train travel in 9th month

Getting pregnant
Life as a parent
Birth Clubs
See all in Community
Ovulation Calculator
How long will it take to conceive?
When to take a pregnancy test
Best positions to conceive
Top signs of pregnancy
How to use ovulation kits
How age affects fertility
When can I get pregnant after c-section?
What fertile cervical mucus looks like
Late period but no pregnancy
Faint line on pregnancy test
See all in Getting Pregnant
How big is my baby?
Due Date Calculator
Painful baby movements
Symptoms you should never ignore
Hospital bag packing checklist
How your baby's developing
Signs of labour
How to tell baby position by kicks
Baby movements: boy or girl?
How to count pregnancy months & weeks
Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan
Baby Weight Chart
See all in Pregnancy
Baby Name Finder
Modern Indian Baby Names
Most Popular Names in India
Baby Names inspired by the Quran
Baby Names inspired by Lord Shiva
Sanskrit Baby Names
See all in Baby Names
Your baby week by week
Baby milestones by month
Baby Rashes
Baby skin colour
Worms in babies and toddlers
Sleep training methods
Baby teething remedies
How to do steaming for a baby
See all in Baby
Your toddler month by month
How much water should toddlers drink?
When your toddler gets frustrated
Vegetarian meals for toddlers
When your toddler won't eat
Potty training
Help your toddler sleep
Bottle to cup
Games & activities
What to feed a sick toddler
See all in Toddler
गर्भवती होने के लिए संभोग
प्रेगनेंसी टेस्ट में हल्की रेखा का मतलब
गर्भावस्था के लक्षण
गर्भावस्था में खून के धब्बे (ब्लीडिंग)
गर्भावस्था में शिशु की हलचल
प्रसव पीड़ा (लेबर पेन) के लक्षण
शिशु के नक्षत्र पर आधारित नाम
शिशु को कितनी मात्रा में फॉर्मूला दूध देना है?
बच्चे के पेट में कीड़े: लक्षण व इलाज
हिंदी अनुभाग देखें
Postnatal symptoms to watch out for
Pain and stitches after delivery
Postnatal massage
Postnatal diet
Post-delivery confinement
See all in Life as a parent
Astrology names
Goddess Lakshmi names
Baby names by date of birth
Conjunctivitis
Combination baby names
Goddess Durga names
Sikh baby names
Bengali baby names
Eclipses and pregnancy
Name numerology
Lord Vishnu names
What to feed baby with a fever
Traditional Indian names
Gestational age vs fetal age
South Indian baby names
Mythological baby names
Pregnancy food chart
Names that rhyme
Goddess Saraswati names
Are air conditioners safe for babies?
Annaprashan rice ceremony
Nature names
Godh bharai: baby shower
Sesame seeds in pregnancy

Travelling in 9th month

s sweet_kunju Posted 26-06-13 Hi dj8, I am also planning 2 travel to my moms place n 35th week..since i cn tak my maternity leave nly 6 weeks b4 EDD i don hv ny othr option. Planning to travel by train. Though my reports till nw r normal m worried abt travelling
d dj8 Original Poster Posted 26-06-13 Hi sweet kunju Same is the case with me. I have to travel for 13-14 hours. How much do you need to travel? What your doc is advising?

Same here. Planning to travel in 35th week for same reason:) I consulted dctr and she said that train is the safest mode of travel. My travel will be for 15 hrs. It should be safe. Just keep hydrated, relaxed. But you never know...fingers crossed!!! All the best to all of us:)

n nm30 Posted 27-06-13 I have around 10 hrs journey to my mom's place. I travelled by night train in sleeper coach (sitting for long hours is too tough, though you can move around in a train) in the beginning of 7th month. It was easier then as I didn't have too much aches or pains, which have started appearing now. My journey was thankfully uneventful. If you are travelling by train, try to get lower berth so that you don't have to risk climbing up and down the middle/upper berths. Avoid the crowds while boarding and getting down from the train. Don't carry luggage while boarding/getting down from the train, ask someone's help to do the same. Carry water bottles and avoid using water in the train (My husband insisted on using my water bottle to even rinse my mouth!). Avoid food sold in the train by vendors (just to be on the safer side), carry your own food. Keep your medical reports handy, find out hospitals which are enroute (just in case of emergency). I wish you all who need to travel, a happy and safe journey! All the best.
s snehachaturvedi Posted 27-06-13 I have to travel in mid of 8th mnth...earlier ,from beggining my reports were normal.but now there is less aminiotic fluid showed in my report.doctr said to take rest n take gud diet.what should i hve to do,am worried.
m Mallika3007 Posted 30-06-13 same here. my doc has given me a tablet to be taken before i travel to essentially help tighten the cervix so tht labour is not induced due to the movement in train. but my gyneac here said my cervix had already started to loosen up and she has prescribed the same med to be taken everyday until the 36th week! So not worried anymore. i will be travelling a good 16 hours by train. also, my doc says the baby might not wait till 15 aug (edd) but come in July itself, given it has already taken up the heads down position (fixed) and cervix is also softening. :)

Pregnancy Classes

pregnancy and travel | American Pregnancy Association

Travel During Pregnancy

As long as there are no identified complications or concerns with your pregnancy, it is generally safe to travel during your pregnancy. The ideal time to travel during pregnancy is the second trimester . In most cases, you are past the morning sickness of the first trimester and several weeks from the third stage of pregnancy when you are more easily fatigued .

Is it safe to travel during pregnancy?

Traveling by air is considered safe for women while they are pregnant; however, the following ideas might make your trip safer and more comfortable.

Most airlines allow pregnant women to travel through their eighth month. Traveling during the ninth month is usually allowed if there is permission from your health care provider.
Most airlines have narrow aisles and smaller bathrooms, which makes it more challenging to walk and more uncomfortable when using the restroom. Because of potential turbulence that could shake the plane, make sure you are holding on to the seatbacks while navigating the aisle.
You may want to choose an aisle seat which will allow you to get up more easily to reach the restroom or just to stretch your legs and back.
Travel on major airlines with pressurized cabins and avoid smaller private planes. If you must ride in smaller planes, avoid altitudes above 7,000 feet.
Although doubtful, the risk of DVT can be further reduced by wearing compression stockings.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the International Air Travel Association recommend that expecting mothers in an uncomplicated pregnancy avoid travel from the 37th week of pregnancy through birth. Avoiding travel from 32 weeks through birth is recommended for women who have complicated pregnancies with risk factors for premature labor, such as mothers carrying multiples.

Risk factors that warrant travel considerations include the following:

Severe anemia
Cardiac disease
Respiratory disease
Recent hemorrhage
Current or recent bone fractures

Traveling by Sea During Pregnancy

Traveling by sea is generally safe for women while they are pregnant; the motion of the boat may accentuate any morning sickness or make you feel nauseous all over again. There are a few considerations to make your trip safer and more comfortable:

Check with the cruise line to ensure that there is a health care provider on board in case there are any pregnancy complications .
Review the route and port-of-calls to identify if there is access to any medical facilities if needed.
Make sure any medications for seasickness are approved for women who are pregnant and that there is no risk to the developing baby.
Seasickness bands use acupressure points to help prevent upset stomach and maybe a good alternative to medication.

International Travel During Pregnancy

Traveling overseas has the same considerations that local or domestic travel has, but it also has additional concerns that you need to know about before making an international trip. The information below is provided to help you assess whether an international trip is good for you at this time:

It is important to talk with your health care provider before you take a trip internationally to discuss safety factors for you and your baby.
Discuss immunizations with your health care provider and carry a copy of your health records with you.
With international travel, you may be exposed to a disease that is rare here in the United States but is common in the country you visit.
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at (800) 311-3435 or visit their website at www.cdc.gov to receive safety information along with immunization facts related to your travels.
Diarrhea is a common concern when traveling overseas because you may not be used to the germs and organisms found in the food and water of other countries. This can lead to a problem of dehydration .

Here are some tips to avoid diarrhea and help keep you safe:

Drink plenty of bottled water
Used canned juices or soft drinks as alternatives
Make sure the milk is pasteurized
Avoid fresh fruits and vegetables unless they have been cooked or can be peeled (such as an orange or a banana)
Make certain that all meat and fish has been cooked completely; if you are unsure, do not eat it

Travel Tips During Pregnancy

Whether you are going by car, bus, or train, it is generally safe to travel while you are pregnant; however, there are some things to consider that could make your trip safer and more comfortable.

It is essential to buckle-up every time you ride in a car. Make sure that you use both the lap and shoulder belts for the best protection of you and your baby.
Keep the airbags turned on. The safety benefits of the airbag outweigh any potential risk to you and your baby.
Buses tend to have narrow aisles and small restrooms. This mode of transportation can be more challenging. The safest thing is to remain seated while the bus is moving. If you must use the restroom, make sure to hold on to the rail or seats to keep your balance.
Trains usually have more room to navigate and walk. The restrooms are usually small. It is essential to hold on to rails or seat backs while the train is moving.
Try to limit the amount of time you are cooped up in the car, bus, or train. Keep travel time around five to six hours.
Use rest stops to take short walks and to do stretches to keep the blood circulating.
Dress comfortably in loose cotton clothing and wear comfortable shoes.
Take your favorite pillow.
Plan for plenty of rest stops, restroom breaks and stretches.
Carry snack foods with you.
If you are traveling any distance, make sure to carry a copy of your prenatal records.
Enjoy the trip.

Want to Know More?

How to Treat Jet Lag Naturally During Pregnancy

Compiled using information from the following sources:

1. Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth Third Ed. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Ch. 5. William’s Obstetrics Twenty-Second Ed. Cunningham, F. Gary, et al, Ch. 8.

2. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Air Travel and Pregnancy (Scientific Impact Paper No. 1), https://www.rcog.org/uk, May 22, 2013.

Share this post:

Preconception Wellness - Prepare for the Unexpected

Leg Cramps During Pregnancy

Prenatal Vitamin Limits

Track your baby’s development, subscribe to our week-by-week pregnancy newsletter.

The Bumpy Truth Blog
Fertility Products Resource Guide

Pregnancy Tools

Ovulation Calendar
Baby Names Directory
Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
Pregnancy Quiz

Pregnancy Journeys

Partner With Us
Corporate Sponsors

The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in the usa.

Buy train tickets
Buy ferry tickets
Book a hotel
Privacy & cookies
Home

Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, usa coast to coast from $236.

You'll see nothing of America at 35,000 feet, come down to Earth and see world class scenery from an Amtrak train across the United States. You can travel cross-country from as little as $236 (£188 or €220) if you book well in advance, one of the world's great travel bargains. The USA has an excellent rail network for visitors, it may only be a skeleton network by European standards but it'll take you to almost all the towns & cities a visitor wants to see, in comfort at affordable prices. It'll take you to many of the U.S. national parks, too. Long-distance trains in the USA are operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, better known as Amtrak, www.amtrak.com . This page explains what you need to know to plan and book a memorable cross-country trip by train.

Train service in the USA, at a glance See detailed map

This route map shows where Amtrak trains run. Each of the very long-distance transcontinental routes shown in blue has one daily train, except for New York to Florida with 2 trains a day and the Sunset Limited (New Orleans-San Antonio-Los Angeles) which runs 3 times a week. Important short distance routes (for example, Washington-New York-Boston or Los Angeles-San Diego) have regular intercity services and are shown in red. It's easy to check Amtrak train times at www.amtrak.com , just use their online booking system. Click here for the official large-scale Amtrak route map .

Useful country information

Cross-country by train.

The 3,000 mile journey across the United States by train is one of the world's greatest travel experiences. It's easy, comfortable, safe, and an affordable alternative to flying. Free route guides are available on board each train, telling you what to look out for from the window, and the scenery on many routes is world class.

In a nutshell

The 3,000 mile coast-to-coast train ride takes 3 nights, without stopovers.

Choose from 4 or 5 different cross-country routes, each with their own character. I explain the most scenic routes below with train times & description. You can stop off on the way, but remember that a separate ticket/reservation is needed for each stage.

It takes one night from New York, Boston or Washington DC to Chicago where you change trains, then two nights from Chicago to Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle on a superb double-deck Superliner train . You can also travel coast to coast via New Orleans , this takes an extra night as you need to spend a night in New Orleans. Most of the trains run daily all year round, although the New Orleans-LA train only operates three times a week.

Check out the cross-country train packages at www.amtrakvacations.com , they can sort packages with tickets, private sleeping accommodations on the train, stopovers & hotels included.

If you book regular tickets online at www.amtrak.com , cross-country fares from New York to Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle start at just $236 in a spacious reclining seat, surely one of the world's greatest travel bargains. A private sleeper for 1 or 2 people can be added to your booking, the extra cost is often quite hefty but the sleeper room charge includes all meals as well as tea, coffee & fruit juice throughout the trip. Amtrak's spacious trains also have cafe & lounge cars, open to both seat and sleeper passengers. See descriptions of the trains here .

