To take our 3 week old on the tube?

[Elastigrrrl]

Question for all you London ladies, or others with experience of the tube:
We have a 3 week old we would like to take into zone 1 tomorrow. We live in zone 4. The tube would take 30 minutes, buses more than an hour. I am in principle fine with taking him on the tube, but a neighbour and parent both voiced (unsolicited) concerns, citing DS's delicate eardrums. What do you think? Thanks in advance.

I took DS into zone 1 from zone 2 when he was only a few weeks old as I needed to go and get nursing bras. Was absolutely fine! I'd avoid rush hour if you can and either use a sling or look on TFL for step free access if you're going solo with a pram.

Congratulations on your snugly newborn!

You'll all be fine

Try and not take the pram, it's just an extra hassle, but by all means take your DS.

Congratulations on a 3 week old Is he snuggly and marvellous?

Pretty sure babies manage on planes at that age, so the tube should be fine (assuming you're worried about pressure rather than noise). Congratulations on your baby!

I think he'll be fine - I'd be more worried about the over-crowding on a busy commuter-filled train than the pressure changes.

It will be fine. We did it loads. But take a sling rather than a buggy unless you know your route has lifts, or you are very confident on escalators.

I lived in London when dd was born and took her on the tube at about that age. There really isn't any danger to their ear drums!

I used a sling for the first nine months, buggies are a nightmare on the tube.

Be prepared for even the hardened Londoners to crumble around a newborn!

It'll probably be quieter than his own screaming!

He'll be fine- but take him in a sling, not the pram.

Oh, sorry, pressure not noise. No' he'll be fine.

Definitely avoid rush hour if you can, also, some interchanges are a hassle - Bank is a bugger. Have a look at the citymapper app if you can, it's brilliant for getting around London.

And congratulations, I'm sure you'll get lots of dewy-eyed looks.

My son had been on the Piccadilly line several times at that age. Use a sling, not a pushchair, and avoid rush hour. You'll be fine.

He will be fine! I took dd on the tube from around a week old.

I would say take a sling instead of a pushchair as long as you are able, as it will make things far easier. I used a Moby wrap with dd until she was a year old and became too heavy. Babies love them too.

well when dd2 was 3 weeks old, we took ds, dd1 and dd2 all round London for the day. Science Museum, cafe, bus to see the christmas lights, and tube.

It was fine. She did sling, as dd1 had a buggy and we stopped for bf stops.

Definitely doable but I agree with every about avoiding rush hour. Both of mine travelled a lot on the tube from a young age.

Every one

Wow, once again I'm so impressed with you all and your quick, reassuring responses. To town we go!
Thanks for the congrats. And yes! He is absolutely marvellous :) most fun I've ever had. And least sleep. Overall amazing.

I flew home to Germany with dd at 3 wks, she was grand and plane pressure changes are more significant . Enjoy your day!

DS's first tube was at 10 days. No problems. If you use the buggy ask for all the help you need and you will get it. Probably before you ask.

Not a problem. I lived in zone 1 when DD was born so she had to adapt quick smart! My first public breastfeed was on the District line - nobody cared (though a few tourists getting on at Westminster stared a bit).

In fact she got breastfed pretty comprehensively on public transport. Elderly women always gave me huge grins.

I would not take the tube with my 3 week old for the simple reason that the tube is a dirty place, the air is incredibly polluted (northern line especially). Best to wait an extra few months before subjecting a newborn to this level of pollution, not to mention germs etc.

DS used to love tube when he was a baby