How do you get on the train from Naperville to Chicago with a pram? (homes, buy) - Chicago Suburbs - Illinois (IL) - City-Data Forum

corvette12 · 09-23-2010, 05:25 PM

I have recently relocated from the UK to Naperville. I want to go and visit my husband in Chicago where he works with my 7 month old baby. I called up the train company who were most unhelpful and asked them how I get my pram on the train? My pram is not as small as a stroller but it does collapse but again not as a stroller does. The lady on the customer service just told me that prams were dated and that everyone has strollers now. Does anyone helpful advice on how I can get on the train with my pram?

myrc60 · 09-23-2010, 06:26 PM

If you can't pick it up yourself and carry it on that train you are not getting on. You might luck out and find someone to help you balance pram and baby at the same time but don't count on it. You can buy a collapsible stroller for under $20 and I'd suggest it is worth the money vs the hassle that pram is going to give you. Oh, too, don't try going during rush hour with that pram, you are likely to be run over by the crowd.

corvette12 · 09-23-2010, 07:28 PM

Thanks for the information. But I just don't get how the train system works over here. I don't drive at the moment so there is no way I can drive into Chicago. Thank god I only have the one child. What do people do who can't drive and have two children who can't walk and you need a double stroller? Clearly that will take up more space? Sorry but I feel so frustrated that you can't simply just go into Chicago and you actually have to go and buy another stroller just to do that!

chicagojlo · 09-23-2010, 07:51 PM

Honestly the number of people that don't drive here is so minuscule, especially ones who have kids. If they needed to get into the city they'd get a ride.

I used to take my 3 year old on the train into Chicago in my Quinny Zapp, but she was mobile. As your child gets older you will find yourself needing a smaller stroller, precisely for times like these or when travelling by plane etc. You can't lug the pram around everywhere.

If you have a Baby Bjorn you can use that while hauling the stroller onto the train, but the conductor won't allow you to have it take up the seat space during peak hours. You may want to consider having your husband drive in and you go home together in the car at the end of the day.

oakparkdude · 09-23-2010, 07:59 PM

Most if not all Metra trains have a handicapped-accessible lift. It will lift up adult wheelchairs so it should be fine for your pram.

chitown85 · 09-23-2010, 08:21 PM

The US isn't as public transit friendly as Europe, especially the UK. In Chicago, which is said to be one of the top public transit cities in the country (sad I know), the vast majority of riders are business people going to and from work. People generally don't use public transit as much for everyday errands like in the UK. If you go on off peak hours, the conductors can be and will be helpful, same with other passengers. During rush hour, they tend not to be as helpful.

myrc60 · 09-23-2010, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oakparkdude

Most if not all Metra trains have a handicapped-accessible lift. It will lift up adult wheelchairs so it should be fine for your pram.

That is true and will get you some rep. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I believe they are on the car closest to the engine; in Naperville's case that is the west end. But the thing is once she gets on that train even at non-peak times it is probably going to be crowded.

I remember lugging my kids and stuff around (they are grown now) and it is such a pain and if you have to do it in snow well forget it! The best way is to drive and that will cost you high parking rates.

corvette12 · 09-23-2010, 08:34 PM

Thanks for the information. I was considering just chancing my luck with the pram and seeing if the conductor would take pity on me. I just don't know how mums do it I have about 4 bags I have to bring with me everyday I go out and they fit neatly underneath in the wire basket and I can go shopping and just place all my shopping in the basket. Looks like I am going to have to pass my driving test over here then quickly... I do feel homesick with things like this as I feel I have lost my independence due to the public transport.

corvette12 · 09-23-2010, 08:39 PM

Also how do you shop in Naperville? Most the shops have steps so I am also limited into what shops I can go in. It's fine at the weekend when my husband is around but he works during the week so he can't always help me with the pram.

chirack · 09-23-2010, 08:42 PM

I live in the city with better public transit and I have never seen a mother carry a baby and 4 bags! What people do who have children and rely on public transit is not carry that much at once or have a parnter carry some stuff. Is there a way that you can reduce that so that only you, the baby and the baby’s stuff are with you on this ride? I second the suggest get a stroller.