First time on the London underground

[SecrectFarleysNibbler]

Just been reading a thread on AIBU about a lady on the escalator on the tube. I am going to London on Friday with my dd 8mth. I bought a city mini jogger to use in London as it is light and can fold up with one hand movement. It's the arriving in London at the start though that will be difficult. I will be on my own. I think I will use a rucksack and Also have her nappy bag ( packed full).

Have looked at the step free map - a 5 min journey turned into a 45 min using an app I have for planning tube journeys!!!! Arrgh!

Would appreciate any tips or advice. Seems to very conflicting thoughts about taking prams on the escalators and I am not sure if I will do this or not. I am a confidant kinda of gal and a seasoned traveler but first time with baby in tow!

Don't go out of your way to avoid stairs, people are much more helpful than you think, I don't remember ever struggling more than 2 or 3 steps before someone kindly offered to help with the buggy.
The only thing I would avoid is rush hour.
Take your time, don't get stressed and enjoy your trip!

Agree that people are lovely and helpful with buggy on stairs!

You can check to see how many stairs stations have. I found people helpful with lifting prams.

tbh get an A-Z ...a five minute tube journey is rarely worth making....over ground on foot is almost always quicker!

I'd also say people are very helpful too as others have said.

Also, if you're really worried about it they do have an assisstance button on the platform and if you need help they will come.

Where are you going? You might be able to walk some. Or can you use a sling and backpack? Or the bus?

Yes to buses wherever possible, especially since your buggy folds easily. Most drivers will also let you get on through the middle doors & then go up to pay if that's easier.

I have a BJCM and take it on the tube fairly often. Bran has given good advice about going down on escalators. I would add that when you're going up, bear in mind that you need your feet to be about 4 steps back from the front wheel. Get the front wheel on first then wait a couple of steps before stepping on. It's scary the first time but you get used to it!

Most tube platforms now have a raised bit in the middle of the train so you can wheel directly onto the train with no step. Many newer trains have wheelchair areas that buggies can use when not required by a wheelchair user (and so few bits of the tube are wheelchair accessible that I''ve never seen anyone using a wheelchair on the tube) and those bits tend to be in the middle of the trains. look for signs on the platform to indicate where to board (or ask a member of staff).

Where have you got to travel from and to on your arrival in London? You might find buses easier than managing the pushchair on the tube for your first time.

I am a Londoner, DD is now 3.5 and self propelling, so it's not an issue for us anymore. Where are you going to and from, as someone upthread said, it might be easier to walk!

Most stations without step free access have a set of about 10-15 steps down to the platform. The rest of the way has escalators/lifts. I've found that people ALWAYS offer to help carry the pram up/down when you're approaching some stairs (even on really deserted stations / longer staircases!).

Walking and/or buses is usually much easier than the Tube for short journeys especially at peak times. It might even be worth cutting the hassle factor entirely and treating yourself to a taxi - you can easily fit a MacLaren into a black cab without even having to fold it.

Agree with other posters. So not go out of your way to avoid stairs! It's very rare that someone won't help you with a buggy.

And if you need to get a bus. Go through the double middle doors (i.e. the exit), park the buggy (obviously use the brakes) and then walk to the front to pay. Preferably get yourself a travelcard or an oyster. To save on fares and needed change etc...

I have used a stroller on a Tube escalator but frankly it was pretty rough. Rush hour though. I used to use a sling for DD until she was 6 months, then I switched to a backpack for her. It's great - you can jump on trains, navigate busy pavements, the baby has a fab view and you have both hands free for holding coffee, opening maps etc.

Fantastic advice, especially bran and woods! This has been a massive help! I am arriving at Euston and going to St PAuls - was not sure to get off at st Paul's or bank and walk up cheap side. Not done this tube journey before.

The bjcm is so easy to carry that I am sure any 'fit young thing' would have no probs carrying it up stairs folded if I carried dd - perhaps this is a whole new alternative to speed dating!!! Lol!

I would walk or get the bus. it's only about 2.5 miles, a 30 - 40 min walk

you could walk to Kings Cross, then get a bus down the Farringdon Road (45, 63) and walk up Ludgate Hill. actually, i think if you get the 17 it will take you to the door of st. Pauls

Yes, the number 17 goes from King's Cross to St Pauls. It's a very short walk from Euston to Kng's Cross. Far better than the Tube for this journey, as you'd also have to change Tube lines and that just adds more and more hassle.

You guys are fab - thanks so much for your help - sounds like the bus may be the best option but have top tips for using the tub o the res of the trip too!