Prams on the tube

[blushingmare]

Do people take prams (with carrycot, rather than foldable pushchair) on the tube? I want to do a few journeys into central London to stations without step free access, but am a bit intimidated by the thought of how to safely get it on and off (minding the gap!) and on escalators. Do people do this or am I banned from central London for the next six months?

When in London, I use buses. Some tube stations have disabled access and have used those. I would not use the pram on the escalators because some are way too steep. Maybe, because it is prohibited you might be stopped?

I live in zone 5. I take the tube from a step free station (changing at Kings Cross or Green Park if need be), then if my destination doesn't have step-free access I get off somewhere else and take a bus or walk, e.g. When I want to go to Oxford Street, I get off at Green Park and walk approx 15 minutes.

I see people do this all the time. As long as it's not rush hour you'll be fine. You can check on tfl as to which stations have wheelchair access as these will have lifts.

I did it, it was a bit of a nightmare but possible. Plan for step free access, if you have to use the escalator take baby out of the pram and hold him or her then ask someone else to help you with the pram. People almost always offer to help usually young women IME.

Avoid rush hour.

We've done it but only with two of us. And we'd choose step free and walk where possible.

Uses buses if possible. They really do cover most areas and a lot easier. Or use a sling

I see people taking prams on escalators all the time.

When going up an escalator make sure you face backwards (i.e. stand facing down the escalator with the buggy below you). When going down, face forwards (i.e. stand facing down the escalator with the buggy below you).

I wouldn't try this with a heavy or overloaded buggy though.

Stairs are a bit of a nightmare - be vocal about asking for help.

Yes but only if someone else is with me as there are always some bastard steps somewhere - and always outside rush hour!

Have been caught out on South West trains (needing to go over one of those bridges that connects the platforms) - and was very pleasantly surprised with how helpful people were.

Sling it if I am by myself - DS now 11 months but the Ergo is holding well!

It's a bit of a nightmare but I've found there is always somebody willing to help if you get stuck.