32/365 - a trip to the big city

I was a ball of nerves yesterday as I decided to tackle public transport and meet a friend for lunch in the city with bub in tow. Up until a month ago, catching the train was something I used to do day in day out - wasn't the most fun thing as you tackle peak hour crowds, go to work and then you reverse the trip for the way back home. I was probably 34+ weeks pregnant before people would actually get up for me and offer their seat but then it was winter, I was probably passing off as fat as opposed to pregnant in my layers of coats. Not that I was desperate for the seat but either way, I can't see a positive side to it.

So first trip to the city with bub, here's what I learnt:
- No, you don't need buy your baby a train ticket. I googled that one - kids under the age of 3 travel for free.
- Think your trip through. Make sure the station you get on/off at has lifts and pray to the gods that the lifts haven't broken down.
- Don't expect other commuters to help you out with your pram and getting it on at train that doesn't sit level with the platform. Do expect 3 construction workers to watch you whilst you board the train; their eyes telling you that they don't think you can make it on by yourself but you prove them wrong and get on in one piece. Personally, they could've come and help; standing only just 5m away from me and bub.
- If the train is higher than the platform, lift up the front wheel onto the train and then push the pram up to get on the train. Getting off, back out of the train with the back wheels. We have the Baby Jogger City Mini GT pram and I think it's excellent for getting out and about.
- Time your outing so that your husband can finish work a little bit earlier with you so can help you with the return trip home. I was buggered on the way back and needed his help!

Other than that, bub seemed to enjoy his first trip on public transport. Of course he decided he wanted to eat just as we sat down for lunch but otherwise the city noises kept him happy and sleeping for most of the outing. He came home still sleeping which is a very rare thing. This newborn of mine has decided to be active for long periods of time during the day so when I see him sleep, my face just lights up!

At the end of the day, I tackled the trip to the city - one thing off my bucket list with bub!