On-time performance . Bear in mind that these trains run for over 2,000 miles, although they often arrive on time or perhaps half an hour late, they can sometimes arrive an hour or two late or more, so don't book any tight connections. You can see how your chosen trains have performed the last few weeks using www.amtrak.com/historical-on-time-performance and you can also see real-time train positions & performance at www.asm.transitdocs.com .

Which is the best cross-country train route?

I've crossed the United States multiple times by train, using every major cross-country train except the Texas Eagle. Each transcontinental route has its own distinctive character even if the trains themselves are the same, but one stands out as the most spectacular for both scenery & historical significance: I recommend the California Zephyr between Chicago and San Francisco, which you can take in connection with the Lake Shore Limited between New York or Boston and Chicago, or the Capitol Limited between Washington DC and Chicago.

The California Zephyr is one of world's greatest train journeys, in around 48 hours you will leave Chicago, roll over the vast farmlands of Nebraska, cross the Mississippi, scale the Rockies out of Denver over breakfast in the diner, snake through lovely Colorado canyons, and pass through the Sierra Nevada mountains to reach Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay area. The route covers much of the very first historic trans-continental railroad route, and there's a commentary for the most significant section. To give you an idea of what a cross-country train ride is like on this route, see the California Zephyr page .

However, all Amtrak's cross-country train routes are scenic, and the Southwest Chief is another favourite. It'll take you from Chicago to Los Angeles over the Santa Fe railroad (which used to operate the famous Super Chief) , alongside the equally famous Route 66, through Navajo Indian country. This is another amazing trip, with a chance to stop off at the Grand Canyon .

Cross-country westbound 2024

* The California Zephyr terminates in Emeryville and an Amtrak Thruway bus transfers passengers across the Bay Bridge to the Temporary Transbay Terminal in downtown San Francisco. Tickets can be booked through to (and luggage checked through to) San Francisco Transbay Terminal as if it was a rail station.

** The Chicago-Los Angles portion only runs 3 times a week, departing Chicago on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays. Daily Chicago-San Antonio.

Use these times as a guide, always check current times & fares at www.amtrak.com as they change from time to time.

Cross-country eastbound 2024

* The California Zephyr starts in Emeryville. An Amtrak Thruway bus links the Transbay Terminal in downtown San Francisco with Emeryville across the Bay Bridge. Tickets can be booked through from (and luggage checked in at) the Amtrak station at San Francisco Transbay Terminal as if it was a rail station.

*** The Los Angles to Chicago portion only runs 3 times a week, leaving LA on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays. Daily San Antonio-Chicago.

Facilities on each train

What are the trains like.

Click here to see what the trains are actually like inside & out, and to understand the sleeping-car, lounge & dining facilities.

How much does it cost?

3,000 miles coast-to-coast overland for as little at $236 has to be one of the world's greatest travel bargains! Railpass options .

Amtrak fares are dynamic, so you'll see various prices on various dates, book ahead for the cheapest prices - these are the cheapest examples I have found.

Round trip fares are twice the one-way fare. Children 2-12 (inclusive) travel at reduced fare, children under 2 travel free (limit one child under 2 per adult).

There's a 10% discount for seniors over 65 on some fares. The discount applies to the base fare but not to saver fares, flexible fares, roomette/bedroom charges.

If you choose to travel in a sleeper, the premium fare column on the Amtrak website will show the total cost for all passengers travelling in a roomette or bedroom. This is calculated as a basic fare for each passenger plus one charge covering the whole roomette or bedroom. The roomette or bedroom cost is the same whether it's occupied by one person or two. So a sleeper is a lot better value if there are two of you! The two people price in the table above is the total you pay for two people sharing a roomette or bedroom.

Tip : You can save 10% on the basic travel fare (but not on accommodation supplements) by becoming a member of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, which at the time of writing costs $35 for an individual or $50 for a family. It can pay for itself on one coast to coast trip. See www.narprail.org for full details and online sign-up.

Can I stop off on the way?

Yes of course, but if you want to stop off you'll need to buy separate tickets for each leg. To book a cross-country trip with stopovers at any cities you want, simply look for the 'Multi-City' link at top right of the booking form on www.amtrak.com . This allows you to book a trip with up to 4 segments, and of course you can book additional segments as separate bookings. However, if you buy a through ticket at the cheapest price between an East Coast city such as New York and a West Coast city such as Los Angeles, then no, you cannot stop off, you must travel direct on your assigned trains. Although the several hours between trains in Chicago is often time enough to climb the Sears Tower (now owned by the Willis corporation, see theskydeck.com ) and get great views over the city, it's only 5 minutes walk from Chicago Union Station! As you can see from the fares table above, separate tickets New York to Chicago and Chicago-Los Angeles (so you can stop off in Chicago) work out about $35 more expensive than a New York to Los Angeles through ticket.

Want to stop off at the Grand Canyon? See the Grand Canyon section

All the trains shown here offer checked baggage. All passengers (both coach & sleeper) are entitled to check in up to 2 large items of luggage free of charge, plus an additional 2 large items for $20 each. Maximum 50lbs (23Kg) per item, maximum total linear dimension (length + height + width) = 75". Oversize bags (up to a total linear dimension of 100") $20 per bag. A name and address label must be attached to each item. Hand luggage is limited to two items per passenger, maximum 50lbs (23Kg) per item, dimensions 28" x 22" x 14". See www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

You can check bags through to your final destination, so for example if you have a New York to San Francisco ticket you can check your bags in at New York all the way to San Francisco Transbay Terminal. They will be transferred for you from train to train in Chicago and from train to bus at Emeryville, leaving you free of it until you arrive.

How to buy tickets

Option 1, buy at www.amtrak.com

Anyone from any country can buy tickets at Amtrak's own website www.amtrak.com , which sells all types of accommodation, seat & sleeper.

Booking opens 11 months in advance. An e-ticket will be emailed to you, you can print it out or show it on your phone.

Or call Amtrak 24 hours a day on 1-800-USA RAIL. From outside of the USA, Amtrak's international desk is + 1-215-856-7952. Open Mon-Fri 08:30-16:00 Eastern Time.

Option 2, buy at Omio.com

Omio.com sells tickets for Amtrak seated accommodation quickly & simply, in multiple languages & currencies. However, it can't sell sleeper accommodation. You print out your ticket or can show it on your phone.

Let Amtrak Vacations arrange your trip

Amtrak Vacations is Amtrak's official partner for vacations, tours & packages.

Amtrak Vacations can put a package together from anywhere to anywhere to your specification, with private sleeping accommodations on the train, stopovers at cities or national parks, hotels & transfers.

They'll also do ticket-only bookings for cross-country Amtrak journeys, and you may get more help and advice if you book through them as they specialise in Amtrak's long-haul routes.

Click here for Amtrak Vacations' cross-country packages

Lines are open 09:00-22:00 Monday-Friday & 09:00-17:30 Saturday, Eastern Time (5 hours behind the UK).

Let Railbookers arrange your trip

Railbookers are train travel specialists with offices in the UK, Australia & United States. They can arrange coast to coast tours by train to your own specification, with trains, stopovers, hotels, transfers and (if necessary) flights all sorted.

Escorted tours with Great Rail Journeys

Using a usa railpass.

A USA Railpass is available covering the whole Amtrak network or just parts of it, see advice on USA Railpasses here .

See it in pictures: Cross-country by train

See an illustrated journey from New York to San Francisco on Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and California Zephyr.

Cross-country via New Orleans

This is the Southern cross-country route, a whole different flavour from the routes via Chicago. Coast to coast via New Orleans takes 4 nights, making it slower than the more usual transcontinental route via Chicago, as you need to spend a night in New Orleans - but a stopover down south is hardly a burden! For a taste of the deep south, this is the way to go.

Amtrak fares vary dynamically, so you'll see various fares on various dates, book ahead for the cheapest prices - these are just typical examples, assuming you book ahead.

Luggage arrangements . Railpass options . Can I stop off?

New York to Florida

Introducing Amtrak's Silver Service from New York & Washington DC to Orlando, Tampa & Miami.

Facilities on board

Silver Meteor: Amfleet reclining seats , Viewliner sleeping-car , Amfleet cafe car .

Silver Star: Amfleet reclining seats , Viewliner sleeping-car , Amfleet cafe car.

Luggage arrangements .

Anyone from any country can buy tickets at Amtrak's own website www.amtrak.com . This sells all types of accommodation, seat & sleeper.

Omio.com sells tickets for Amtrak seated accommodation quickly & simply, in multiple languages & currencies. However, it can't sell sleeper accommodation. You just print out your ticket or show it on your phone.

Boston - New York - Washington

A fast and frequent inter-city service links Boston, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC. There are two types of train: Acela Express 150mph high-speed trains with 1st class & business class (premium fares apply) and regular trains with coach class and (in most cases) business class. There are also services from Boston to Portland (Maine) and from Philadelphia to Harrisburg. See www.amtrak.com for times, fares and online booking, or try Omio.com .

How long does it take?

New York to Washington takes as little as 2h48 by Acela Express.

New York to Boston takes 3h30 by Acela Express.

Fares vary like air fares, with cheaper prices available the further ahead you book. Round trip fares are twice the one-way fare. Children 2-12 (inclusive) travel at reduced fare (except on Acela Express where there is no discount for children on weekdays), children under 2 travel free (limit one child under 2 per adult).

Luggage on Washington-New York-Boston trains: These trains don't have checked baggage, you simply take your luggage with you onto the train and put it on the racks just as you would on any European train. You can take 2 items up to 23Kg each, plus two smaller personal bags each up to 11Kg - pretty generous, see www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

Omio.com sells Amtrak tickets quickly & simply, in multiple languages & currencies. You just print your ticket or show it on your phone.

Acela Express

Acela Express is Amtrak's very own high-speed train, reaching 150 mph on certain sections of upgraded line. It has first class & business class, there's no economy coach class. Premium fares apply, with no discounts for children on weekdays.

Northeast Regional trains

Cheaper but slower than Acela Express, with coach class & business class between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore & Washington DC.

Other Amtrak routes

New york - niagara falls.

Three daily trains link New York via Albany with Niagara Falls. Journey time is a leisurely 8 hours 30 minutes, a relaxing journey along the Hudson River Valley out of New York, past Storm King Mountain and West Point Military Academy, a very scenic route, highly recommended. See either Omio.com or www.amtrak.com for times, fares and online booking.

New York - Toronto, Montreal (Canada)

A daily train called the Maple Leaf links New York with Toronto via Niagara Falls, and another daily train called the Adirondack links New York with Montreal via the scenic Adirondack mountains. Both trains travel along the Hudson River Valley out of New York, past Storm King Mountain and West Point Military Academy, a very scenic route, highly recommended. See the Train travel in Canada page for train times .

Chicago - Memphis - New Orleans

Amtrak's daily City of New Orleans links these cities, with Superliner seats, sleeping-cars, sightseer lounge and dining-car . For times, fares and online booking, see www.amtrak.com .

Intercity trains in California

Regular trains link Los Angeles, Anaheim (for Disneyland), and San Diego. Regular trains link San Francisco (Oakland) with Sacramento, Bakersfield and San Jose. A daily train links Los Angeles with San Francisco (Oakland). See either Omio.com , www.amtrak.com or www.amtrakcalifornia.com for times, fares and online booking.

Seattle - Portland - Oakland (San Francisco) - Los Angeles

Amtrak's daily Coast Starlight links these cities, with Superliner seats, sleeping-cars, sightseer lounge and dining-car . For times, fares and online booking, see www.amtrak.com .

Portland - Seattle - Vancouver

Amtrak runs an inter-city service between these cities, see www.amtrakcascades.com - Some of these services use European-design Talgo trains.

Luggage on trains without checked baggage: Some of these trains don't have checked baggage, you simply take your luggage with you onto the train and put it on the racks just as you would on any European train. Generous limits apply - 2 items each up to 23Kg, plus two smaller personal bags each up to 11Kg, see www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

What are Amtrak trains like ?

Short distance trains come in various types, all with comfortable air-conditioned seating and often with a café car. On the Boston-New York-Washington DC route, there is now the premium fare, 150mph Acela Express high speed train, based on French TGV technology, but running on conventional tracks.

(1) Long distance trains in the east

Long-distance trains east of Chicago (such as the New York-Chicago Lake Shore Limited , the New York to Florida Silver Star & Silver Meteor or the New York to New Orleans Crescent , but not the Washington to Chicago Capitol Limited ) have Viewliner sleeping-cars , Amfleet reclining seat cars and an Amfleet cafe/lounge car serving snacks and drinks. If you have paid for a sleeper, meals are included in the fare.

