You’ll know, as a parent, that travelling with kids can be more than a little overwhelming. Maybe they run up and down the bus on the way to school or refuse to hold your hand when you hurry through a busy train station. Perhaps they scream and cry in their car seat all the way to Grandma’s, distracting you as you drive!

We know you always do your best to make sure they’re safe, but maybe you’re sometimes left wondering - How do I keep my little one from rushing off down a train carriage or bus? Can I stop them from distracting me on a long car journey? And is there anything I’m missing that will keep them safe?

We’ve come up with a few strategies that will ensure you and your little one are safe getting from A to B, but before we delve in, let’s quickly recap why travel safety is so important.

Why is travel safety so important?

With roads full of speeding cars and buses, and train stations bustling with people, there are plenty of things you need to be aware of when travelling with children. If we aren’t taking every precaution necessary in these situations, we could put our kids, ourselves, and even others in danger.

In this article, we are going to cover 3 methods of transport - car, bus, and train (including trams and underground trains). Given that very few of us are travelling by plane or boat every other week, we’ve decided to cover these more common modes of transport.

Now, let’s find out how to safely travel with a young child.

How do I safely travel with my child?

Here are 6 important tips for travelling by car with your child:

No matter how short the car journey, your child must remain seated in their safety or booster seat, with any seat belts and buckles securely fastened, until the car has come to a full stop. It is of the utmost importance that you only set off on your journey once they’re strapped in. If they somehow manage to escape their seat while you are driving, slowly pull into the nearest lay-by and securely strap them in once again.

All children under the age of 12 must sit in the back of the car. It's simply the safest place for them.

A lot of children love to fiddle and play with nearby objects, and if they can reach a door handle, there’s a good chance they’ll tug at it. Thankfully, most cars do come with childproof locks that prevent little hands from opening doors and windows. If yours does not, it might be a good idea to lock the car doors as you drive.

Make sure to stop every couple of hours, so your child can have a stretch, use the toilet, or have a bite to eat.

We recommend keeping a variety of books and activities in the car for those longer journeys. You could also talk about the various sights that pass you by or pop a child-friendly audiobook on. Perhaps they’ll enjoy singing along to their favourite song! Essentially, if your kids are occupied throughout the journey, they’re far less likely to distract the driver. Just make sure whatever they’re listening to or engaging in won’t disturb you as you drive.

And finally, never leave a child alone in a car.

Here are 6 important tips for travelling by bus with your child:

Be sure your child is standing way back from the road as the bus approaches and then wait for it to come to a complete stop before hopping in. Take your little one’s hand as you board and mind the big step!

Once aboard, sit or stand beside your child. If you’re on a busy bus and must sit separately, be sure to keep a close eye on them at all times.

If the bus has seat belts, make sure you’re both buckled up.

Remember that anyone who isn’t sitting or standing still on a bus while it is moving could pose a threat to themselves, other passengers, and the driver. Your child is much more likely to stay in their seat if you can engage them in an activity of some kind, so it might be a good idea to bring along a book or begin a game of ‘I Spy’.

Again, wait for the bus to come to a full stop before standing up and getting off. Be sure to pay attention when you step down, and take your child’s hand, since it’s likely a much bigger step for them.

Don’t linger on the road and make sure not to cross directly in front of or behind the bus.

Here are 6 important tips for travelling by train with your child:

Train stations and platforms are often the busiest of spaces, full of commuters hurriedly rushing here and there. With this in mind, it’s important to always take your little one’s hand as you move about a station or along a platform.
Though it’s much easier said than done with a child in tow, leave plenty of time to get to your platform. We want your journey to be as smooth and calm as possible, and children don’t like to be rushed.
Be sure to always stand way back from the platform at all times — not just as the train approaches. It might be a good idea to hold your little one’s hand until you’re safely sat down.
Be careful to mind the gap as you board the train carriage. Small children may need to be lifted onto the train. Once you’re on the train, try to find a seat quickly and calmly.
If possible, sit beside your child. Otherwise, keep a close eye on them throughout your journey. The journey will be much easier and much more enjoyable if you bring a book or an activity with you to keep your little one engaged.
Be extra careful of the gap as you leave the train, lifting your child from the carriage if need be, and then keep hold of their hand as you exit the station.

Top Tip: Make sure your child uses the bathroom before you travel and get into the habit of carrying a snack and a bottle of water, in case they get hungry or thirsty. This will save both of you a lot of potential stress!

How to safely travel with my preschooler

Unii has advice on safe travels for busy parents.