Is it worth taking a pram to London?

[ButterPie]

I'm off to London for a long weekend tonight with an 8wo and a 2.10yo but my sister says there is no point taking the pram as most tube stations aren't accessible and even if they were, the trains themselves are too crowded.

The baby is fine in a sling, but the toddler still sometimes ends up in the pram if tired.

i would at least take a small buggy if yo have one
it is a bit of a nightmare getting around with a big pram IME

We will be staying in stratford and going on days out in central London, would the buses still be the best option? Are they accessible? (I can't lift the pram due to spd and section scar STILL not right)

If you have spd are you sure you can manage a sling for long periods?

Outside rush hour buses tend to be quieter than the tube anyway.

Tbh going into London with a toddler and newborn would not be my idea of a fun time! Esp this time of year when it is cold and they can't stay outside for long. What sort of things are you planning to do? Will you have another adult to help?

When mine were little we tended to get the train in and then walk everywhere tbh, much easier than faffing around with a buggy on tubes and buses.

Some tube stations do have lifts - you can find a map on-line to see which ones do. Often long queues however.

how is your adult/child ratio? I think the ideal solution would be 8wo in sling and an easily-folded umbrella stroller with a shoulder strap for the 2yo, but you don;t want to end up carrying all three yourself.
Or have someone else carry the toddler if she gets tired.

if you can;t lift the pram don't take it, you'll be stuck at the fisrt set of stairs you come to.

I would take it tbh. I had a pretty big pushchair - stokke xplory - and took DD on tube from about 3 weeks. Avoid rush hour and you'll be fine, people are generally very helpful when they see people struggling with steps etc.

Also, when you get to Central London for shops and touristy things everywhere is within walking distance really or a short bus ride so you'll want your pushchair then I suspect.

When you say pram, how big are we talking? A light umbrella fold would be fine but heavier ones make for pretty stressful journeys, especially on tubes and trains- the problem comes with the stairs rather than the trains themselves though. However, I'd say most places are do-able with a bit of luck and determination and more people than you think will offer to help with lifting buggies etc. The buses are excellent in terms of accessibility. Why don't you buy something like this if your main pram is massive?

map of step-free access tube stations

For example, you could get from Stratford to Liverpool st. and take the bus from there.

FWIW, I live on the central line, and people always offer to help with the pram- you may not want to rely on this though.

I would definitely take a buggy. I lived in London with two young children I have never had too much of a problem either on the buses or tube (and I commuted from Shoreditch to Chancery lane daily with a bugaboo and a sling)

Stratford is one of the few stations in London that has lifts so it will be very easy for you to get on the tube there (although getting off at the other end can be another matter)

It also has the overground train that runs to liverpool st which is convenient and from where you can take a bus (although buses also run from Stratford it is a long way out)

Both the bus and tube are crowded in central london depending on where you are going so be prepared to either wait or fold a buggy.

I would take the buggy, buses are generally accessable if there will be two of you you can lift buggy down stairs if need be. I went in the summer for the weekend, my friend and I both had a toddler in a buggy, we used the buses to get round central london which was really easy and we got a cab back to the flat we were staying in. Nightmare having a tired 2 yo and no pushchair.

My pram is a big mothercare travel system one (we won't take the car seat bit, that would be crazy on the train down). We do have a fold up buggy, but last time I used it the wheels were all out of line. I will dig it out and see if it is mendable.

I will have DP with me, who is strong and able-bodied, so might just make him carry DD1 if she gets tired. That does leave me with the sling and nappy bag though.

I have only been to London once, and that was as a footloose and fancy-free 16 year old (to meet an internet friend ) so not too clear on how it all works!

DP last went about 4 or 5 years ago with his ex, who uses a wheelchair, and he says not to take the pram, but things have presumably got better...

decant contents of nappy bag into 2 x backpacks, one for you and one for dh?

I must confess, the recent snow and consequent inability to use pushchair has made us seriously reconsider the amount of crap we normally cart about with us.

I don't think I can reduce it really, three disposable nappies for each child, pack of wipes, carrier bag, fold up changing mat, vest and babygro for baby poo explosions, dummy for each child, small bottle of antibac gel.

I think we will have to do lots of sitting down!

Is London as terrifying as people round here make out? It can't be that bad, surely?

I manage Newcastle easily enough, btw, but I suppose the metro is newer than the tube.

oh that sounds reasonable, the way you said it made it sound like you were lugging a suitcase around
if you wear the sling def make dh carry it though (in receptacle of his choice)

London is no worse than Newcastle IMO, just bigger, and the tube is more extensive and much, much older - some stations (Baker St, Paddington) you feel like the train should be a steam one...

We come into London reasonably regularly and always used the buggy until DS2 was about 2.5 yo. We had P&T and it was invaluable - after a day out they would both (DS1 being 4 at the time) fall asleep and being big boys I/we couldn't really carry them for long. Made for relaxing trips back on the tube. I would def take a buggy in your situation. Yes you may have to carry it up stairs unless you choose stations very carefully, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. When I have been on my own, there is always someone who will help (even if 99% dont!)

London isn't terrifying - just don't try to do too much with small children. You will end up walking a lot - and it is for that reason a buggy is imo necessary.

Also - since I have stopped using buggy, I really miss being able to dump stuff in it...without buggy you end up carrying the 2 children plus all the baggage!

London is fine- I would take the pram, you will be knackered otherwise; carrying the DCs doesn't leave you any hands free for shopping bags

London is one of the easiest cities to get around with a pram IME- the buses are great, and I use the tube with a bugaboo cam at least three times a week.

Right, I think I will take the pram. Hopefully the journey down will have room for it folded in the luggage space, and it sounds like London itself is doable.

I'm thinking plenty of free museums and sightseeing, maybe a wander round a park or something?

Have fun

Oooh, try the museum of childhood in Bethnal Green, it's on your way into town, and much fun.

Oh yes I second the museum of childhood - many a happy day spent there.

If it isn't too cold for the park Coram's fields near Russel Sq tube is nice. British Museum is amazing. Science Museum has a toddler section on the ground floor... Also if you get a nice day Diana Memorial playground in Kensington Gardens is really lovely.

Are you travelling alone? If you've got a travel companion to help you heave the buggy up and down stairs and on to escalators etc, you'll be fine. Loads of people do it.

Take the pram and the sling and then you can play it by ear.

have fun!