Amfleet reclining seats

These distinctive stainless-steel coaches have comfortable reclining seats with loads of legroom, drop-down tables & 120v power sockets for laptops & mobiles. Drinking water is available in each coach. Unlike in Europe, your reservation does not secure a specific seat in a specific coach, you can sit where you like once on board. An attendant looks after each seats car, and will place a 'seat ticket' above your seat to indicate that the seat is taken.

Dining cars, cafe cars & flexible dining

Most long-distance trains have a cafe/lounge car serving hot & cold drinks and snacks, with an area with seats & tables for socialising. The cafe/lounge car can be used by both sleeper and seats passengers.

Traditional dining-cars on all the 1-night long-distance trains east of Chicago were discontinued in 2018-2019.

Amtrak now offers sleeper passengers what it calls Flexible Dining on these trains. Sleeper passengers are served pre-packed reheated or microwaved meals delivered to their sleeper compartments, or meals can be served in the table area of the cafe/lounge car. The New York-Florida Silver Star and Silver Meteor retain dining-cars of the new Viewliner II type with an impressive double row of windows, but only to serve the pre-packaged Flexible Dining meals to sleeper passengers.

Latest update: In March 2023 full dining has been reinstated on the Silver Star between New York and Florida.

Viewliner sleeping-cars

Long-distance trains in the East have Viewliner sleeping cars. The distinctive double row of windows on these cars makes them light & airy during the day, and gives both upper & lower berths a window for star-gazing at night. Travelling by Amtrak sleeper is a real treat. All sleeper passengers get complimentary meals in the dining car, and a 'coffee station' provides complimentary tea/coffee & fruit juice in the morning. You return from dinner in the diner to find you bed made up for the night by the sleeper attendant. A hot shower is available at the end of the corridor if you're travelling in a roomette, or en suite if you are travelling in a bedroom. All necessary bedding, soap and towels are provided. However, sleeper travel isn't cheap. In Europe you can pay a small supplement for a berth in a shared couchette or sleeper compartment. In the US, you have to pay for the whole room whether there are two of you or just one. To give you a rough idea, some sample sleeper supplements are shown in the fares section above. Viewliner sleeping-cars have:

(2) Long distance trains in the west

Long-distance trains between Chicago & Los Angeles/San Francisco/Seattle/Portland, also the New Orleans-Los Angeles Sunset Limited , Seattle-Los Angeles Coast Starlight and Washington DC-Chicago Capitol Limited use impressive double-deck Superliner cars. Superliner trains have coach class reclining seats , sleeping-cars , a dining car & an observation-lounge car . A route guide is available free on these trains, telling you want to look out for along the way. Watch a video guide to Amtrak Superliner trains .

Superliner reclining seats

Coach class reclining seats are spacious with lots of legroom, comparable with business class on an airliner. Don't worry if you can't afford a sleeper, these seats recline to about 40 degrees, and are quite easy to sleep in, in fact if there is any train in the world where I wouldn't much mind not having a sleeper, Amtrak trains are the ones I'd choose. There are 120v power sockets for laptops & mobiles at each seat, and drinking water is available in each coach. Unlike in Europe, your reservation does not secure a specific seat in a specific coach, you can sit where you like once on board. An attendant looks after each seats car, and will place a 'seat ticket' above your seat to indicate that the seat is taken. You can either bring a blanket or buy an Amtrak blanket from the lounge car. Panorama photo of Superliner coach class .

Superliner Sightseer Lounge car

On the upper deck is an observation lounge with armchairs & tables and huge windows for sightseeing. On the lower deck is a cafe selling drinks & snacks. All passengers can use the lounge car, whether they are travelling in coach class or in the sleepers. You end up spending most of your day here, watching America unfold in front of you! Seats are available on a first-come, first served basis, but it's not usually too difficult to find a seat or two free. However, they do fill up for the most scenic sections of the journey! See panorama of a Superliner lounge car .

Superliner dining car

Trains west of Chicago retain a proper dining-car with freshly-cooked food. During the pandemic, the dining-car was only open to sleeper passengers, but in 2023 coach seat passengers were allowed to use the diner again on most routes. The dining-car serves breakfast, lunch & dinner. All the tables in a Superliner dining-car are on the top deck for great views while you eat - the kitchens are downstairs.

Meals are included in the fare if you have a sleeper, although drinks are extra. In the sleepers, the dining-car manager comes down the train asking each passenger which sitting for lunch or dinner they'd like, and issuing table reservations. An announcement is made at the start of each sitting.

Note that couples and singles don't get a whole 4-seater restaurant table to themselves, you'll normally be seated with other passengers. This is a great chance to meet people, even if you're travelling solo. Panorama photo of Superliner dining-car .

What's the food like? The food is surprisingly good: The Angus Steak Burger is great for lunch, for dinner the herb-roast chicken & rice is good and the garlic butter marinated New York Strip Steak is excellent. A beer costs around $6, a half bottle of very good Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot costs around $15. For breakfast next morning a freshly-cooked breakfast of eggs, bacon & potatoes hits the spot. There is also a children's menu. Credit cards are accepted. You can find sample menus on the Amtrak website www.amtrak.com , click 'plan' then look for 'meal & dining options'.

Since 2018, sleeper passengers on the Lake Shore Limited (NYC-Chicago) & Capitol Limited (Washington-Chicago) get a pre-packed meal either served in their compartment or eaten in a lounge area.

Superliner sleeping-car s

Travelling by Amtrak sleeper is a real treat. All sleeper passengers get complimentary breakfast, lunch & dinner in the dining car, and each sleeping-car has a 'coffee station' with complimentary tea/coffee and fruit juice available in the morning. You return from dinner in the diner to find you bed made up for the night by the sleeper attendant. All necessary bedding, soap and towels are provided. Superliner sleeping-cars are double-deck, with 10 very compact 2-berth roomettes and 4 larger 2-berth bedrooms on the upper deck, whilst the lower deck has another 4 roomettes, 1 family bedroom & 1 special accessible bedroom. The bedrooms have a private shower & toilet, for roomette passengers there are toilets on both upper and lower decks, and a hot shower on the lower deck. The gangways to the adjacent cars are on the upper deck. However, sleeper travel isn't cheap. In Europe you can pay a small supplement for a berth in a shared couchette or sleeper compartment. In the US, you have to pay for the whole room whether there are two of you or just one. To give you a rough idea, some sample sleeper supplements are shown in the fares section above. Superliner sleeping-cars offer:

Video guide: Riding a Superliner train

The grand canyon connection.

There are two main ways to reach the Grand Canyon as part of a cross-country train trip, after you get off Amtrak's Chief at Flagstaff Arizona. The first is to use a bus between Flagstaff and the South Rim of the Canyon, journey time 1 hour 45 minutes each way. The other is to take a connecting Amtrak Thruway bus to the nearby town of Williams and use the historic Grand Canyon Railway to the Canyon, journey time 2 hours Williams to the South Rim.

Option 1, Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon by bus

Scheduled buses link Flagstaff's Amtrak station (which also incorporates the excellent local Visitor Centre) with the Grand Canyon's South Rim, with an 8am bus departure from Flagstaff conveniently connecting out of Amtrak's Chief from Los Angeles arriving at the Grand canyon around 1 hour 45 minutes later. A bus returns from the Grand Canyon at 6.15pm (also at 4.15pm from March to October), arriving back in Flagstaff 1 hour 45 minutes or so later. It can easily be done as a day trip, returning to Flagstaff in time for the evening Chief to Los Angeles, although you can of course choose to stay overnight at the hotels at the Grand Canyon. For bus times see groometransportation.com/grand-canyon . The bus fare is around $34 each way.

Grand Canyon Tours from Flagstaff: Alternatively, take a tour. A company called The Grand Canyon Store http://grandcanyoncustomtours.com offers 1-day tours from both Flagstaff & Williams to the Grand Canyon, including a tour to the Grand Canyon Village & South Rim, and the more extensive Inner Canyon Tour that actually takes you to the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon, not merely to the South Rim as with other tours and the scheduled bus - not surprisingly the Inner Canyon Tour is their most popular! They also do a tour from Flagstaff to the South Rim using the Grand Canyon Railway, see the section below.

www.amtrakvacations.com can put together an Amtrak coast-to-coast package for you with a stopover at the Grand Canyon, or a tour from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon and back, customised you your specification. See Grand Canyon packages .

Option 2, Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway

The more interesting way to reach the Canyon is on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the Canyon's South Rim. This is the original Santa Fe railroad branch line, Williams Junction just outside Williams town is where the line diverges from the Chicago-LA main line. However, Amtrak's Southwest Chief no longer calls at Williams Junction (it called there at uncivilised times in any case), you now use Flagstaff as the stop for the Grand Canyon with Amtrak bus connection to Williams.

To reach the Grand Canyon by train, get off the Amtrak's Chief at Flagstaff and take the connecting Amtrak Thruway bus to Williams. The buses are timed to connect with train's arrival & departure to and from both Chicago and Los Angeles. Williams is a pleasant town with plenty of motels, shops & diners. The Grand Canyon Railway runs a daily morning train some 65 miles over the Santa Fe's historic railway from Williams station to Grand Canyon South Rim station in the Grand Canyon Village, right on the edge of the Canyon's South Rim. The train returns in the afternoon, arriving in time to have dinner then catch the shuttle bus to Flagstaff for Amtrak's Chief onwards to Los Angeles.

The Amtrak reservation system at www.amtrak.com will actually let you buy through tickets between Los Angeles and Grand Canyon in either direction, although if you want to book through tickets between New York or Chicago and Grand Canyon this involves an overnight stay in Williams so you'll need to use the multi-city booking feature. But you can book your Amtrak trains at www.amtrak.com then book the Grand Canyon train at the GCR official website, www.thetrain.com .

You can also book Chicago-LA packages with Amtrak travel and a trip to the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway at www.amtrakvacations.com , Amtrak's official partner for tours and packages involving Amtrak travel. See Grand Canyon packages .

The fare includes entry to the Wild West show at Williams station in the hour before departure, and some Wild West entertainment on board!

USA rail passes

One of the best ways to see America is with an Amtrak USA rail pass, but be aware of its limitations before you invest in one.

A 30-day 10-segment rail pass costs around $499.

That's 10 train rides, enough to travel coast to coast 5 times, at €49.90 per train ride! Children aged 2-12 get passes for half price, under 2's travel free.

Segments: Sadly, since 2008 Amtrak's USA railpass no longer gives unlimited travel, it only covers a maximum of 10 'segments'. This is the maximum number of individual train rides you can take during your 30 day pass duration.

A segment is one train ride on one train: So a 2-day 2,200-mile trip from Chicago to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief counts as one segment, and a 30-minute ride on a Northeast Regional train is also one segment. Go figure! A journey involving a change of train (for example, New York to Chicago on the Lake Shore Limited then Chicago to San Francisco on the California Zephyr ) counts as two segments.

Will a railpass save you money? Very probably, if you intend making 8, 9 or 10 long-distance train rides. 10 rides for $499 is €49.90 per train ride, if (say) you only used 7 segments it'd work out at $71 per train ride. Now use the journey planner at www.amtrak.com to see what normal fares would be, to compare. But read the bit about passholder quotas below!

Reservations, upgrades & quotas

Railpasses are valid for any Amtrak train in the USA except Acela Express high-speed services and the Auto-Train car-carrying service.

Reservations are required! The railpass is not a ticket, you must make a (free) reservation before boarding any train. You can make reservations online at www.amtrak.com after buying your pass. Alternatively, you can make them at stations as you travel around or by calling Amtrak's 24 hour freephone number, 1-800-USA RAIL (from outside the States call Amtrak on (001) 215-856-7953, not free).

Upgrading to a sleeper is no longer possible: It used to be possible to upgrade to a private sleeper when using a pass, simply by paying the appropriate room charge. For an idea of sleeper room charges, see the fares section above . However, in 2021 this has changed, though it's not clear if this is permanent or temporary. At present you cannot upgrade to a sleeper (or to business class) with a pass. So only buy a pass if you're happy using a seat, even overnight.

Warning about passholder quotas: After buying your pass, you can make reservations online, or at stations as you go, or by calling Amtrak. However, with a pass you can only book trains on which a Value or Saver fare is available. If only the most expensive Flexible fare is showing, you cannot use your pass on that train, even if there are seats still available for customers paying cash. Many trains have Value or Saver fares available even on the day before departure, and sometimes even on the day of travel itself, but not always. Trains get busy in summer, Value and Saver fares have limited-availability and often sell out. When they sell out, you can't use your pass on that train. So don't buy a pass only to find you can't travel on the trains you need. Before buying the pass, use the journey planner at www.amtrak.com to get a feel for how fares work, and to see if your chosen trains have Value or Saver fares left.

