Travelling by train

20 March 2008

Taking the train can be the ideal way to travel with babies and children. You can sit and relax and leave the ‘driving’ to someone else, while you can all enjoy the scenery and arrive at your destination refreshed and eager to go. All it takes is a little preparation before you go and your train journey should be a great adventure especially for younger children. Here is some advice and tips on how to make your journey an enjoyable one.

Planning your journey
Try to book the most direct route. This will avoid changing trains, missing connections and losing luggage.
Most young children and babies will travel free, but you may want to consider taking a car seat for them.
Pre-book your seats. You will then be assured of sitting together.
Try to travel at quieter times. You won’t want to battle with commuters on their way to work!

What to take
A light weight, easy to fold push chair is a must really. You don’t want to be struggling with difficult and heavy push chairs as you get on anf off the train.
Bring some snacks with you, but don’t worry most trains have food and drink available to buy if you’re worried about being overloaded with bags!
Bring some toys to keep the children entertained. Some ideas are listed in our article on travelling by car, but try to limit the toys or games so that each child can carry their own.
Packing for your train journey is similar to packing for a plane journey, but try to limit one bag per person. Get the children to carry their own small, manageable bags.
Wear comfortable clothing and footwear for all of you.
Bring all of your baby care items with you including food and drink.
Settle in to your seats as quickly as you can.
Locate the toilet facilities on the train.
Try to keep the children occupied with toys and games.
Look for interesting scenery as you go.

On the train
Settle in to your seats as quickly as you can.Locate the toilet facilities on the train. Try to keep the children occupied with toys and games. Look for interesting scenery as you go. Settle in to your seats as quickly as you can.Locate the toilet facilities on the train. Try to keep the children occupied with toys and games. Look for interesting scenery as you go.

Safety tips
Stand well back on the platform while waiting for the train.
Escort younger children wishing to use the toilet.
When getting on or off the train keep children away from the train.
Don’t allow children to play with exit doors, windows or emergency equipment on the train.
Don’t allow your children to wander off alone on the train.
Look at our article ‘Don’t lose them‘ for more general safety tips.