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Parenting

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Original poster

Am I being a wimp?

17 replies

Tobebythesea · 11/12/2016 22:11

I have a DS who is 10 months old and I live about a half hour train ride from London.

My friend keeps on inviting me to meet for lunch with DS in London. This would involve the train, tube and lots of stairs. The thought of it makes me feel so stressed. Am I being a wimp?!

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PlugUgly · 11/12/2016 22:29

Why can't the friend come to you?

Sweets101 · 11/12/2016 22:31

No I wouldn't be keen either

hilbil21 · 11/12/2016 22:42

I travelled from Glasgow to London on train - then out to Romford in Essex a few months ago. Albeit my son was 17 months at the time I still had to push a buggy and had a rucksack on my back. Also travelled into London for the day from Romford and was using buses and the tube. It really wasn't too bad x

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Original poster

Tobebythesea · 12/12/2016 06:13

She thinks it's too far. She doesn't have children yet.

OP posts:

confusedandemployed · 12/12/2016 06:14

Eh? It's too far for her, delicate childless self but it's ok for you to lug a baby and all associated stuff in to the capital?

NiceFalafels · 12/12/2016 06:17

Tell her it's much easier for her to travel as the buggys a nightmare with all the stairs/changes.

SmallBee · 12/12/2016 06:19

If it's too far for her by herself, it's too far for you with a child. How selfish! Can you compromise and get her to meet you somewhere that doesn't require going on the tube or stairs?

Popskipiekin · 12/12/2016 06:45

Not a wimp. I used to do anything to avoid buggy vs stairs in London - and I live there! Don't suppose you have or could hire/buy a sling (ergo baby is pretty good? Others will have other recommendations!) which might make you feel more independent generally? Not saying you should do this for this friend!! Just if you wanted to feel more comfortable going into London at any point. Friend should 100% come to you or accommodate a half-way meeting at very least.

PS though - if you're happy to hang about with buggy at top or bottom of steps looking a bit doleful I'm sure people will help you!

Original poster

Tobebythesea · 12/12/2016 07:56

Thank you for your suggestions. I think when you live in central London, zone 5 seems like another country! Might ask her to meet at Waterloo for the Southbank.

I will never say this to her as my Sister did to me and I hated it, but I really want to. "When you have children...."

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chloechloe · 12/12/2016 09:23

Used to live in London but have never been back with baby! I can imagine it would be a nightmare with a buggy - no matter how well you plan your trip there always seems to be some escalator / lift out of order. Maybe Waterloo would be an option especially if you have a direct connection?

I live near Munich and have gone in several times with a buggy but the transport system is so much better than the U.K.! I still have nightmares though about the time I arrived at the train station to find the lift not working. I asked a lady to help me up the stairs with the buggy - when she got to the top she put it down with one of the wheels in midair and the whole thing nearly toppled down the stairs with the baby . It took me a while to build up the courage to go back again!

JohnLapsleyParlabane · 12/12/2016 09:29

If you wanted to do it it is doable. However she's utterly selfish to say it's too far for her yet expect you to transport yourself, a small person, and all the kit you need for a day out!

AmberEars · 12/12/2016 10:39

I lived in London when DC1 was little and took him on trains and tubes all the time. I found there were always willing people to help with the buggy on stairs (take a lightweight one).

I assume she says it's too far for her to come because she's trying to fit you into her lunch break and you're not working at the moment?

Original poster

Tobebythesea · 12/12/2016 12:55

It's lunch on a Saturday. She has a history of being selfish.

OP posts:

JohnLapsleyParlabane · 12/12/2016 13:52

On a Saturday? Central London? I really wouldn't. And I say that as a lifelong londoner.

waterrat · 15/12/2016 19:35

Do what is easy for you. Invite her to lunch at your house. People without kids don't understand !

lovelyleftrubbishright · 15/12/2016 19:55

I had to go on the tube with a buggy recently and it really was the most stressful thing.
I planned a step free route but of course that didn't work out and I had to rely on strangers helping me carry the buggy up and down those really steep escalators (had my then 14 month old in the sling thank God or it would have been even more terrifying.)
Seriously, it was a heart pounding, survival mode situation and only just made worth it as I was visiting family for a few days, it's not worth it for a lunch imo.
She should come to you!

Belager · 15/12/2016 20:08

Completely misses point
content.tfl.gov.uk/avoiding-stairs-tube-guide.pdf
I live in zone 4, but tutor in central and 9 times out of 10 take my 4 month old with me. I've found this guide invaluable!

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