London with one year old

[iloveyankeecandle]

Thinking of going to London for the weekend. Got a one year old so will need the pushchair. It does fold down small, but not majorly small. Wanted to avoid the tube so thought about using the bus. Is this do able? Jumping on and off all day with the baby and the pram?

Lots of people do it everyday op. Depends what you're doing too. Central London is very walkable if you're fit and healthy. First weekend of summer holidays though it could be BUSY. What's your plan?

@Bigwetdog just wanted to see the sights really. So we could walk I suppose.

A lot of the famous sites in London are not that far apart.

The tube map is very misleading regarding distances so have a look at a street map instead.

Get the Android app "free things to do in London" - it has mapping in it so you can see where things are in relation to each other.

id prob rather take a buggy on and off a tube than on and off a bus

Don’t discount the tube! I’d always chose it over a bus if there’s the option. But look up a step free access map so you know which stations are sensible with a buggy.

If there are two adults the buggy will be no problem on the tube. Other passengers always offer to help us too.

Buses are very slow if you're going more than a few stops.

Download the Citymapper app. It's brilliant for telling you the best way to get between 2 places of your choice (whether that be bus, tube, train, boat or on foot).

I'd always get the tube over a bus with a buggy. The stations with step free access are clearly marked (although there obviously aren't enough of them) and people are always willing to help.

I've never really liked th tube, which is why I've said bus. But maybe I'll give that a go.

Could you use a baby carrier rather than the pram - easy to get on and off things and if there's 2 of you, you can switch between you so nobody has to have it on all day. Obviously easier with a 12 month old than a 23 month old though!

Citymapper app. It's shows all the options, tube, bus, walking and you can press a button to show step free only. It's sometimes really surprising what is the quickest route and it's in real time too so if there is a delay on the tube it will show it!

You don't need to fold the buggy for the bus or the tube.

It's very feasible - people do it all the time. Plus London is very walkable.

Hope you have fun!

Yes - it also shows stepfree and air conditioned options!

Another vote for Citymapper. Excellent app.

When my children were little in the 1990s getting on and off buses in London was a nightmare as the platform was a big step up from the pavement and the pushchair usually had to be folded. It's different now - looks* very straightforward to get on and off, as the platform is at pavement level, and most buses will have space for the pushchair near the middle of the lower floor. The only thing to be aware of is that if someone gets on with a wheelchair pushchairs should make way and be folded up.

Have a good trip!

*fully accept it may be harder than it looks - I haven't had occasion to do it myself!

I found the buses not so nice as the tube. There are several step free tubes and anyone with a buggy will be using them!
I used to take a cab any short distance outside of rush hour to get to a 'point' to start walking and then I'd just try to walk as much as possible. Which is actually fairly easy with a small buggy.
What do you want to see?

I live in London and have taken bus and tube for years with my son. I have a bugaboo bee.

Depends what time you're travelling I mean I wouldn't do rush hour but the rest of the time is normally fine.

Do you know what you want to do?

Your little one might like the Diana fountains?

buses are easy with a buggy. The tube you can see which ones are step free and Elinor take bus in between

I think in nearly 4 years I've had to get off once for a wheelchair. I can't fold it as my son is autistic and wouldn't cope with getting out and sitting with me and I couldn't fold with one hand and holding him. I just waited for the next bus.

Thank you, have downloaded the app. I'd like to see the palace and just have a general wander round really. Maybe one of the museums and go to Covent garden.