baby on Board badge..

[MakiJ]

Morning all today I got my first baby on board badge my belly is still tiny but thought I'd better have one just in case, I wanted to know everyone's experience how you might have had to ask people to give up their seat, or someone kindly offered taking initiative...

I see it as more of a safety purpose, in case the train suddenly stops, crowded and you don't want your bump to get squashed etc.

What are your thoughts and advice?

Oooh, one more tip, when I was more obviously pregnant, I used to put my badge on the strap of my handbag so it was visible from behind. Helped to stop the people who like to shove you just that little bit further into the carriage, oblivious to the fact that the 'gap' in front of you is taken up by your bump!

It did make me laugh when, having lost my badge, I went to a member of staff on the gateline to ask for a new one (ticket office was closed) only to be told 'they're only for pregnant women'. I gave him a ...I was 34 weeks and it was not hard to tell at all!

I wear mine mostly for the free access to train station toilets. I never have any change on me!

As a non-pregnant person, I willingly and happily give up my seat if:

a) I see a Baby on Board badge, or
b) someone asks for the seat

I know that no bump doesn't prove anything because often it's the first few weeks where people really do need the seat!

Like others, I'm afraid I'm unlikely to offer unless you're 8 months+ with twins - I'm too afraid of causing offence if you just had a carby lunch!

Mrsjojo did you order your badge via Notonthehighstreet? A pg friend told me it took weeks to arrive for her too, so I foolhardily ordered mine at 5 weeks...and it arrived the next day! I'm in Herts but commute every day. Admit it didn't cross my my mind to ask for one at a station though, d'oh!

I thought you could only get them online now

I get 2 trains everyday in to London from Surrey and I have to say it's rare that someone offers me a seat (I'm 35wks) with or without a badge. I think the badge does help people who don't want to offend people who might not be pregnant.

I think the tube is actually better for people giving up seats but it just depends. I haven't quite got to the stage of asking for a seat but I have another 2 weeks at work so it may well get to that point soon...

I found it less cringey to head to the priority seat and if occupied ask 'do you need the priority seat?' It's easier then just picking someone at random and demanding their seat! Even if the person needed it someone nearby will overhear and give theirs.

Quite often people spot the badge and offer but not always.

I ordered another badge online & my partner called them today! I imagine 3 will now turn up lol...

Very few people ever offered me a seat, but I just asked whoever was sitting in the priority seat if I needed the chair and only two people ever said no.

One because she said she was disabled - no problem obviously - and one because, and I quote, "I've paid for this seat". Lol!

I use mine when I'm in London, partly so that if anything happens to me travelling alone (faint, accident, anything else that my brain runs away with) then people know I'm pregnant .

I've never asked for a seat as I haven't felt like I need one yet or I've been lucky and been on a quiet tube, but a few people have offered if they see the badge.