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Original poster

Tips for train journeys with a toddler??

19 replies

PussinJimmyChoos · 19/04/2009 22:30

DS is three next month.

I am thinking of braving the 2hr journey by train to visit my mum...I am fine with trains but as I have never done it alone with a toddler before am getting in a flap about daft things - the gap between the train and the platform...changing facilities etc...

Come and reassure me! I will not be taking his buggy as too cumbersome so will just have a small wheelie suitcase and a mummy bag (rucksack)

Thanks!

OP posts:

JackBauer · 19/04/2009 22:37

Snacks
Stickers and paper pad
Snacks
Aquadraw/portable drawer thing
Snacks
Reins for getting on and off for peace of mind
Snacks
Books
Snacks

I used to take DD1 to the cahrity shop and buy loads fo cheap tat for a fiver, then stick it all in a small bag for her and let her have a new thing every so often, stuff like sunglasses in a case, bracelets/neckalces, small cars, dolls small jigsaws. And as it was cheap I didn't care if it got wrecked or lost

Sense a theme?

Original poster

PussinJimmyChoos · 19/04/2009 22:40

Well, I'm not sure..but I think it was snacks...

What do you do when getting off the train?? I was going to tell him to wait while I step down and put suitcase on floor and then turn and pick him down (reasoning that he's safer on the train than waiting for me on the platform)...I know it sounds as if I'm flapping but man, those train gaps are farking awful and toddler foot sized iyswim??!! When will they do ramps?!!

OP posts:

wonderingwondering · 19/04/2009 22:45

Use reins on the train as well as it means they can move about a bit but you keep hold of them in case the train lurches.

JackBauer · 19/04/2009 22:46

Not panicking at all, I used to do this all the time with DD1 and then with both DDs until the train got so expensive it was cheaper to drive!

Always get off first and lift them down, and then put them on first so you are always on the platform, it always felt safer that way to me. I used to put the case off first or on last as well, reasoning I didn't care as much if that went down gap

Worst that happend ot me was DD2's buggy wheel falling off and disappearing under the fast train to London, meaning it could only be pushed when tipped back, and I had DD1 and a large bag that I was going to put on the buggy. That was not much fun

I always put reins on her when off the train because we went through small country stations with small platforms so was terrified of her falling off the edge!

JackBauer · 19/04/2009 22:47

Oh and don't sit at a 4 seat table and your child will invariably spill soemthing/make too much noise, want to drum, and everyone else at the table will hate you. Plus they can sliiiiide under the table really easily.
Get an airline seat and sit them next to the window so they are trapped by you.

JackBauer · 19/04/2009 22:51

Good idea wondering.

Original poster

PussinJimmyChoos · 19/04/2009 22:58

lol at the use of the word 'trapped'

Its cheaper to drive tbh but I'm going pale at the thought of motorway driving so going down the train route..

OP posts:

JackBauer · 20/04/2009 09:09

'Trapped' very improtant word to use!
Trying to think of other things, changing is a complete nightmare as the loos are vile (and besides, I had 2 DC's so couldn't use them. I got very proficient at lap changes!
If you use a sling that woudl be handy too if he is sleepy at all, I used to strap one on my front so they could kip and I wouldn't have to worry about carrying them around stations but could still sit down.
Oh, and prepare your best glare for people that won't give you 2 seats
I rememebr when DD was about14-15 months and in a buggy, and I was about 7 months pregnant. the only eat I got was a fold down one from some rough looking skaterboys and a fat businessman got on and asked me to move as he was older. To which the kids replied 'Fuck off mister, she's pregnant, you're just fat!'
They all got some of my emergency chocolate stash for that

HSMM · 20/04/2009 09:25

Did a train journey to Scotland from the South of England with my DD when she was a toddler. DH was with me, but that only helped with the loading and unloading cases bit (!!!). Like someone else said - a bag full of exciting junk toys and snacks (making sure they are not the kind of snacks that will make a child sick). Drawing stuff, books, lots of looking out the window and being incredibly surprised at every day boring stuff (to the annoyance of other passengers). Also agree with the 'trapping' idea.

ohdearwhatamess · 20/04/2009 09:40

Sticker books.
Paper and crayons.
Books with lots to talk about (Ladybird book of Diggers works well with ds1).

sunnylabsmum · 20/04/2009 09:49

Did an 11hr train journey with DD aged 2 1/2 when she was only just toilet trained on my own ! Really enjoyed it lots and agree about lots of snacks, books and games. I played I spy lots....she had no idea but thought the guessing was fun and it passed the time lots.
Good luck and try not to worry too much

JackBauer · 20/04/2009 15:17

Oh yes, I forgot to say we alweays had a whale of a time, pointing out cows/sheep, playing games, giggling and making up stories/singing. DD was always more excited abnout the journey than the holiday at the other end.

geordieminx · 20/04/2009 16:29

I travelled with ds who was about 20 months at the time - far more relaxing thatn a 2 1/2car journey.

I divided it up into 1/2 hour segements - far easier that way - first 1/2 was looking out of the widow, chatting, etc. Next we went along to the buffet carriage, got a sandwich and some juice, walked back, sat and ate them, next 1/2 we did some drawing and colouring, next 1/2 was toilet, packing stuff up, looking out of the window again. It flew by!

Haribosmummy · 20/04/2009 16:43

If you can afford it / get a decent fare, try to travel first class.

You will get at-your-table service and LOTS more help getting off and on the train.

Travelling by train is def. more relaxing (IMHO) - I travel with a baby (now 10 months) and a dog (don't ask! ) and it's def. easier by train.

But, if you can, travelling by first class is just LOVELY!!

HaventSleptForAYear · 22/04/2009 21:04

NO!! Don't go 1st class, you will spend your time worrying about disturbing all the v. quiet people working on their laptops around you

We recently did a 7 hr journey by train in France, a portable DVD player was v. useful for the way back (evening journey) but on the way down we didn't even need it.

Dss loved it and 2 hrs is no time at all.

Sling/baby carrier or reins essential I would say for getting on/off.

If your DS is 3 what changing facilities would you need for a 2hr journey?

Haribosmummy · 22/04/2009 21:27

Hahaha! I'm obviously really selfish!!

I never worry about the laptop-working-types... Perhaps this is why I always get a table of 4 to myself (and baby and dog!)

HaventSleptForAYear · 22/04/2009 21:31

No I think I'm just overly worried about what people think of me (especially as the loud shouty English maman with the badly behaved toddler!)

Haribosmummy · 22/04/2009 21:35

My DS is only 11 months now, so hasn't hit the true wrecking-ball activities of a toddler, but he did take it upon himself to wave at all the commuters on a train back from London the other day.

most people were really good and waved / smiled / coo'd back at time... Except one guy who obviously thought DS was a PITA... Oh, you can guess who DS wanted to wave at the whole way home

You just gotta love kids!!!

simonjstone · 17/05/2012 10:16

Just reviving this thread, my gf is staying at home getting a well deserved break. e and my 3 yo son are off to kent 7 and a half hours on a train, got a film and a book and some cars. going to make some scones and got banananas and making snadwichs. Oh and my personal fav, c beebies magazine,

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