Traveling with babies can be a daunting task. One of the most important things to consider is safety, particularly when it comes to transportation.
And if you are planning a trip by train in Europe and you have a baby, you may be wondering whether or not you can use a car seat on the train or what might be the best way to travel by train with a little one in tow.
Using Car Seats on European Long Distance Trains
The use of car seats on European long distance trains can vary depending on the specific train, company, and country that you are traveling in. In general, most European trains do not have car seats available or allow passengers to bring their own car seats on board. However, some trains may have specific family compartments or areas designated for families with small children where you can use a car seat if you have one.
But many times, your best bet will be to plan on holding baby in your lap.
If you plan to bring your own car seat, it's important to check with the train company you will be traveling with ahead of time to confirm their policies on car seats and/or to make any necessary arrangements. You may need to reserve a specific compartment or area for families or pay an additional fee to bring the car seat on board. At the same time, many companies allow babies on board for free! So it is always best to check.
If you cannot use a car seat on the train, there are other options for traveling safely with your child. Some trains offer special safety belts or harnesses for children, while others have designated family seats that provide additional safety features such as extra padding or higher backs.
It should be noted that you should not use a car seat on the train if it cannot be properly installed in the seat via the seat's manual.
Trains and Safety
The reason children typically do not need car seats on trains is because trains operate differently than cars and other vehicles on the road. Trains generally travel on tracks and are less likely to experience sudden stops or impacts compared to cars, which are subject to more frequent changes in speed and direction.
Additionally, trains are designed with safety features such as safety belts or railings to prevent passengers from falling or being ejected from their seats. The seats on trains are also typically arranged in a way that provides more stability and support to passengers, including children.
However, it's important to note that some train companies may require the use of child safety restraints or recommend their use in certain circumstances, such as in specific family compartments or on high-speed trains. It's always a good idea to check with the train company you will be traveling with ahead of time to confirm their policies on child safety restraints.
Booking Seats & Family Compartments
If you are traveling with a baby under the age of two, you may be wondering what options are available to you on European trains. In general, babies under two years old can travel for free on most European trains if they sit on your lap.
When booking your ticket, be sure to select the appropriate ticket type for your baby, as there may be different options available depending on the train company and the type of train you will be traveling on. Some train companies may require you to purchase a separate ticket for your baby, while others may simply require you to indicate that you will be traveling with a baby.
Some European trains have family compartments or areas designated for families with small children. These areas are designed to provide extra space and comfort for families traveling with babies and young children. They may have amenities such as changing tables, extra storage space, and seats that can be converted into beds for overnight trips.
Family compartments or areas may also have safety features such as safety belts or harnesses for children, as well as higher backs or extra padding on the seats. In some cases, families may be required to reserve these compartments or areas ahead of time or pay an additional fee to use them.
It's important to note that not all European trains have family compartments, and the availability of these options can vary depending on the train company and the specific train you will be traveling on. It's best to check with the train company ahead of time to see if these options are available and to make any necessary arrangements.
If family compartments or areas are not available on your train, you may need to make other arrangements to ensure the safety and comfort of your baby during the trip.
Common European Long Distance Trains & Family Options
Conclusion
In conclusion, using car seats on European long distance trains can be difficult, but it's important to prioritize safety when traveling with children. If you are traveling with a baby under two years old, be sure to consider all of your options and make arrangements ahead of time to ensure a safe and comfortable trip for you and your little one.
Interesting. We live in Switzerland and I have extensively traveled by train in France, Germany and Italy and Switzerland obviously and have never seen a train, high speed or not, that had seatbelt for passengers or harness for little kids/babies…
Family cars in Switzerland have playground in them. huge hit with my two girls ;-)