Train Travel with Babies, Toddlers and Kids

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Compared with flying, train travel with babies, toddlers and children is a breeze. Here’s why: Except for special trains (for example, the Chunnel) there’s generally no security checkpoint; you don’t need to check your baggage; you can arrive at the station close to the time the train departs; train stations unlike airports tend to be centrally located and are often connected to the local subway system; once on board there is more space to move around and often a dining car.

Here are a couple of tips for train travel with kids:

• Even though you’ll keep your baggage on the train with you, it might not be easy to get to, so prepare a separate carryon just like you would on an airplane. Include entertainment for your child.
• You can bring your stroller right on board the train with you. If there are no handicapped passengers, you might even be able to park it in a wheelchair spot so that your child can sit or sleep in the stroller.
• Unlike airplanes the scenery in a train tends to be interesting to toddlers. Looking out the window and listening to music (via earbuds) is especially soothing, and may lull your toddler or baby to sleep.
• Bring bottled water (or plan to buy some on the train) as the water in the bathrooms is not safe for drinking.
• Games that work well on road trips tend to work well on train rides too, so for older kids, come prepared with travel bingo or other favorites.