your local sling library on www.slingpages.co.uk so they could hire you a carrier for the journey.
I'm a babywearing consultant and happy to offer free advice if you'd like to pm me.

Argos and bigger supermarkets should have a cheap buggy you could pick up there and then. I would have everything in one backpack, toddler in buggy with reins - when you need to fold the buggy, put your foot through the loop of the reins so they can't run off. Some buggies have a shoulder strap to carry it with when folded, it would be worth trying to attach a luggage strap if your buggy doesn't have one.
People will probably help you but you need to work out how you would manage if you have to do it with no help. I used to take a baby and toddler regularly across London using tubes - not fun, but doable.

Those Joie buggies are surprisingly cheap I just bought one for when my DGC visit and they're handy to have anyway.

I think you’ve got 2 options here:

• lightweight buggy and your gear in a rucksack
• toddler in hiking type backpack carrier and a wheelie suitcase.

It might depend how much you’re likely to need the buggy when you arrive at your destination.

I’d reverse it, carry DD in a toddler carrier preferably or a hip seat and get a bag that rolls. Failing that get a cheap stroller. If you’re being collected what are you doing about a car seat?

OP, firstly don't panic. Get a good carrier that takes toddlers (Tula- pick up one second hand) and a backpack. I travelled LOADS with my toddler on my own around that age and its doable.
Eurostar will make you fold the buggy fyi

I used to use our normal buggy which I could fit our bag under and then have the stuff I needed to hand in a smaller rucksack. If necessary I could carry buggy, child and rucksack up and down stairs. I would go in to it assuming that you may have to fold the buggy. Give yourselves lots of time if possible, I used to find having to rush was the most stressful bit

@AnnaBegins

Definitely a larger or toddler carrier, a standard tula or toddler integra would be perfect. At 18 months she's too big for forward facing on the front but could face you and rucksack on back. Have a look for your local sling library on www.slingpages.co.uk so they could hire you a carrier for the journey. I'm a babywearing consultant and happy to offer free advice if you'd like to pm me.

Is this a safety thing or a comfort thing?

I've done such a journey and urge you to get a pushchair. Folk are always willing to help a lone parent, even in the Big London

Amazon. Get that lightweight pushchair.

Your local FB group will surely have a cheap buggy you can borrow

I travelled a lot with toddler on my own. Definitely get a cheap umbrella push chair for if they wish to sleep whilst you are waiting for trains to ne to save your back, also a sling or easy way to carry your child arms free for in underground or navigating stairs. I had a hugababy.

I’ve never been on Eurostar but have managed on lengthy train connections by keeping buggy up and staying in the vestibule if necessary.

If you can’t get a lightweight folder or sling, could you swap out the tube connection for a taxi and keep the buggy up in the back of it?

Agree that fifteen minutes is too long to carry an 18mo, unless yours is significantly lighter and less antsy than mine.

Thanks for all the tips everyone! I've managed to get a lightweight pushchair for £20 on next-day delivery, which I think will make life much easier. I do have a sling to carry her on my back, but I'm not very good at putting it on without help and don't have time to practice!

In your position I would take taxis or buses between stations rather than the tube. It’s a nightmare anyway with kids but since Lockdown a lot of lifts have become non-operational.