Going up and down the escalator with the pram

[Dopeyjopey]

OP was saying the escalator was 10m away - not the lift!

was just about to say that

x

In his first post though he said the lift was too far which is how the discussion started.

But people jumped on him saying he was lazy for not walking 10m to the lift when that isn't what he said. For all we know the lift could be half a mile away (unlikely, i know).

 

[mandylou]

People are allowed their own opinions, and I don't think it's fair for someone to have a go at someone else for admitting that they take a buggy on an escalator. I personally think that it's more dangerous taking the baby out of the buggy to go on the escalator, because you should hold them with both hands in case they make any jerky movements (e.g. arching their back). If you are holding onto LO with both hands, then how are you holding onto the handrail? And there's no way I'm going up an escalator only holding her with one hand. And if you then fall, I doubt the baby would get away unscathed, whereas in the buggy at least there is more chance of the frame protecting it from hitting the floor. I would never take LO up an escalator without her being in her buggy, but that's my choice and I don't criticise those that do

I can understand that some of you think it's lazy, but if someone is confident they know how to do it and can protect their LO adequately while doing it, I don't see it as being lazy. I have had to perfect it, because we have about 5 lifts in the whole of Gibraltar, aside from housing blocks, which I don't use. If you have to do it, you find ways of making it safe. My HV, paediatrician, GP etc is all located on the second floor. If the lift is broken, do I just not take her? What if it takes weeks to fix it (which it sometimes can do, here), you would be waiting ages. I think escalators are safer than stairs anyway, because once on you don't need to move, and on stairs you have to negotiate every second of it.

And besides, you can take precautions; you either have someone else holding the buggy up, you take out LO and hold them (as some people have suggested), you put the brakes on, you hold it level so that the baby is not tipped up, you wedge whe wheel right into the back of the step and you wedge your foot and leg at the other end simultaneously... I'm perfectly confident when taking my LO up and down escalators, because I had to learn to be so.

i dont mean to be rude or anything, im just curious... i cant think of anywhere in gib where there are escalators and no lift?

M&S They have the little hydraulic lift out the back, but have you ever tried to use it on the way into the shop? It's impossible to orchestrate Going out is fine, but going in is near impossible. Now I tend to avoid it because it's too much hassle.

Now I mention it, have you ever been on that lift and thought, "why on earth am I spending 30 seconds on this thing when I could just put the buggy down the three piddly steps they have beside it and be on my way in 5 seconds?"

i havent been on the lift in M&S but i knew they had one, so i havent seen the steps, the lift in next is great! very posh lol the thing that reeeaally winds me up is mothercare! the only baby shop and the only shop with steps in the shop and no ramp or anything! i know its not many steps but come on! how hard would it be to put a ramp at one side?! (sorry pet peeve of mine!)

 

[pink.crazy]

We usually fold the buggy down and carry LO if we absolutely HAVE to use the escalator

 

[Natasha2605]

No way would I ever, ever risk it. It's not just your safety you've got to think about, it's everyone else's on the escalator. Supposing you did do the 'safe' thing and take LO out while OH held the pram. What if the pram fell or something? I'm guessing there's a high chance somebody would be hurt. I've never seen anybody do it either. I'd rather walk a mile for the lift and wait 10 minutes. xx

 

[Bingo]

Well I've learnt something new. I didn't know you shouldn't take prams on escalators.

Edited to ask what happens if you take the tube and there is no lift? Are you expected to fold the pram up, carry that in one hand and the baby in the other? I guess it's a case of just using common sense and being careful. Interesting for a soon to be new mummy to consider.

 

[Quartz]

Like other people who have posted who live in London I have taken the pushchair on the escaltor - if you want to get around via tube you have to if you are on your own - I make sure they are strapped in and take my time. There are not any stickers on the underground ones as you have no choice.
It does make me realise though that the tube is totally unaccessible to those people in wheelchairs as only a small number of stations have lifts and some of those dont work!
I would rather not take it and if there is a lift I would use it but if not I find the escaltor safer than the stairs and you cant always rely on someone to help you.

 

[teal]

I personally wouldn't do it xx

 

[PB&J]

I wouldn't do it. If I was going somewhere without a lift then I'd use the sling. It's certainly not worth the risk in my opinion. Obviously if the only lift is broken, it'd be a different matter, but I'd probably ask an employee of the store/station to carry the buggy, as it's their responsibility to ensure they are accessible. If they don't, they lose my custom.
My concern would not be baby falling out, as she's securely strapped in, more that the buggy would fall or (possibly worse) become trapped and I'd not be able to get her out in time.

 

[sarahjay]

I should imagine that the proprietor's PL insurers would resist paying a compensation claim if an accident occurred due to using a pram on an escalator. Significant costs could be incurred- time off work to care for a child following an accident, not being able to return to work due to ongoing injuries and perhaps even life long care for a child.
If people ignore warnings not to use prams on escalators then I hope they accept that the proprietor cannot be held liable for any incidents.

 

[Mum2b_Claire]

Oh I've just remembered too, if anyone is in London and finds themselves forced to use an esculator because there is no lift at the tube station you need to use - press the red button thing and call for assistance, a member of staff will come and carry the pram while you carry LO. (They won't hold pram with LO in it though.) Have done this on numerous occasions.

 

[smokey]

Oh I've just remembered too, if anyone is in London and finds themselves forced to use an esculator because there is no lift at the tube station you need to use - press the red button thing and call for assistance, a member of staff will come and carry the pram while you carry LO. (They won't hold pram with LO in it though.) Have done this on numerous occasions.

Thats good to know.

Iv always been a bit worried about the idea of taking LO on the tube in a sling as im afraid he could get squashed, elbowed or somthing.
Plenty of times iv been on the tube and people just dont look where there going, they barge into you, push you out the way and push you against the walls and door.
The thought of that happening with him in a sling terrafies me

 

[xdaniellex]

I think some of you took this a bit far, OP was only asking what you thought and if you did this. Not for you to call him and insult him!
I am petrified of lifts, however will use them when im out with K - i have used the escalator once or twice with K but i have always gone on first and kept hold. As long as its done safetly i dont see any issue in it. Luckily around here we have ramps to each floor as well as lift/escalators. Its like anything, crossing a road can be dangerous, walking to the shops.

Thanks Mummy2be claire for the info regarding tube - thats good to know!

 

[annawrigley]

I have never been in the position to have to, i've been on the flat ones though x