How (not) to travel on a train with a toddler

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Inspired by today’s and last week’s journey to London, here’s my quick guide to train travel with a toddler. Any further tips are welcome!

#1 It’s not easy travelling with a toddler

No matter what you do, it won’t be plain sailing. Accept it. There will be tears, some of them yours, arguments (with whoever you’re travelling with) and at least one toilet trip. If you can possibly avoid it, do, but you’ll get sucked into it, you’ll want to provide them with ‘experience,’ or something like that.

#2 Keep them in the buggy

As long as possible!  Start them in it, as soon as you introduce train travel to your baby, make them believe that they don’t get out of the buggy. The longer they can stay in the pushchair the better. If you get them out you’re then faced with a wriggling, running toddler who wants to go up and down the train making as much noise as possible and who will scream like a banshee when you dare to suggest a different direction or God forbid, sit in a chair or go back in the pram.

#3 Bring snacks and drinks

Very important. I forgot today, always bring snacks like crisps, raisins, anything that will take them a while to eat. Give them a treat like sweets or chocolate so that they become extra hyperactive. It also keeps them in the buggy longer (see #2).

#4 Bring a small toy

This might work, if they have a toy that distracts them. Mostly, this doesn’t work, so carrying round a toy box or colouring is just extra baggage you don’t need.

#5 Point out the scenery

Ok, so I got desperate when he was running around pressing the button that opens the toilet door, especially when people were in it! I sat him with me by the window and started babbling about what was going past. It seemed to work, or maybe he’d just worn himself out by struggling, twisting and button pressing. Also singing songs, twirling and tickling provide momentary relief.

#6 Time your journey with nap time

This will work for one of the journeys, usually the return. They sleep the whole way. If your journey is longer than naptime, go back to point #1.

#7 Take a baby carrier

If you’re going on the tube, or anywhere with stairs, if you have a baby carrier with you, it’s easier to carry them and then the other person carries the much lighter buggy by themselves. It’s easier to carry them separately. If you’re on your own, firstly: kudos, secondly: if you wait long enough, you’ll get help. Alternatively, carry the buggy with the toddler in it, get your legs bashed by the wheels, get a bad back and annoy the commuters. The toddler will love it – a ride, whheeeee!

#8 Don’t go it alone

If at all possible, go with someone. Preferably a grandparent. They always behave for grandparents. If you’re going with your spouse, expect sighs of exasperation, bargaining pleas, heated discussions and begging.

#9 Timing is everything

Don’t go at peak times if at all possible. You want to be able to get a seat and enough room for all your paraphernalia. Avoid school holidays if you don’t have school aged children. Unfortunately I do.

#10 Locate the disabled access compartment on the train

Usually in the middle of the train, the doors will have the disabled sign on them, it doesn’t make it easier to get on and off, but there’s extra space for the buggy, you’re right next to the toilet (which has it’s upside and downside) and are generally away from the other people on the train. If someone’s sitting in the seats, and aren’t fellow parents or disabled, sit next to them with your noisy, messy little person and they’ll soon move. Or not – their choice.

#11 Breastfeeding bonus

If all else fails, offer the boob. It’ll buy you some time. Same may work for the dummy or bottle of milk.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my tongue in cheek guide to train travel with a toddler! If you have anything to add I’d be more than grateful – I travel fairly regularly to London, with and without children so I’m always on the lookout for tips!

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