Friday 3 February 2012

How to use an escalator with a stroller / pram / buggy / pushchair

Yes it can be done and it's not that hard, although it does make my heart race a litte each time I do it, simply because those damn things seem to move so much faster when you've got something in tow.

Basically, the tube guys will tell you to go on first and stand in front of the pram, buggy, stroller, push chair, but in my opinion that is bollocks - much easier if it goes on first.

However, this does mean that your precious bundle has the potential to be a flyaway speeding escalator bullet if you somehow lose your grip on the stroller when you're heading up or down. I'm lucky because my stroller has a jogging safety chord, kind of like a snowboard/surf board leash. However, you could also achieve the same effect by wrapping the change bag strap around your wrist if it's attached to the stroller effectively.

So, technique:
To go down: approach the right hand side of escalator with stroller ahead of you and strap wrapped around wrist. As the escalator starts to descend, tip the stroller back and wedge it into the step behind the wheel, tilting it the whole time. As you near the bottom, start to lower the front wheels in preparation for pushing off.

To go up: approach the right hand side of the escalator and as you do this swing the stroller around so that it is being pulled in backwards behind you. Again, make sure your safety attachment is wrapped around wrist. Wedge the wheels into the step directly below you and keep the stroller level. You will have to bend backwards to do this. If you are travelling with another person, it is better if they go on behind you. As you approach the top you can simply pull the stroller off as you walk off.

Nervous making the first few times, but not so bad after that...

2 comments:

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