When traveling with young children we all try to reduce the amount we bring on holiday and it is well documented that the London Underground system is not always compliant with mistakes. First of all, pushchairs / buggies / buggies / strollers (whatever you call them) are allowed on the entire London public transport network. However, what you will find are steps or escalators and not elevators (elevators) in most metro stations. Things are looking up, but our tube system is old, the oldest in the world, so it takes time to update.
Elevators are being added at key stations, but you shouldn’t expect to find one everywhere; just consider it a nice surprise when you do.
Strollers are allowed on escalators (escalators), but you must be sure to balance your buggy in one step. Heading upward, some parents look forward and raise their hands up, and others go backward and close their arms. You know the weight and size of your stroller and your child, so do what suits you best to be safe. I recommend traveling with another adult the first time you try this so they can be on the other end of the buggy while you gain your confidence.
London buses are great when they travel with one stroller and there is an area for two strollers on each bus (when there is no longer a wheelchair user – they take precedence).
It would be better to try to avoid rush hours, as commuters are less understanding when their family is taking up space on a crowded train and they are late for work.
Transport for London produces a range of accessibility guides to help you plan your trip.
Baby carrier instead?
Many families think they will solve this problem by using a sling or baby carrier so that their young child is attached to them. This may work for some, but it is exhausting to carry your child all day, especially after a few months. It’s great to have the option, but you shouldn’t plan on just carrying the carrier as you’ll still be carrying the changing table over your shoulder, as well as all the other things you need for a day in London, and whatever else you buy Carriers are not Ideal when you need to sit down to eat and it would be better to have a cart by your side so that your child can sleep or rest while having a hot drink.
An umbrella buggy
While you can transport your stroller on the plane, generally without affecting your luggage allowance, and you can often use your own buggy until boarding, it may be good to consider a lightweight, collapsible ‘umbrella stroller’ when traveling. Strollers are widely used, and they come in some astronomical price ranges, so you may not want to risk something usual happening and instead consider a lightweight buggy for a city break.
Toddlers and preschoolers still get tired, especially during long days in London, so while your child may no longer need the stroller at home, they may need to rest while in London and having a stroller provides the opportunity for them to do that while still being able to see the sights, as most attractions are fully stroller accessible these days.
There may also be times when it would be nice to have your child sitting up and tied up so they know they are safe in a crowd, while waiting in line, paying at a store, etc. or when your hands are full and you can’t hold your hand too.
A stroller that folds quickly is great, and many have carry straps, making it easy to transport when folded as you go down the stairs and hold your child’s hand. If your child is asleep or still not walking, you will find out how nice Londoners are as no one likes to see a stressed parent at the top or bottom of the stairs and someone will come and offer to help.
Buy a buggy in London
If you want to see if you can cope without a stroller in London first and then find that you need one, there are plenty of places in central London to buy a cheap umbrella buggy. John Lewis on Oxford Street (near Oxford Circus) and Mothercare on Oxford Street (near Marble Arch) are recommended. You can also try Argos as they have many branches. A basic umbrella buggy should cost around £ 30 / US $ 50 or less.
