Stroller or Baby Carrier in London? A Real-World Guide for Families
London is one of the world’s great family destinations—but whether you should bring a stroller, rely on a baby carrier, or strategically use both depends on your child’s age, your itinerary, and how much you can realistically carry through stations, cobblestones, and long walking days. This guide breaks down what actually works for families on the ground.
Quick Trip Tools for London
Open these in new tabs—perfect for comparing options while reading.
Do You Really Need a Stroller in London?
London is a walking city—but not always a stroller-friendly one. Long distances, uneven pavement, cobblestones, narrow doorways, stairs in older Tube stations, and crowds mean that what works at home may not work the same way here.
But for naps-on-the-go, big park days, and full-day outings, a stroller can be a sanity-saver. Many families end up using a hybrid approach: stroller for your home neighborhood and parks, baby carrier for museums, Tube transfers, and busy West End streets.
The Case for a Stroller
- Perfect for long park days (Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park).
- Allows structured naps while adults continue exploring.
- Great for walking-heavy itineraries like South Kensington museums or South Bank.
- Useful in quiet residential neighborhoods like Hampstead, Islington, and Marylebone.
- Helpful in airports—London airports are large and often involve long walks.
The Case for a Baby Carrier
- Avoids Tube stairs and tight elevators.
- Easier inside museums, theaters, markets, and older attractions.
- Parents have hands free for tickets, Oyster cards, and bags.
- Great for crowd-heavy areas: Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Camden Market.
Which London Neighborhoods Work Best with Strollers?
Some areas are wonderfully stroller-friendly; others feel like an obstacle course. Here’s what to expect:
Best Areas for Strollers
- South Kensington — wide sidewalks, smooth pavement, flat routes.
- Marylebone — calm, village-like streets and parks.
- Richmond & Kew — open parks, accessible paths.
- Battersea — riverside walkways and playgrounds.
- Greenwich — mostly flat with huge green spaces.
Full guides:
Challenging with Strollers
- Covent Garden — cobblestones + crowds.
- Notting Hill — uneven sidewalks and hills.
- Camden Market — extremely tight walkways.
- Tube stations without lifts — carriers are easier here.
Relevant guides:
Using Strollers on the Tube, Buses & Trains
Tube
The Tube is fast but not always accessible. Many stations have stairs but no elevators. Carriers are significantly easier here. If using a stroller, aim for step-free stations and newer lines like the Elizabeth line and Jubilee line.
London Buses
Buses are far more stroller-friendly. Each bus usually has dedicated stroller space, and drivers are patient with families.
DLR & Elizabeth Line
Both are great with strollers—wide doors, flat entry, and modern lifts.
Black Cabs & Ride Shares
London black cabs allow unfolded strollers, which can be a lifesaver on long days. Ride shares vary.
Transport Helpers
When a Stroller Makes Sense
- Days in Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, or Greenwich Park
- Visiting South Kensington museums
- Walking South Bank or the Thames Path
- Long airport or train station walks
When a Carrier is Better
- Busiest central areas (Covent Garden, West End)
- Crowded markets
- Attractions with stairs (Tower of London, parts of the Eye)
- Tube travel with lots of transfers
How to Plan Days Based on Gear
Stroller Day Example
Morning in Hyde Park → Diana Memorial Playground → walk to South Kensington → Natural History Museum → nap in stroller → early dinner in Marylebone.
Carrier Day Example
Covent Garden → Thames-side lunch → London Eye → SEA LIFE → West End matinee → Tube home with easy stair access.
Related Guides to Help You Plan
Small note: some links may help support this site at no cost to you. I only recommend what actually helps families have a smoother London trip.
© 2025 Stay Here, Do That — Powered by long walks, tiny snacks, and one well-timed nap.
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London, England — stroller vs baby carrier travel advice for families.
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South Kensington, Marylebone, Greenwich, Richmond, Kew, Battersea, Covent Garden, Notting Hill, South Bank, West End, Hampstead, Islington, London Eye, Thames Path, Transport for London.
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