Managing the tube in London with a buggy - any tips?

[Shimmer]

We live in central London. My DS is 15 months now and so far i've avoided taking him on the tube unless i've got help. But I'm finding more and more I really want to get out and about on our own, and the buses are SOOO slow and don't always go exactly where I want to go.

I was thinking of getting a new really lightweight buggy that I could fold down easily and carry with 1 hand, so I could have DS in one hand and manage the buggy with the other. Was just looking at a review for the McClaren Volvo, which looks a possibility....

Any tips on London tube travel and managing with a buggy appreciated!

Shimmer good luck with your tube adventures, don't worry about folding the buggy - just bump it up and down any flights of stairs you come across, or if feeling strong pick the whole thing up sort of sideways and carry it up a short flight of stairs.

I have taken 2 dcs all over London by tube with a Maclaren Quest and then a Techno XT, it's been fine and I would never consider NOT taking the buggy on the tube.

Just avoid rush hour and allow plenty of time for your journeys so you're not stressed.

I would never let my dcs out of their buggy anywhere in the tube network esp not on a platform btw.

oh and take snacks and a selection of toys that strap onto the buggy somehow to keep ds amused en route!

I would second what everyone else said - (not folding up etc) and add that best to ask anyone other than tube employees for help - I was refused by one, who explained that they weren't allowed to because of insurance/health reasons.

Thanks so much for your comments everyone! Feeling a lot more confident now. Went to look at the Volo today and looks good so I think I will get it. Will do as most of you suggest though and not bother with taking DS out and folding it. Good tip about checking tfl site for info on where has lifts etc. Planning our first solo trip next Friday so fingers crossed for kind strangers to help me up the steps on the way out!

Haven't heard of a Volo but the Bugaboo's big bouncy wheels mean I can easily bump him up and down steps if there isn't anyone around to help. As soon as someone sees me bumping him up or down they rush over and help tho so Londoners aren't as bad as all that. When i did have to go in rush hour once I gave DS a bottle of milk to keep him quiet and still. Some man in a suit I was squashed up against was giving me filthy looks so I said "Oh I'm sorry have I run over your toe with my pram" Reply "No; your son is pouring milk down my trouser leg"!!!

I think a light buggy with big wheels so you can bounce up and down steps is the easiest
I have a Micralite which is perfect for this, also very light and easy to fold if you want to.
I use it loads on the tube, means I don't have to look around for someone to help