How to buy an Amtrak Railpass

Check prices in pounds & buy a USA railpass (UK-based company, but passes sent to addresses worldwide)

Check prices in Australian dollars & buy a USA railpass (Australia & NZ residents)

Tours by train across America

Amtrak vacations, www.amtrakvacations.com.

Amtrak Vacations is Amtrak's official partner. They can put a package together to your own specification, from anywhere to anywhere, with private sleeping accommodations on the train, stopovers at cities or national parks, hotels & transfers. They'll also do ticket-only bookings for cross-country Amtrak journeys, and you may get more help and advice if you book through them as they specialise in Amtrak's long-haul routes.

Railbookers

Train travel specialist Railbookers have offices in the UK, USA & Australia. They can arrange a tour by train across the United States on Amtrak, starting any date you like, to your own specification with hotels and train reservations all made for you, hassle-free. They know what they're doing, and take good care of their clients, and I have no hesitation in recommending them.

Escorted coast-to-coast tour with www.greatrail.com , 01904 527 120

G uidebooks, click the images to buy at amazon.co.uk or amazon.com.

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Hotels in the USA

New York: The Algonquin is New York's oldest operating hotel, opened in 1902, and a designated New York City Historic Landmark. Perfectly located in mid-town Manhattan, a block or two from Times Square one way and Grand Central the other, with a lovely wood-panelled lobby and even its own hotel cat, which you may find wandering the corridors or sitting on the reception desk. To check prices & book, click here . For the Algonquin's history see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algonquin_Hotel .

Washington DC: Phoenix Park Hotel . A great choice, directly across the road from Union Station so handy for arrivals and departures by train, with an excellent Irish Pub doing great food & Irish beer on the premises, and just 2 minutes walk from the capitol. From around $154 for a double.

Los Angeles: Hotel Queen Mary (closed for refurbishment in mid-2022, but reopened in April 2023). This has got to be of the most fascinating places to stay, anywhere. If you go to Los Angeles, consider making the Hotel Queen Mary your base to explore the Los Angeles - Hollywood - Disneyland area. The original Queen Mary of 1936 has been permanently moored at Long Beach in California since the late 1960s, some 25 miles from Los Angeles Union Station (about a $90 taxi ride), and it's undoubtedly the most wonderful place to stay in LA. The hotel consists of most of the original first class cabins on board the Queen Mary, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars available on board, too. Hotel guests can more or less wander the ship at will, and even sign up for ghost hunts at night on board (and yes, from my own experience there is something going on aboard that beautiful ship!). Wood panelled art deco interiors have been preserved, although a few modern items have been installed such as televisions, and (as we worked out from a historic deck plan) in some cases two of the Queen Mary's original cabins have been knocked into one hotel suite by turning one of the en suite bathrooms into a connecting corridor. She is one of the most atmospheric places I have ever stayed.

Backpacker hostels in the USA: www.hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com : If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels. Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in many places across the States at rock-bottom prices.

Flights to the USA

1) check flight prices at opodo, www.opodo.com, 2) use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines....

3) Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think, see www.loungepass.com . I have found that having lounge access with complimentary tea, coffee, food and wine makes all the difference to an economy flight.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover. It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit. An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself. Here are some suggested insurers. Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected. Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list . Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top. A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing. The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works: 1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android . 2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses. 3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card. 4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app. You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader. The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out). I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great. See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing. W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure. A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi. It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply. See VPNs & why you need one explained . ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription. I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged. I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet. Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

Back to home page

How To Get Pregnant
Infertility
Pregnancy Week by Week
Second Pregnancy
Giving Birth
Post Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Development
Browse Names
Play & Activities
Coloring Pages
Food & Nutrition
Health & Fitness
Style & Beauty Care
Collaborations
New Parents
Single Parenting
Relationships
Baby Eye Color Calculator
Online Pregnancy Test
Chinese Gender Predictor
Implantation Calculator
hCG Calculator
Period Calculator
ovulation calculator
pregnancy due date calculator
Child Height Predictor
Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator
Breast Milk Calculator
Child Growth Percentile Calculator
Baby Cost Calculator
BMI Calculator For Kids & Teens
Contraction Calculator
Immunization Scheduler and Chart
C-Section Checklist
Online Twin Pregnancy Quiz
Numerology calculator
Child Blood Type Calculator
Nakshatra Calculator
Diaper Bag Checklist
Baby Name Combiner

Home • Pregnancy • Safety

9 Tips For Train Travel During Pregnancy To A Safe Journey

Learn expert suggestions and beneficial tips regarding train travel while pregnant.

Dr Neha Singh has over eight years of experience as a gynaecologist and more than four years experience as an IVF specialist and endoscopic surgeon. She won an award for her paper on ‘Maternal & Child Health' in UPCOG 2016.She is ... more

Harshita is a graduate in commerce and holds a PG Diploma in Patent and Copyrights Law from NALSAR University. She has also pursued CA and has more than three years of internship experience in auditin... more

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotec... more

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different researc... more

MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us .

Image: ShutterStock

Though traveling should be avoided while pregnant, there may be situations and circumstances when you are required to travel. Train travel during pregnancy, in particular, may have an impact on you and your unborn child. Everything you do throughout your pregnancy directly influences your baby in your womb, be it the food you consume, your positive approach, or the way you move and sleep. Although train travel within cities and states throughout the world is one of the most popular and safest modes of transportation, traveling by train might be challenging for pregnant women. So, continue reading to learn about some basic precautions you can take to make train journeys safer for you and your child.

Expert Opinion

Image: Shutterstock

So who should avoid travelling by train during their pregnancy?

Women with a history of miscarriage should not attempt any kind of travelling until they are well into their 5th month.
Women with a history of premature delivery should avoid travelling during pregnancy by train in their last couple of months of pregnancy to be safe .
On the other hand, if you are gliding well through your pregnancy and having no complications or troubles whatsoever, there’s no harm travelling, provided you take the necessary precautions.

If you’re concerned, you could always consult your obstetrician and know about the risk factors you may be prone to and then arrive at a decision.

Make Safe Train Travel During Pregnancy

Is it safe to travel by train during pregnancy? Okay, so you’re in a situation where there’s absolutely no way out and you have to travel by train- don’t worry, here we’ve listed down some amazing tips that will help you glide through the journey easily and without any risks to your little baby.

1. Pack Early:

Pack all the stuff that you need, from extra clothes, towels, to your medications and other essentials. It is best to have everything close to you while you travel.

2. Be Prepared:

Make sure you carry anti-nausea stuff with you . This may differ from woman to woman and if you have a special inclination towards that pack of mints or that beauty soap, carry it in your handbag to curb any nausea or morning sickness that you may feel during the travel. Keep your ticket handy and check if the train is on schedule.

3. Doesn’t Lift Heavy Stuff:

Carrying heavy baggage is the last thing you would want during pregnancy. Hire a porter or ask your hubby dear to help you get your luggage on board.

4. Be Early:

Rushing things at the last minute could be stressful and you may hurt yourself in all the hurry. It’s best to be there at the station around 10 minutes early and get yourself to settle down on your seat.

Carolyn, a mom to twin toddlers, recalls her travels during pregnancy in her Summer Winter Mom YouTube channel. She says that she would not recommend pregnant women to board trains at the last minute as it can cause them emotional distress due to their hormones being more elevated than usual. She recalls, “There was just one time where we just about missed one of our train connections in Europe and we ran. We couldn’t find the platform and when we finally did we get in the train in the nick of time, find our seats, sit down, and I just start bawling my eyes out ( i ).”

5. Carry Pillows:

Obviously, train seats won’t be as comfortable as your bed back at home, but carrying a few supportive pillows may help you get that much needed rest and comfort while traveling.

6. Carry Your Own Food:

No matter how clean the food may seem packaged food and train food may not exactly be your choice during this crucial stage . Make sure you are carrying some homemade snacks, fresh fruits to munch on and a water bottle during the journey.

7. Remember Your Medications:

Carry all your medications with you in your handbag. It is also a good idea to carry your own filtered drinking water.

8. Get gadget-ready:

Make sure your cell phone is fully charged before you leave home. If you must, carry an extra battery along in case your battery gets low during the journey.

9. Practice Sensible Travel:

Don’t try to board a moving train. Avoid getting down at the halts unless you’re absolutely sure the halt is going to be more than 10-15 minutes for you to get back into the train safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it safe to take my baby on a train?

Yes. You may take your baby on a train but ensure you carry all the supplies and follow all the safety rules and precautions (1) .

2. How do I travel with a baby on a train?

Firstly, dress them comfortably and make sure you arrive at the station early to be stress-free and calm. If your baby cries or is cranky, hold them and walk the aisles. More importantly, ensure their food and other essentials are handy (1) .

3. Do babies need a car seat on a train?

Yes. You can reserve a seat on the train for your baby and place the car seat on it. Car seats can be helpful for babies, especially if it is a long journey (1) .

Experts suggest that women who have had a history of miscarriage or have a history of premature delivery should completely avoid traveling by train during pregnancy. But if you do not have any complications, following a few tips can make the journey easy and comfortable for you and your developing baby. Be prepared, reach the station early, and carry your medications to avoid any discomfort. You should also take your doctor’s approval before traveling to ensure safe travel.

Infographic: Train Travel Safety Tips For Pregnant Women

Train traveling is considered one of the safest modes of transportation during pregnancy due to the allowance of body movements and changing positions, among other benefits. The infographic below provides some useful tips to make the journey more comfortable and safe during pregnancy.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Key Pointers

Women with a history of miscarriage or preterm delivery should avoid train travel during the first trimester of pregnancy.
With a healthy pregnancy, it is safe to travel in a train by taking all necessary precautions.
It is ideal to avoid eating outside food, carry pillows and medicines, travel light, and avoid crowded places.
Being prepared and taking medical advice before planning the travel can help prevent any undesirable events when pregnant and traveling.

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Personal Experience: Source

MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.

Traveling With a Newborn Baby: By Car or Train; https://winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=598939
Fact-checker

Dr. Neha Singh MS OB/GYN

Harshita makvana b.com, pg dip, rebecca malachi bsc, aneesha amonz msc, latest articles, fungal infection in babies: risks, treatment and remedies.

Ringworm, thrush, and diaper rash are some common fungal infections in infants.

8 Home Remedies To Deal With Itchy Belly During Pregnancy

Moisturizers may relieve mild itching; severe cases may require prescription ointments.

Air Conditioner (AC) For Babies: Is It Safe, Tips And Alternatives

AC is safe for babies when used in moderation by maintaining optimal temperatures.

How To Clean Baby Toys: A Step-by-Step Guide

Say goodbye to grime and hello to playtime!

Can You Take Tramadol While Pregnant?

The drug is best avoided unless prescribed since evidence of its safety is limited.

Spider Bites In Toddlers: Facts, Symptoms & Ways To Prevent

Though these bites are painful, painkillers and antibiotics can help manage them.

Shingles In Babies: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

These itchy, pimple-like rashes make them fussy and are caused by the chickenpox virus.

15 Most Common Infant And Newborn Problems

Some common health issues they face are jaundice, cough, vomiting, and fever.

9 Months Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Development And Diet Tips

Prepare yourself for delivery and to hold your bundle of joy soon.

What Is Viable/ Non-viable Pregnancy?

An early viability scan at around six to ten weeks helps determine the prognosis of pregnancy.

Aspirin During Pregnancy: When To Take And When Not To

Aspirin-containing OTC medications may not be safe during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.

6 Functions Of Placenta During Pregnancy And Placental Problems

The placenta is responsible for providing the vital oxygen and nutrients the growing fetus needs.

What to expect when traveling in each trimester of pregnancy

So you're pregnant? Congrats! It's an exciting time but also one in which many aspects of your life will begin to change, including travel. While you'll quickly need to understand the airline industry's rules for flying while pregnant , there are some more personal tips I'd like to share with you based on my experience traveling throughout the first, second and third trimesters of both of my pregnancies.

A few truths about pregnancy

Picky, starving moms need to travel with snacks.

I didn't know I was pregnant when I took the first flight of my second pregnancy. I was on a mileage run from Houston to Los Angeles, and by the time we landed, I was super tired, kinda grumpy and oh-my-so-hungry.

Then began a mad search for food. Luckily, Counter Burger was open and serving up sweet potato fries and burgers. Out of habit, I went for the veggie burger but I quickly regretted my decision, which left me far from satisfied with ground-up veggie mush.

In the early stages of pregnancy, your normal travel habits of going a little hungry for a while, or making due with what's around, may not work well.

Throughout your pregnancy, travel with water to stay hydrated and snacks to stave off hunger pangs and keep you going through travel delays. If you're feeling particularly food sensitive, research the food options at your destination ahead of time. I virtually lived on chicken noodle soup for a whole week early in my pregnancy and then, for a couple of days, all I wanted were hush puppies. I know how to get those items at home but when you are on the road, you either need to do more research or be more flexible -- which is sometimes easier said than done.

