Has anyone taken their toddler (I have a 1yr old) on a long train ride? If so, how did it go?
I'm planning on taking my baby who turns 1 tomorrow on a trip from Tampa, FL. to Kansas in a few weeks. I flew with him once when he was 6 months old ...
I’m planning on taking my baby who turns 1 tomorrow on a trip from Tampa, FL. to Kansas in a few weeks. I flew with him once when he was 6 months old and he barely wanted to sit still then. Now, he’s bigger, stronger, and has a bit of a temper, and I’m afraid of taking him on an airplane because he will refuse to sit still and he will scream all of the time because he can’t run all over the place. He’s a happy baby but when you try and restrain him in a car seat or in a shopping cart, he gets so mad.
I’m considering a train ride which will take around 2 whole days. If you’ve been on a train before, what is it like? How are the seats? Can you get up and walk around easily? If you took your young toddler, how did he or she do?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Plus, I’m terrified of flying with my baby. If something went wrong, I would consider it my fault because I put his life at risk. I absolutely hate flying with him because I worry that something will go wrong.
yes, in fact i took my grand-daughter who was 14 months on a trip to visit my hubby’s family. we took the train and it was a marvellous experience. i had taken the bus before and there is no room for a toddler to move, and as you know they want to move. it was crowded, noisy and uncomfortable. the bathroom was inadequate for travelling any distance with a young one.
on the train the aisles were wide so she could toddle about as she wanted, the ride was smoother than the bus, the windows were quite large and watching some of the scenery go by amused her for a time, the seats fold back so you can easily put the little one down for a nap. there is something about the movement of a train that is calming and relaxing. on top of it all everyone was very friendly and it was a wonderful trip.
i found the train wasn’t crowded so it was quite easy to get an extra seat for playing or just stretching out! and i have to say two days is a breeze! i know most people will say flying is faster and more efficient, but you don’t get to see the country. travelling by train allows you to see a great deal of the landscape, the towns, your country! it is a great experience and i am looking forward to doing it again sometime soon.
i don’t blame you about the fear of flying especially now-a-days. the train has good bathroom facilities, some have a dining car, we had one as well as i took a large sports type bag with all her snacks and juices, etc. in it.
give it a try, i am sure you will find it to be an enjoyable experience. have a great trip!
cheers
You can get up, not that easily. Not sure if things will be different on a train that is used for that long of rides. I would bring toy and snacks. Just keep them occupied and busy. Make sure to bring everything you need with you. Extras of clothes and diapers!
Ash