I want to take the train to D.C. (only a 20 min. ride) to sight see and want to take my 1month old?

Question

How does it work taking a baby on a commuter train? Do I just carry him or keep him in a car seat or can I bring the stoller with us and keep him in there? Also would I have to pay for an extra ticket or is he so young it would be free?

Hopefully someone from the Maryland and D.C. area will read this, but all responses are welcome.

Answer 1

This is an answer from an old Chicago mother. When I took the trains to downtown chi, My stroller which folded. stayed in the large end entry near the conductor.  The kids did not have to pay untill age 5. I found that Not taking the stroller was an even better option. When sightseeing, less is better. a Back carry is the best way to go. Baby sees what you see.  When sitting just slide

em off and they go to lap. Good for you, take them early. (p.s I have tried my daughters car seat) They get VERY heavy after a while.)

Answer 2

wanting to be with your kid is wonderful but those people on the train going to or coming from work dont really want to hear a baby cry the whole time

Answer 3

Having been a commuter on the MARC train, I saw plenty of babies on board.  There's an open compartment near the vestibules at the end of each car where people can store luggage/folded strollers/etc.  That's probably your best bet if you're going during the peak rush hour (7-9 AM).  If you go outside of the peak rush hour, there are also certain pairs of seats where you'd be able to keep the stroller right by you.

Having said that, I'm not sure which line you'd be taking, but if you're taking the MARC Penn Line, I'd highly recommend going outside of the peak rush hour (if you take a train that leaves your point of origin after 8:30 AM, you should be fine).  If you're taking the MARC Camden/Brunswick Lines or the VRE, the last morning train should be fine, as it would arrive in DC after 9 AM, long after most workers would need to be at work.

As for having to buy a ticket, if you're taking MARC, the following is from the MARC website: "Children under the age of six may ride free with any passenger paying the full fare (limit of two children per full fare passenger)."  Likewise for VRE: "Children six and under may ride for free when traveling with a fare paying adult."

Don't worry about what anyone else says about taking a baby on board.  I saw plenty of them when I was riding the train - and the conductors are generally very accommodating.  Anyone who's super sensitive to noise will be riding in the quiet car, so as long as you can keep your kid relatively calm, it won't be a problem at all.  Just enjoy the trip!

Answer 4

I've worked in D.C. for over 30 years. You can take your baby in a stroller, carry him in some form of seat that attaches to your chest or any which way you want. People on the train are almost always friendly towards children.

What a wonderful thing to do with your child. I hope you have a great time.

Answer 5

Not the first baby to ride a train--get on and hold the kid--the stroller and stuff may be a safety issue--get a baby sitter and enjoy your day--what would a one month old see in Washington??