London buses- do they make you fold pram/buggy?

[EvieBear]

hi there
in the final stages of deciding on pram now and just wondered what London bus drivers are like - do they make you fold the pram down? i'm a bit concerned as i want to buy a carrycot pram to use for the first six months or so but am worried (as i don't own a car) that it will be a nightmare on buses if they ask me to fold it.
is it possible to get on and just stand in that bit near the back doors without folding it?
let me know your experiences!!!!
thanks!

Yes, sometimes, but only if you are unlucky. You have to get on at the front doors almost always though so you need to get it through that bit. If there are two buggies on already or a wheelchair they won't let you on (unless you have prefolded) If you mostly travel outside peak hours or on relatively unused routes you should be ok. Buy a sling as well and then you won't need to worry - bet you won't be on buses that much in the first 6 months anyway.

I think I've seen someone have to fold their pram maybe 2 times in 5 years that I've been taking London buses. I guess it depends on where you're going. If you're travelling into the center of town a lot then it might happen more. We're most often on buses in our neighborhood and those close by (Brixton area). They can fit two at a time on a bus and probably the worst you might encounter is having to wait for another bus to come along.

Around West Hampstead/ Kilburn you have to fold down about 3/4 of the time I'd say. I think it really depends on the size of bus the route uses and how busy it normally is.

I always get on using the middle doors (I have a twin buggy for my dts and it won't fit down the aisle if I get on at the front). Like lastboxoftampons says, you might have to wait for another bus if there are other buggies and/or wheelchairs on board but this has only happened to me once.

Brilliant, thanks for your messages, it's invaluable being able to get these stories from other mums!!!!!! So grateful

It doesn't too bad then, and as we are near a bus terminal I should be ok as will be getting on at 2nd stop so hopefully not too many prams will be on by then.