Related: 4 tips for planning travel while planning a pregnancy

Research and make choices about inflight radiation and other risks

I'm not an expert, but because I fly often, I have given some thought to inflight radiation exposure , especially during the early stages of pregnancy.

For pregnant flight attendants and pilots, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends a limit of 1 mSv during pregnancy, with no more than 0.5 mSv per month. I don't fly as much as an airline employee, but it doesn't take much research to learn that the amount of radiation you (and your gestating baby) are exposed to in the air varies dramatically from route to route. The highest-level routes are typically longer, higher-altitude polar routes. Here's some information from NASA about polar flights and radiation .

Every expectant mother should discuss the risks of flying during pregnancy with her doctor before getting on a plane. For me, nine months was a tiny moment in my traveling life, so I was OK adjusting my behavior a bit out of an abundance of caution. However, I didn't adjust to the point of never leaving my house. We still flew when I was pregnant, but I was judicious about when and where I would fly.

Check your health insurance policy

If you aren't familiar with your medical insurance coverage for when you travel, brush up on those facts now. Look at in-network and out-of-network benefits, as well as coverage for procedures for medical emergencies in other countries, if relevant. Most likely, if you do have coverage for treatment in other countries, you will still be on the hook to pay for your care up front and then submit for reimbursement from your health insurer. Plan accordingly and plan for the unexpected. If your baby decides to arrive early, for instance, check to make sure your insurance would cover possible extended and expensive care in an intensive care unit in a hospital away from your home.

Be sure to check what your health insurance coverage provides if you deliver at another facility later in your pregnancy. I once had an insurance plan that specifically did not cover out-of-network deliveries after 36 weeks, so that is something you would want to know before venturing away from home late in pregnancy.

Consider travel insurance

Trip insurance can be helpful if you are traveling while pregnant. Read the plan's fine print to determine what might be covered and whether you are covered if you already knew you were pregnant when you purchased the plan. Typically, a normal pregnancy or normal delivery would not be covered but if there are unexpected complications with the pregnancy, then related trip-cancellation or trip-interruption coverage may kick in on certain plans in certain situations.

Here are some travel insurance providers to check out: Allianz Travel Insurance, Travel Guard and Travelex Insurance . You can also compare a variety of plans at a portal like SquareMouth .

Here are some articles that will help you brush up on your travel insurance knowledge:

The best travel insurance policies and providers
What is independent travel insurance and when is it worth it?
When to buy travel insurance versus when to rely on credit card protections
Is credit card travel insurance sufficient on its own?
Why I buy travel insurance

Traveling in the first trimester

Traveling in the first trimester can range from "no big deal" to "I think I'm going to die from misery right this very instant." Symptoms in early pregnancy can vary widely and can change by the day. A flight in your first trimester may be no different from any other flight you've ever taken or it may feel like you are flying with the worst hangover of your life.

Unless you are very high risk or have other extenuating medical issues, your doctor will probably give you the green light to travel in early pregnancy. Feeling extra tired, nauseous and queasy doesn't make for the perfect travel experience, so here are some tips to make travel easier:

Pick an aisle seat and move about the cabin

When you do hit the skies early on, choose a seat where you will be the most comfortable, likely an aisle seat so you can get to the restroom easily. I also recommend getting up to walk around and stretch your legs. (Here are tips for credit cards that will defeat basic economy and let you get a seat assignment in advance.)

Room service come to the rescue

In my first trimester of my second pregnancy, I went on a trip with my daughter and parents to New York City to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and I was met with another challenge. I was at the point in my pregnancy when I needed food immediately upon waking or I was going to get queasy. Since I was staying in a hotel room with my young daughter, this meant room service. I also had granola bars and fruit on hand, but that was not enough to really do the trick some mornings. Had my husband been there, he could have gone in search of a warm bagel and juice, but since he wasn't on this trip, we had to improvise. Thanks goodness Marriott elite status helped defray the cost of most of the breakfast!

Take it easy when you need to

Once you are further along in your pregnancy and you actually look pregnant, you will sometimes get a little sympathy or, at least, empathy while traveling. Strangers may offer to help with your bag and people may have more patience with you if you're moving slowly. However, in the first trimester nobody can tell you are pregnant, and no one is going to feel sorry for you. If you act queasy on the plane, you will pretty much be treated like you have Ebola, and any other issue or ailment will pretty much not interest anyone. I once told the flight attendant I was pregnant when she was giving me the eye about looking queasy.

Take care of yourself, don't overdo it and know when to say enough is enough. You may be used to very busy travel days, but now find yourself needing a nap during your first trimester, and that's OK. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.

Traveling in the second trimester

You have probably heard that the second trimester is generally the easiest of the three trimesters for most expecting moms. You usually aren't as sick and or as tired as in the first trimester, and you aren't as large, uncomfortable and exhausted as in the third trimester. From roughly weeks 13 to 27 of a pregnancy, your activity and comfort levels are often good, and this means that it can be a great time to travel. Couples that like to take "babymoons" (one last couples trip before the baby arrives) often try to schedule them in the second trimester.

Related: The best babymoon destinations for every month of the year

The beginning and end of the second trimester are quite different

You will probably enter the second trimester not really looking pregnant, and end it looking quite different. This means that you may feel very different at the beginning and end of the second trimester. The second trimester is when lots of belly growing happens and this can mean that some types of travel will be more uncomfortable toward the end of these few months of pregnancy than at the beginning.

Consider where you are comfortable traveling

A very personal and important decision to make during the second trimester is to determine if there are certain restrictions you will place on yourself in terms of where you're comfortable traveling. Some types of travel will ban women from traveling during the second trimester. For example, many cruise lines will not allow a woman to book a cruise if she will enter her 24th week of pregnancy (or later) while on the voyage.

Royal Caribbean's policy bars pregnant women from sailing at and after the 24th week. It was developed in concert with the Cruise Lines International Association endorsement of the American College of Emergency Physicians Health Care Guidelines for Cruise Ship Medical Facilities .

Many consider unborn fetuses to be viable if born beginning around 24 weeks (though that age threshold is getting earlier and earlier). This means that a baby born at 24 weeks gestation would have anywhere from a 50% to 70% chance of survival outside the womb if (and only if) there is immediate access to advanced medical care. A cruise ship clearly doesn't have an advanced neonatal care unit on board, so presumably the policy is related to why cruise lines draw the line for pregnant passengers.

I personally draw the line for travel at 23 or 24 weeks when talking about destinations that don't have the same level of advanced medical care as the United States -- or long flights or a flight path that could hinder prompt access to advanced medical care if I happened to unexpectedly go into labor. The Maldives is an example of somewhere I would not want to travel in this instance because there would be significant delays in obtaining medical care on these remote islands.

Plan big, but not too big

The second trimester is a great time to squeeze in a pre-baby trip or two since you will probably feel relatively like to your pre-pregnant self much of the time. We went to Aruba when I was 14 weeks pregnant and it was a fantastic trip. I had lots of energy and a normal appetite. Flying was not uncomfortable because my belly was still pretty small and the only real adjustment was to make sure I had a somewhat larger bathing suit before the trip.

At 23 weeks, I traveled to Spain and still felt pretty energetic and "normal." I will admit that the flight in economy wasn't super comfortable since I did have a belly that was hindering curling up in positions that usually help me sleep on the plane, but our time on the ground in Spain wasn't really impacted at all by the pregnancy other than missing out on the Spanish wine.

The great thing about both of those trips was that they were at my own pace. This meant that if I didn't feel like doing much one afternoon, I could take it easy. Even though you may feel great in the second trimester, you can still tire more quickly than normal, so be sure to limit your vacation activities to those you can manage. There are also activities that some doctors might advise against by the second trimester like thrill rides, scuba diving or horseback riding, so double-check any restrictions before planning more adventurous outings.

Traveling in the third trimester

Pregnancy isn't an illness or disease. For many families, it's just a normal phase in a woman's life before a new baby joins the family. Assuming things are going well, it's not a time when you have to cancel all travel. However, once the third trimester rolls around, travel can get a more complicated and does eventually have to stop.

The beginning and end of the third trimester are quite different

Changes come even more quickly in the third trimester. You enter the third trimester about 28 weeks pregnant and end it with a newborn. This means that types of travel that are possible at 27 and 28 weeks pregnant may be inadvisable, or even prohibited, at 37 and 38 weeks pregnant.

Select destinations and activities carefully

In the final months of pregnancy, some activities are probably going to be more comfortable and enjoyable than others. For example, swimming and spa time may be exactly what you need.

I give strong preference to visiting beach and resort destinations in the final trimester. Trust me when I say that few activities are as comfortable in the third trimester as floating in the water! We went to The Phoenician (a Marriott property) in Scottsdale, Arizona, when I was about 31 weeks pregnant and even with my big belly, it was the perfect mix of spa, swimming and fun activities for our 5 year old before both our lives changed.

You are going to get uncomfortable

Maybe this isn't universal and there are some magical creatures out there who never feel uncomfortable during pregnancy, but every mom I know eventually hit a point in her pregnancy when she wasn't comfortable. For many, this means that sitting for an extended time in a small airline seat, standing in long lines or trekking around in the heat to explore a city all day eventually become pretty miserable activities.

No one can tell you when you will hit that point, but it will likely happen in the third trimester. For me, my back started giving me a bunch of trouble at around week 30 or 31. I was incredibly grateful there were no more flights scheduled during that pregnancy beyond that point.

If you are going to fly during the later weeks of your third trimester and have the ability to secure a more comfortable seat up front, or at least one with extra legroom so you can stretch out, it may well be a good investment in your comfort. I brought a tennis ball with me when I flew so I could give myself a bit of a "back massage" against the airplane seat.

Bring your own pillows

Sleep becomes a challenge in the third trimester for many women and a pillow fort of sorts becomes a necessity to get some good shut-eye. Many pregnant moms find that using some sort of body pillow or pillow arrangement helps to keep their bellies supported and comfortable at night. You can't assume that the hotel will have similar pillows, so bring your own if they become essential to good rest in your third trimester. I had no shame in hauling my pillow fort with me on our last road trip at eight months pregnant.

See if you are allowed to fly

Even if your doctor OKs it, many airlines have rules about women flying in the third trimester. Check out airline rules for traveling while pregnant for complete details, but generally speaking, most U.S. airlines don't have many flight restrictions until the last month of pregnancy. However, many international airlines do have restrictions and documentation requirements beginning at 28 weeks. If you are pregnant with more than one baby, the restrictions kick in even earlier.

Decide when to stop traveling

I'm all for traveling while pregnant but, realistically, most women will want to stop traveling at some point in the third trimester. I would imagine by about 36 or 37 weeks, most women will probably decide to stay closer to home. I went on a road trip about three hours from home at 35 weeks and then called it quits for the rest of the pregnancy. There's still a whole new world of travel waiting once a new baby joins the family .

Bottom line

There is usually no reason to stop traveling when you're expecting. During my last pregnancy, I went on 12 trips, 28 flights, visited four countries and I'm very glad I had the opportunity to stay that active. I'm also glad that I grounded myself from flight after 31 weeks and from road trips at 35 weeks because those were the right decisions for my comfort level.

Fidis Travel - Resources for Smart Travelers

Airline’s Baggage Fees
Golf Packages
Golf Destinations
Travel with Golf Clubs
Travel Tips

When Is It Safe to Travel with a Newborn? By Train, Car, & Plane

When Is It Safe to…

Do you think you are ready to travel with your newborn? While post-delivery long-haul flights can exhaust you, they can be even more tiring for your little one. Additionally, you want to make sure your newborn is safe and healthy, whether you are traveling by plane, car, or train.

Use the table of contents below to find what you’re looking for

Table of Contents

When Is It Safe to Travel with a Newborn?

Medical experts suggest waiting until the baby is at least two to three months until their immune system has fully developed. However, remember that development takes place differently in newborns. Your baby may develop a strong immunity in a month, or it may take around three or four months. Generally, babies have a fully developed immune system by four months .

Traveling with a newborn is not as complicated as it may sound. Many people who travel with newborns report a relatively smooth experience, contrasting with the misconceptions and myths. You should follow some basic medical recommendations to ensure your baby’s safety and health.

When Is It Safe to Fly with a Newborn by Plane?

As mentioned, you should wait until your baby is three months old to ensure their immune system has fully developed. You do not want your infant to contract an infection after all. This practice helps ensure your baby’s health.

Regarding health concerns, premature babies and those with heart and lung diseases often suffer from breathing difficulties. The low air pressure on the flight can significantly influence your baby’s health. Therefore, discussing your concerns with your pediatrician before flying with your baby is wise.

