London buses - buggy friendly?

[lottytheladybird]

I'm going into London with my 10 month old baby boy for the first time next week. How easy is it to get onto a London bus with a buggy? Should I take it? Or should I leave it at home and use a sling instead? Also, does anyone have any advice on travelling on a train with a buggy? Thank you!

You should be ok, as lots of people do use the buses with buggies. Although you may have to wait/fold up the buggy if there are too many on the bus already. Trains should be ok but check the number of stairs at the station. Usually people leave the buggy in the entrance bit to the train and sit with the baby on their lap. Best to avoid peak times!

Schmee - thanks for your advice. Can I ask how you actually get on/off a train or bus with a buggy? Can you do it with your baby in the buggy? Or would you have to carry them and the buggy on/off separately?

you are fine to get on the bus and train with them in the buggy, just similar to getting up a curb on the pavement. if there was already 2 buggies on a bus, rather than folding i would just wait as another one normally comes pretty quickly so tends to be easier to just wait for the next one and leave baby in buggy and not bother folding
I would definitely take the buggy cos it comes in handy to keep stuff underneath it while travelling, and i think london buses are pretty buggy friendly really

I would come off the bus backwards. I was always doing it with a double buggy though so a bit more awkward. People are often really nice about helping you off as well.

What kind of buggy have you got, by the way?

Get on and off trains and off buses backwards. Especiallky with a small-wheeled buggy. But should be fine.

Unless there's already 2 buggies or a wheelchair user on the bus, you just keep the baby in the buggy. Usually easier to wait for the next bus. If someone in a wheelchair needs to get on, you need to fold your buggy or get off.

Mainline stations should be fine for lack of steps but if you want to try small stations or the Tube go to tfl.gov.uk Journey Planner and Advanced Options to tell it you don't want to use stairs or escalators.

Thank you for all the great advice!! I feel much happier about our trip next week! :)

domesticslattern - I have a Britax 3 wheeler buggy

My advice for the train is to look for the carriage marked with a disabled sticker, as they usually have flip down seats so you can sit right by your buggy (unless of course a wheel-chair user is actually there- which is quite rare!).

At mainline stations like Euston the lifts can be hidden away so do have a good look around if you can't see one. I often see people hoiking buggies up flights of steps when there is no need. Also, if you do need a hand, just look a bit helpless and normally someone will offer. (Yes, even in London!)

At the station there may be escalators, are you OK on them? I must admit I have never tried them with a 3 wheeler.

Definitely come off buses and trains backwards. I am not sure about getting on backwards- just tip your buggy back quite hard so the front wheel goes on, then lift up the back as you roll forward onto the bus. If it is very crowded at the front, get on the back doors instead and then pop to the front to swipe your card.

The only other thing I would say is do keep your wits about you and don't leave handbags or mobile phone on the buggy hood even for a minute, as getting on and off buses is classic pick pocket territory. (I'm a Londoner and it has happened to me!- grr).

Hope all goes well.