You also want to check your airline’s policies regarding flying with an infant. Different airlines have different requirements. According to Delta’s policies , the minimum age requirement for infants is typically a week old. If your infant is younger and you have to travel, you may need a written letter you’re your pediatrician.

Flying with a newborn. It's better if you can secure a bassinet

Tips for Traveling with a Newborn on a Plane

Flying with a newborn can be pretty intimidating, especially if you have never traveled with kids. Besides the procedures becoming more complicated, the trip can get uncomfortable if you are unprepared. So, how can you ensure a smooth and comfortable flight with your new travel partner?

Here are some helpful tips to maximize comfort during your infant’s first flight.

1. Plan the Trip

Planning your trip and making all the necessary arrangements can mean the difference between a hectic vacation and a fun experience. Therefore, take your time to plan all the little things before boarding.

Starting with the basics, more and more air passengers have started opting for online bookings. While it is a convenient route, calling the airline reservation desk can help eliminate any future problems that may show up later to ruin your experience. In doing so, you can ensure that you provide and receive all the necessary information.

Here are some critical considerations:

Provide the agent with all the passengers’ ages, including your newborn child. This is also an excellent time to ask about any age limitations or specific regulations for traveling with an infant. For example, some airlines do not allow infants less than two weeks on the board. Similarly, some other airlines may charge an excess fee for baggage, like strollers and car seats .
Decide if you’re going to use car seat or flying the infant on your lap .
Ask the airline reservation for a bassinet and front row (bulkhead) seat. However, you want to avoid bulkheads if your baby is a few months old. It is especially advisable for parents carrying a considerable amount of baby supplies.
Avoid booking a flight during a time that clashes with your baby’s naptime. You do not want to deal with a cranky baby, after all. Furthermore, ensure your flight is not at the same time as your child’s “witching hours”- a particular time during the day when babies act annoyed and irritated.
Be sure to aware of the airline’s rule regarding baby stuffs you bring, for example if you fly Delta you should know Delta’s car seat policy , if you fly AA you should know American Airlines’ stroller policy , and so on.

2. Pack Smartly

It can be tempting to pack everything that comes to your mind. You want to make the trip as stress-free as possible, after all. However, packing smartly instead of heavily is the key to ensuring that your first flight with your newborn is smooth.

On that note, picking suitable travel bags also makes a huge difference. For instance, the right carry-on bag for all your baby’s essentials can be a lifesaver during a long-haul flight. Your bags should be easy to lift and roll while they fit with the luggage weight limitations set by the airline.

Let us look at some essential supplies that will ensure you are well-prepared for an unexpected delay or layover.

Extra change of clothes
Diaper changing pad
Baby Blanket
Empty plastic bags
Ample of baby food (formula milk, baby food, etc.)
Extra baby bottle
Premeasured formula milk in separate containers or bags
Waterless hand cleanser
Hand sanitizer
Toys (non-noisy ones to not disturb fellow passengers)
Any prescription medication

3. Prepare for the Long Day at the Airport

No matter the age of your child, parents should always reach the airport early. Traveling with a baby is stressful enough, so do anything to avoid unnecessary hassle. If you want a good start, arrive at the airport a few hours before boarding the flight.

Local Flight: Arrive at least thirty minutes before the boarding time

International flight: Arrive at least three hours before the boarding time

This way, you can go through the security and other necessary procedures without causing stress to you and your baby. You will not need to stand in long queues or rush through checkpoints. Here are some other helpful tips for your time at the airport.

Inform your attendant that you are traveling with a newborn as soon as you check-in. Tell them you have brought a car seat or stroller for the flight.
Consider gate checking your stroller so you can use it while waiting at the airport.
Try to check all your luggage to avoid paying additional money for carrying extra carry-on bags.
Change your newborn’s diaper right before boarding the flight.
It is best to avoid feeding your baby right before boarding, whether it is breast milk or formula. If your newborn is not too hungry, consider waiting until you have settled in your seat.

4. Be Alert during the Flight

Infants are incredibly unpredictable, especially on their first flight. Even the quietest and calmest of babies can act fussy on the plane. The strange surroundings can scare and make them uncomfortable, after all.

Besides dealing with a cranky child, you may also have to tolerate looks from fellow passengers. Whether you like it or not, not everyone is tolerant of crying babies, and you may even have to apologize to some. This can further add to the stress, making your flight more frustrating.

Here are some ways to help your baby stay calm.

Take-off and landing are the most stressful experiences for infants flying for the first time. You can help your baby adjust to the changes in air pressure by encouraging swallowing. You can use a pacifier, bottle, or breastfeeding for this.
During a flight, babies tend to get dehydrated more quickly than adults. Therefore, you want to make extra efforts to ensure your baby is well-hydrated.
Changing a diaper on a flight can be extremely challenging. While some airplane bathrooms have changing tables, others are typically smaller with congested spaces. You may need to change your newborn’s diaper on the floor if your airplane bathroom does not have a diaper station.
Storing baby food in the fridge is not possible on a flight. However, you can ask a flight attendant to warm the baby bottle. It is usually necessary, considering the temperature drops on flights.

When Is It Safe to Travel with a Newborn by Car?

The basics for traveling with a newborn by car are the same as traveling with a newborn by plane. Medical experts recommend waiting until a baby’s immune system has fully developed before taking them out for a trip. Your child is more vulnerable to colds and other infections when their immunity is not strong enough.

It typically takes around three months for newborns’ immune systems to mature. According to doctors, it is safe for babies a few weeks old to travel short distances. This includes traveling a few miles to the doctor’s office or taking your baby with you for groceries, given that your baby is healthy and is not suffering from any complicated health problems.

However, it is best to wait at least three months , until your newborn’s immune system matures, for longer car journeys. Ideally, you should avoid car travels that are longer than an hour. On the other hand, it is illegal to hold your infant in cars, including cabs. It is necessary to have an approved car seat according to the baby’s size and age.

The Car Journey vs. the Baby’s Age

Long car drives can be highly uncomfortable for adults but even more tiring for children.

Here are some basic guidelines when planning a car trip with your infant.

1. Avoid Traveling for More than 30 Minutes if Your Baby is Younger than Four Weeks

Infants under four weeks of age struggle with keeping their heads upright. While some babies may be stronger individuals at this age, most do not have enough neck strength to bear the weight of their heads.

In the first few weeks after birth, there is always a risk of your newborn’s head falling forward. It can restrict your child’s airway, presenting a serious health risk. The danger chances increase when you have seated your baby in a car seat.

Ideally, you should restrict your drives to thirty minutes long if your child is younger than four weeks.

2. Follow the 2-Hour Rule

According to car seat manufacturers, babies should not stay in a car seat for more than two hours a day. That said, an occasional longer than two hours journey is safe, given that you take a lot of breaks. Fifteen to thirty minutes breaks are ideal if you are on a long-distance car journey. You should make stops after every two hours and remove your baby from the car seat for at least fifteen minutes.

Tips for Traveling with a Newborn in a Car

As a parent of a newborn, you may hesitate to expose your newborn to the outside world. It is full of pollutants and germs that can risk your baby’s health. The prospect of a long drive can stress out even the calmest of parents and experienced travelers.

Planning can help make your road trip comfortable for you and your baby. Before diving into some practical tips, we want to emphasize the value of car seats. The best travel car seats help protect during traveling, reducing the probability and risk of fatal injuries in case of accidents.

Here are some things you want to keep in mind for your road trip with a newborn.

1. Take a Practice Trip (Or Two)

Do you know a family that embarked on a long car drive with their newborn but returned before finishing their trip?

Generally speaking, babies do not like a change of scenery and environment and are most comfortable with their routine life. For that reason, they become annoying and fussy outside of the house. You do not want your newborn to dissolve into hysterics, do you?

While a fair amount of crying is inevitable, you can avoid long spans of tantrums by getting your baby used to being in the car seat. Are you planning a long road trip soon? If so, taking your baby on a practice car drive will familiarize them with their car seat. Your baby will learn to adjust to the new setting, making future trips much more manageable.

Of course, the first trip will be challenging. Therefore, it is best to avoid overdoing it and increase the distance slowly. Start with a short first trip, which should be longer than your regular car travels to the doctor’s appointment, etc. Similarly, your second road trip can be a little longer to help your newborn get comfortable in the car seat.

Once things start getting better, you can take the long trip to your parents’ place that you have been preparing for. Incrementally increasing your baby’s time in a car seat reduces the chances of your baby throwing a tantrum and causing you to turn around for home. In summary, practice can make a road trip successful.

2. Schedule the Right Drive Time

Making sure that your baby is comfortable throughout the journey is the key to planning a smooth road trip. Generally, babies are much happier when they are well-rested. So, how can you ensure that your baby gets enough sleep during the journey?

It all comes down to scheduling your travel at the right time. Many people recommend driving at night. They claim that your baby will stay asleep and you will be close to your destination by the time they wake up. In that case, you can have a stress-free and crying-free road trip.

However, such a plan can have quite the opposite effect, with a high probability of things not working out in your favor; avoiding driving when your baby naps or during periods of sleep is the best and safest option when traveling with a newborn in a car.

How? Traveling during your baby’s sleeping time means talking away their comfort. A clashing schedule like this can disturb your newborn’s sleeping cycle. They will not receive restful sleep, which can cause them to become fussier.

You can save yourself the stress of entertaining your baby by scheduling the journey when your baby sleeps. But it typically comes at the cost of you and your baby feeling incredibly exhausted.

Instead, scheduling the drive according to your family’s natural sleeping patterns is best. Make sure you get enough sleep before starting the journey to prepare your body for the long day ahead. Similarly, you want your baby to rest well before settling in a car seat.

Keep the morning and evening rush hour traffic in mind when planning your travel.

3. Ensure Proper Car Seat Installation

The travel car seat is critical in keeping your baby safe and comfortable during a long car journey. But, the wrong car seat and improper installation can present health and safety risks.

Therefore, checking whether your infant’s car seat is installed correctly is vital before settling your newborn in it. While many parents tend to ignore it and go in their way, reading the manufacturer’s manual is essential. These manuals usually tell you about the right and wrong installation methods and the risks associated with doing a step the wrong way.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the travel car seat in your car. Ideally, your car seat should be rear-facing when you install it at the correct angle. Not following the correct installation techniques and all the necessary steps increase the chances of your baby’s head slumping down in the seat. Being in the chin-to-chest position can gradually block their airway, and you may not realize it.

Besides installing the car seat at the right angle, you want to adjust the five-point harness correctly. Proper installation makes the car seats comfortable for babies, who may even sleep during the journey.

While car seats help protect babies in a car crash, they are also safe for napping babies. That said, picking the right car seat for your baby’s age and size is critical to benefit from the advantages.

4. Avoid Dressing Your Baby in Bulky Clothes

Dressing your baby in comfortable clothes is a simple, easy, and effective way to maximize comfort. Your baby is less likely to cry and get cranky when dressed in something that does not make them feel dressed .

Therefore, it is best to avoid dressing your newborn in bulky clothes. Bulky clothes, such as coats and jackets, also make car seat buckling difficult. The baby will also feel uncomfortable in the seat with heavy clothes. They may even feel heated in bulky apparel.

Additionally, the car seat’s buckles and straps may shift with the bulky clothes. Therefore, dressing your newborn in light layers is the safest and most convenient option. If you are worried about the cold temperature, consider warming your car in advance.

5. Simplify the Schedule

Do you have the travel itch? You may have become immune to long travel journeys over your years of traveling. However, you may have to lower your expectations from your first road with your newborn. Sticking to a strict schedule can be challenging, even unachievable, when traveling with an infant.

Of course, you want to reach your destination as soon as possible. The shorter the journey, the smoother it will be. However, it would help if you kept your offspring’s needs and your sanity in mind when making a car travel schedule.

Even the calmest and most experienced-in-traveling baby can only take as many hours in a moving vehicle. Therefore, it is essential to simplify your schedule to ensure your road trip is as hassle-free as possible.

Furthermore, you want to ensure you care for yourself and the rest of the family (spouse, other kids, etc.). While your newborn needs extra handling, forgetting about your sanity and health is not a good idea.

Make sure to schedule some rest time away from the wheel. Only when you are well yourself can you drive safely.

6. Take Regular Breaks

Having a successful road trip with a newborn is impossible if you do not plan regular breaks in your schedule. The sooner you accept this truth, the better your journey will be.

Planning stops at the trip’s onset reduces your chances of struggling with a crying baby. It will also keep you and the rest of the family from getting cranky. Therefore, add a few minutes of break every few hours to your itinerary. Make the stop regardless of whether you need to do something important during the break. Getting out of the car to stretch can help prevent restlessness and an aching back.

Ideally, you should stop every two or three hours during the day. You can reduce it to every four to six hours during the night. Remember that toddlers do not have the patience to stay in a closed space like a car. If your baby starts getting cranky, simply pulling over and stepping out can help them calm down.

Additionally, you want to break your long car ride into manageable segments for breastfeeding the baby or changing diapers. Feeding in a moving car can get messy, and it is also incredibly unsafe. You should only do so when your baby is starving and cannot pull over in the middle of the road. On the other hand, your baby may need a diaper change at the most inopportune time. Generally, you should not hesitate to pull over for comfort and safety. A milk spit-out fiasco? A diaper blowout? Anticipating hunger? Stop the car, and take care of the issue.

Ideally, you should plan your stops before hitting the road to ensure you still reach your destination on time. Learn about the rest stops and gas stations on the way so you do not struggle with an unexpected mechanical issue with the car. It is also wise to find baby-friendly hotels on your way in case you need a hotel stay.

7. Pack a Travel Bag

Whether you are a first-time parent, a travel bag is vital to ensure no hassle on your car journey with your newborn. While traveling with a baby can feel overwhelming initially, packing a travel bag with the right essentials can make it easier than you think.

Items to Keep in Front of the Car

Let us look at some essentials you want to keep in close reach (preferably at the front of the car).

Diapering Station

Lots of diapers
Diaper wipes
Diaper changing pads
Plastic bags (for dirty diapers or clothes)

Feeding Supplies and Essentials

Breast pumps (if breastfeeding)
Lots of burp rags
Feeding bottles
Powdered formula

Other Essentials

Pacifiers (two or more)
Portable sound machine (optional)
Nasal bulb suctioner
Change of clothes
UVA-blocking sun shades for the windows
Safety mirror (to see the baby) (or baby monitor to keep an eye on your newborn in the backseat)
First aid kit
Toys (for entertaining the baby)

Essentials for You

Other Items for the Road Trip

What and how much you pack depends on several factors. For instance, you may not need as many things for a short-distance car ride as you would for a long one. Additionally, you may have specific needs depending on your location, schedule, medical issues, etc. You want to carry the most convenient things for your car journey.

Travel car seat
Baby carrier
Bouncer/ bassinet

Sleeping Essentials

Swaddle (two in case one gets soiled by a diaper accident)
Blankets (for everyone)
Outfits (two to three changes of clothes for a day)
Outerwear (sweaters, cardigans, etc.)
Sun hat/ beanie
Socks (two pairs for a day)

Medical & Hygiene &Diapering

Baby shampoo
Laundry detergent
Hand wash (to clean your hands after diaper changes)
Dish soap (to clean pacifiers and feeding bottles)
Feeding bottle cleaning brush
Thermometer
Infant’s prescription medications
Baby medications (for fever, cold, etc.)
Nail clippers (for a long trip)
Forks and spoons
Plates and bowls
Disposable nursing pads
Breast pump

8. Pack/ Organize Your Car

Now that you know the travel bag essentials for traveling with a newborn by car, it is time to learn how to pack strategically.

How you fit all the items in your car can make a massive difference to the space in your car. Not forgetting, packing the right essentials is only useful when you can efficiently grab the needed things in time. Therefore, packing/strategically organizing your car is extremely important.

Packing your car a day or night before the day of the trip is excellent, as it will save you a lot of hassle on the day itself. You do not want to rush things or run late and end up in traffic. When organizing your car, it is a good idea to think about the items you will not need and can stow away.

In doing so, you can make space for the necessary items you will most likely need throughout the journey. When traveling with a newborn, you will need many things within arm’s reach.

Ideally, you want to keep your carry-on bags, suitcases, and other large items in the car’s trunk, like a travel crib. After all, you will probably not need access to these items at your road trip destination.

On the other hand, consider making a separate “necessity bag” for other items you will need and want en route. These include the essentials mentioned in the list of “items to keep in front of the car” above. Ideally, you should create separate feeding and diaper bags.

If your car is spacious enough, you can use the back of the vehicle for a makeshift diaper-changing table. You can especially do that if you have an SUV. These vehicles have a flat trunk and just the right height for changing a newborn’s diaper. Utilizing the extra space makes pit-stop diaper changes considerably easier and quicker.

Additionally, you want to designate a space in the car to throw your trash. While a trash bin is excellent, trash bags can work well too. You can install them around the headrest of the front car seat. If you want extra organization, consider using back-of-the-seat organizers for placing toys and other necessities.

Is It Safe to Travel with a Newborn by Train?

Traveling by train offers an incredible experience for adults. It is a safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly mode of transportation. You can relax in your seat and enjoy the beautiful views as you wait to reach your destination.

However, does the train offer the same comfort level for babies, particularly newborns? More importantly, you may wonder if a train journey is safe for a newborn. Generally, many people report that traveling by train is the best- most comfortable, and safest option for passengers with newborns.

While the train offers many advantages, what goes for traveling by plane or car goes for train travel. In other words, you must check in with your pediatrician if your baby is only a few weeks old. Ideally, you should wait until your newborn is three months old before planning their first trip in train . By this time, most children have developed their immune systems and are ready to see the world.

Train riding is generally the least stressful for both mother and the baby

Tips for Traveling with a Newborn on a Train

While you may have heard that traveling by train is the safest option, doing so for the first time can feel overwhelming and challenging. Not only is your baby new to traveling, but you also probably have no experience caring for such a young child on a train.

However, traveling with a newborn on a train is not so complicated. You can ensure a successful train journey by learning about some practical tips. Here are the top tips to make your travel experience much smoother.

1. Wear Your Infant

Have you ever wondered why most people say traveling by train is a great time for young travelers, including infants and toddlers? Well, trains are incredibly comfortable – a sure-fire sleep-inducing method of transport.

Sleep will most likely not be a problem for your baby, and they will get restful sleep whenever they want. Not to mention, you can also sleep comfortably on the train. However, make sure to use a soft baby carrier. This way, you do not have to worry about your baby’s safety when taking a nap.

Baby carriers allow you to keep your baby close to you and move around naturally and comfortably. If you are purchasing one for your trip, trying both harness and sling carriers is excellent to find a comfortable one for you and your baby.

2. Reach The Station Early

Reaching your train station early has similar benefits to arriving at the airport a few hours before boarding the flight. Traveling with an infant is a new experience, so it is only natural you want to make it hassle-free. You want to avoid the stress of missing the train or not being able to find your seat, do you not? Arriving early is the only way to minimize unnecessary stress when traveling with a newborn on a train.

Reaching your train early before other passengers will allow you to learn about the train and its services. For example, some train cars are specifically for families. These have additional amenities, such as changing tables in the bathroom. You can find a seat in one of these train cars if you reach before it gets full.

3. Let the Staff Help

Trains traveling over long distances are usually fully-staffed. This allows them to be friendlier and more helpful to the passengers as the tasks are divided. While you may hesitate to trust them, letting your train’s staff members remove some of your stress is wise.

For instance, you may need to store the baby’s food (breastmilk or formula) in the refrigerator. Or, you may need to heat the feeding bottle before feeding your newborn. You can ask the train’s staff to do these tasks for you.

4. Pack Smartly

Packing for a train journey is similar to how you would do for air and road travel. Here are some things to remember when packing for train travel with your newborn.

Pack Baby’s Clothes Separately

Train journeys are usually long, meaning your baby will need diaper changes a few times before you reach your destination. Ideally, you should pack around four to five outfits for a day of traveling.

Keep the Baby’s Feeding Supplies within Reach

You want to make a separate bag for your newborn’s feeding supplies so that you do not have to open bigger bags frequently.

Bottom Line

Traveling with young children can be challenging. It is overwhelming, even scary, for parents who have never traveled with an infant.

If you have a newborn, you and your child may still be trying to adjust to many different things. Traveling can be especially tricky if your baby does not like being in new places. While a few crying tantrums are inevitable, your trip with your newborn should not be a huge struggle.

Ideally, newborn babies should not travel before three months. So if your child is younger, consider waiting until their immune system fully develops. Do not forget to refer to our tips for traveling with a newborn by plane, car, or train!

10 Best Practices On Flying with Infant on Lap
American Airlines Stroller Policy – Flying With Small Child
Travel With A Car Seat: Flying, Renting, Regulation, & More
12 Best Travel Car Seat: Cosco, Doona, Evenflo, and More
15 Proven Tips for Gate Checking A Stroller Easily

Author: Olivia Moore

Olivia is a mother with two kids, 3 and 5. Between her activities as a writer and teacher, she plan and arrange all her family trips to both local and international destinations.

How to Sleep Train a 9-Month-Old

Typically, 9-month-old babies sleep between 12 to 16 hours a day…and may even be clocking up to 10 hours of sleep a night…but that’s not the case for every baby. In fact, even if you fast forward to 12 months old , roughly 28% of babies still aren’t sleeping for 6 consecutive hours overnight. If this sounds familiar and you’re wondering, “Is 9 months old a good time to start sleep training?” you are in luck. Here’s everything you need to know about baby sleep at 9 months, including advice for sleep training your 9-month-old.

It can be! Most babies are developmentally ready for sleep training between 4 months and 6 months old , so chances are your 9-month-old is capable of learning to sleep through the night! That said, many babies go through a growth spurt at 9 months that can lead to sleep setbacks that don’t mesh with sleep training success. So, before you dive into sleep training, it’s a good idea to assess your baby’s temperament , look for signs they’re going through a growth spurt (increased hunger and fussing, for example), and assess any other changes or illnesses they may be dealing with.

Yes, it’s totally possible to sleep train a 9-month-old! But go into it with realistic expectations for your little one and yourself! Your bub’s capacity to “sleep through the night” may be a little different than what you’re anticipating. ( Learn more about what sleeping through the night really looks like .)

How often do 9-month-olds wake at night?

Many 9-month-olds snooze for 12 to 16 hours a day, clocking 7 to 10 of those hours a night without any rousing-the-house wakeups … but that’s not all babies. Around 9 months, some little ones begin to develop separation anxiety and others are so over the moon about all of their newly developing skills—like crawling , pulling up, and babbling—that they find it difficult to settle down for the night and after a light wakeup. ( Learn more about your baby’s first year sleep schedule .)

How long does it take to sleep train a 9-month-old?

Sleep training is not an exact science, but generally speaking, it should take about a week or so to sleep train your 9-month-old. Of course timing can vary widely depending on your baby’s personality, the level of consistency and calm in your household, and your sleep training method. If your sleep training efforts have yielded little to no success after two weeks of trying, take a break from sleep training and assess why your 9-month-old may be resisting your efforts.

Is there any reason to not start sleep training my 9-month-old?

There are a few reasons why you should consider not sleep training your 9-month-old, including if your baby is under the weather or if they’re going through any kind of transition, like starting daycare or you’ve recently moved. To help set your baby up for sleep-training success, it’s wise to put off sleep-training your 9-month-old if …

Your baby is actively teething .

Your baby is ill.

It’s daylight saving

Your baby’s bedtime is unpredictable.

There’s been a change in caregivers.

Your baby is transitioning to a crib .

Your baby is transitioning to their own room.

There are other sources of chaos or transition in the household, like a parent returning to work or a new sibling joining the family

While there’s no shortage of sleep training methods—and sleep training opinions—pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, bestselling author of The Happiest Baby on the Block , encourages parents to start their sleep training journey with a gentle sleep training approach called the wake-and-sleep method . Here, a parent gently rouses their sleeping baby then allows them to fall back to sleep on their own. Sounds terrifying, right? But don’t panic! It’s not. While the wake-and-sleep method feels counterintuitive, Dr. Karp affirms that gently waking your 9-month-old—then allowing them to fall back into sweet slumber, teaches babies that they have the power to soothe themselves back to sleep—and sleep through the night.

Here’s how to use the wake-and-sleep method with your 9-month-old:

Set the sleepytime mood. Make your baby’s bedtime routine loving, calming, and consistent. That means, always dimming the lights and closing the blinds about an hour before bedtime and turning rough and rumbly white noise on as loud as a shower about 30 minutes later. (White noise has been shown to help 80% fall asleep in just 5 minutes .) And consider adding a bath, massage, and quiet cuddling or singing to the mix, too. Researchers found that using this three-step bedtime routine helped babies 7 to 36 months olds fall asleep faster and sleep longer after two weeks.

Lay them down asleep and full. Dress your baby in their cozy sleep sack, feed and burp them. Then offer a pacifier (a proven baby-calmer ) and allow your baby to fall asleep in your arms before placing them in their crib.

Gently rouse your sleeping baby. Softly tickle your baby’s neck or feet until their eyes barely open. As long as your 9-month-old has a full belly and is listening to white noise , they should be able to close their eyes and drift right back to the land of ZZZs after a few seconds.

Turn up the white noise if needed. If your baby doesn’t doze off again quickly, turn up the white noise a little louder and jiggle their crib for a few seconds to help them sleep. If crying persists, pick your baby up and offer a cuddle to soothe them—then start the wake-and-sleep approach all over again.

Other Sleep Training Methods for a 9-Month-Old

While the wake-and-sleep strategy is Dr. Karp’s favorite sleep training method, there are other sleep training techniques to choose from. You can mix and match them until you find the sleep training combo that works best for your family. Here are some popular sleep training methods:

“Pick-Up, Put Down.” First, follow your usual comforting bedtime routine, complete with storytime, white noise, a feed, a burp, and a change. Next, place your 9-month-old into their crib still awake. If your baby fusses or cries, pat their belly, gently shush them, or even pick them up to help them calm down. But once your baby is settled, promptly return them to the crib and exit the room. (The key is to calm and skedaddle quickly. No lingering!) Repeat this routine (sometimes called “shush, pat” sleep training method) each time your little one cries.

“The Chair.” Follow your usual calming bedtime routine—including white noise—and place your drowsy but awake baby into their crib. But instead of leaving the room, pull up a chair and sit next to your baby’s crib until they nod off. Once your baby is asleep, you leave. Then, if your baby cries after you’ve left, you return, sit down, and wait all over again. (During the entire process, you can offer gentle verbal reassurances, but you’re not supposed to pick up your little one.) Every few nights, gradually move your chair further closer to the door, until you’re finally out of the room.

Ferber Method. This famed sleep training method is sometimes called “graduated extinction” or the “check-and-console” method. No matter what it’s called, here’s how it works: Go through your baby’s usual calming nighttime routine, including white noise, then put them in their crib awake and you exit the room. If your baby cries, come back to check on them at specific, graduated intervals. For instance, when your baby cries, first return in 3 minutes to shush your little one without picking them up, then promptly leave. If your 9-month-old is still crying, come back after 5 minutes with the time between each check-in getting longer. Then, on your second night of sleep training, you may start with a 5-minute interval for the first check-in, and then wait 10 minutes before the second. The goal is that your baby will soon settle down without any intervention on your part.

“Cry it out.” While the “cry it out” sleep training method is similar to the Ferber Method, there are no regular check-ins with “cry it out.” Instead, “cry it out” involves letting your baby cry and fuss without intervention, so that they’ll eventually learn to self-soothe. This method—also called “extinction method”—is understandably very distressing for many parents, which is why it’s often used as a last ditch effort if other sleep training methods did not work as planned. To use the “cry it out” method, follow your usual soothing bedtime routine, place your baby in their crib, offer sweet words and kisses, and then leave the room, allowing your baby to settle on their own.

There are a lot of reasons your 9-month-old may be resisting sleep training. They may be under the weather, their homelife may be particularly chaotic right now, or there may be other—more stealth—reasons your little one isn’t responding to sleep training. Some possible sleep-training obstacles include…

Your baby is hungry.

Your baby is teething.

Your baby is accustomed to falling asleep in your arms.

Your baby’s bedtime is at the wrong time.

Your baby’s naptime needs to be adjusted.

Your baby’s tummy is adjusting to new foods.

What time should a 9-month-old go to bed?

Normally, 9-month-olds start their day between 6 and 7am and go to bed somewhere between 7 and 9pm each evening. The average 9-month-old sleeps for a total of 12 to 16 hours each 24-hour period, clocking up to 10 of those hours at night.

Establishing and following a predictable and soothing bedtime routine , including white noise, will go a long way to help your baby learn how to sleep on their own. At the same time, it’s important to troubleshoot common sleep-sappers by asking yourself the following questions:

Is my baby hungry? Even though your 9-month-old is chowing down on solid foods, breastmilk and/or baby formula still makes up about 67% of your baby’s calories . It’s crucial that your baby isn’t missing milk during the day…otherwise, they’ll pop awake hungry all night long. Try this stay-full-longer tip from Dr. Harvey Karp: Mix a little avocado into your baby’s dinner. The healthy fat boost can help your baby feel fuller longer. But if your baby still wakes to eat, it might just be out of habit. To curb you baby’s knee-jerk response, slowly decrease how many ounces you offer overnight and/or shorten the duration of nighttime feeds. (Check out more foods that are high in healthy fats !)

Is my baby accustomed to falling asleep in my arms? If your baby is constantly falling asleep out of their sleep space, waking up in their crib can be jarring. And if they haven't learned to self-soothe yet, a light arousal up can quickly morph into a panicked wake up. ( Learn what to do if your baby won’t sleep unless held .)

Are my baby’s naps too long? Wake your baby up if they’re still napping at the two-hour mark. While it’s painful to wake a sleeping baby, this will help them maintain longer stretches of sleep at night. At this age, most babies are napping twice a day. If your bug is still taking three naps a day, it’s likely time to drop one.

Is my baby’s bedtime too early? If your 9-month-old fights sleep for up to an hour, shows no sign of fatigue at bedtime, and/or wakes in the middle of the night—or very early the next day—raring to go, their bedtime might be too early. Push their evening routine 15 minutes later every two to three nights to find the right later bedtime.

Is my baby’s bedtime too late? When 9-month-olds fight sleep for up to an hour despite showing clear signs of being tired (rubbing eyes, blinking, yawning), their bedtime may be too late. Other clues they’re bedtime needs to be earlier: Your baby takes extra-long naps, easily falls asleep on car or stroller rides, and is moody and irritable. To reset bedtime, push your baby’s routine 15 minutes earlier every two to three nights to land on the ideal timing.

Is my baby constipated? When a constipated child’s intestines strain to expel a hard stool at night, it can wake them up. To help, first check out the signs and symptoms of baby constipation . If your baby does have a “poop problem,” offer a warm bath, a soothing belly massage, and help them do the “bicycle legs” exercise before bed. (With your baby on their back, move their legs in a half-bent position, just like they’re riding a bike to help stimulate their digestive system.) It’s a good idea to examine your baby’s growing diet, too, ensuring that they’re getting enough high-fiber foods , such as vegetables, beans, and fruit.

Do I need to worry about sleep regression for my 9-month-old?

Since 9 months is a growth-spurt period, sleep regression is often—but not always—in the cards. With the 9-month sleep regression, babies who’ve been great sleepers may suddenly have a hard time settling down to sleep, they may wake several times a night, and/or struggle with naps. Signs your baby is going through a sleep regression includes:

Trouble falling asleep

Frequent night wakings

Taking longer to go back to sleep

Suddenly resisting naps

Increased crying

The good news? The 9-month sleep regression often lasts for just a few weeks, especially if you’re engaging in healthy sleep practices, like using white noise. ( Learn about Dr. Harvey Karp’s take on the 9-month sleep regression .)

All 9-month-olds need a safe sleep space , a full belly, and a supportive atmosphere to help them get the ZZZs they need. Babies also need to feel confident in their own ability to soothe themselves to sleep—and back to sleep. To help, lean into these sleepytime aids:

SNOObie: This Smart Soother not only plays pediatrician-approved white noise, designed especially for baby sleep—plus, it’s a tap-to-activate nightlight, ensuring easy sleep-training check-ins.

SNOObear: Another pediatrician-designed white noise machine, SNOObear actually “listens” to your tot and offers soothing white noise if they awake in tears, helping your bub learn to self-soothe. While your baby shouldn’t sleep with a lovey in their crib until 12 months, introducing SNOObear lovey now outside of the crib will help your baby to recognize it and connect it with comfort and security. ( Learn more about the power of loveys .)

Sleepea: Once your baby graduates from the cozy embrace of the baby swaddle and/or SNOO, transfer them into a safe sleep sack or a transitional swaddle, like the award-winning Sleepea 5-Second Swaddle , which was voted Best Transitional Swaddle by Good Housekeeping. A transitional swaddle, like Sleepea, allows for safe arms-out sleeping for rolling babies—but still offers babies the familiarity and comfort of their favorite swaddle. A large (18 to 26 lb) or extra large Sleepea (26 to 33 lb) should be big enough to fit the average 9-month-old.

Things You Should Know While Travelling By Train During Pregnancy

How Safe is Train Travel During Pregnancy?

Pros and cons of train journey for pregnant women, tips to make your journey by train comfortable, precautions to take while travelling by train, precautions regarding food and drink while travelling by train in pregnancy.

Pregnancy necessitates a lot of changes in a woman’s life, and even the simplest activity needs to be reconsidered. Travelling when pregnant is a subject of much discussion, and most women prefer to avoid it altogether. Yet, if you must, it helps to weigh the different options to assess which is best suited. Read on to consider the pros and cons of train travel during pregnancy and to help decide if it should be your preferred mode of transport.

Train travel can be quite safe for those who have a normal and healthy pregnancy devoid of any complications or issues. In the case of those who may be suffering from any health issues such as high blood pressure or high sugar levels or any other complications, it is better to check with the doctor about the dos and don’ts of train travel. More so, they may evaluate your condition and then either allow or prevent you from travelling.

Morning sickness is a common issue amongst most pregnant women, especially during the first trimester. In such a case, it is better to wait and travel during the second trimester as by then, train movements or any odour in the train may not make you nauseous.

Train travel is quite safe during pregnancy for most women who do not have any serious health issues. Here are some pros and cons you should be aware of before you undertake a train journey.

Travelling by train means steady movement of the train, the wheels clacking against the tracks and a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery outside.
Train travel means more comfort as compared to bus, car or plane. There is enough space to allow more movement. You can sit comfortably, or even lay down if you feel tired.
You get to enjoy your time while you are travelling by train. Just enjoy the beautiful nature as it passes by, take a nap, read a book or watch a movie or listen to music on your phone.
Even if it is a simple train, there will be restrooms, which make your travel more relaxed. And if it is a luxurious train, then you can be assured of taken good care of and a chance to enjoy a great trip with best amenities and great food.
Also, no traffic means you reach your destination faster and there is less pollution to take in while travelling by train as compared to road travel.
There can be cons depending on which kind of train you take.
If it is a train with not many amenities or if it is crowded, then train travel can be quite inconvenient. If there is no AC compartment, then there will be more discomfort.
The kind of seats you get can also be a con if they are faced backwards, which may aggravate or trigger morning sickness.
Depending on how long you are into your pregnancy, boarding the train can be difficult.
Book a comfortable train and a more comfortable seat. If you can, get an air-conditioned compartment, that can ensure convenient travel.
Though many trains provide pillows and blankets, it will be better to carry your own because your pillows can ensure better comfort. Also, during pregnancy, it is better that you use your own blankets rather than the railways’.
Of course, if it is an overnight trip, then you will have a sleeping compartment, but even if it is a full-day trip, consider getting a sleeping coach, so that you can lie down a little or take rest at regular intervals.
Another point that goes without saying is that you will need to take the lower berth.
Do not take seats near the bathroom or the door to avoid crowds, pushing, and nausea due to odour
Try to sit comfortably, keep your legs stretched.
Take a walk every hour so that you do not get cramps or uneasiness. Walks also help in better blood circulation. This can prevent the risk of blood clots.
When you are asleep, ensure that your position is comfortable and, if possible, rest your legs in an elevated position.
Wear comfortable clothing. Opt for comfortable shoes as well, as they ensure that blood circulation is not obstructed.
Ensure that you take seats that face the direction of the train so that you do not feel any discomfort.
Carry enough tissues and anti-bacterial wipes/ sprays, with you, so that you when you use the restroom, you can wipe off the seat first to avoid urinary tract infections.
It is advisable to use the restroom when the train halts. If the pregnancy is advanced, take someone along to stay out just in case of any emergency
Try to have company, preferably your spouse or any family member or a friend. In case, travelling alone is unavoidable, ensure that you are prepared for the solo trip. Do not carry too many bags. Since you should not lift heavy bags, carry a suitcase with wheels so that you can carry it if a porter is not available.
Arrive a little early so that you have enough time to be ready and board comfortably. It is better to find the exact departure time of the train, so that you do not reach too much in advance and have to wait uncomfortably at the railway station.
Lock your baggage, so that you can safely go to the restroom without any fear of someone stealing your belongings or adulterating any food.
Stay away from any crowds. If there is a rush by the train door, stay away from the crowds to ensure you don’t get pushed or injured accidentally.
In case you have to walk a distance to the platform or cross any bridge, it will be better to have a porter or someone carry your luggage.
In addition to the medicines that you are taking, carry medicines for colds, headaches or any infections, after due checking with your doctor.
Keep your phone fully charged always. Carry a power bank with you.
Keep your medical file with you. You should save your doctor’s number in your phone under ‘My doctor’ or ‘My Gynaec’, so that if there is an emergency, the person with you or your fellow passenger can call them up and ask for advice.
It is better if you do not accept food or drinks from strangers. Just say a polite ‘no’.
It is best to carry your own food and water when travelling by train travel during the first trimester of pregnancy. With water, you can depend on bottled water, but ensure that the seal is well in place.
Don’t get off any station to buy anything, as the street vendors may not be hygenic. In addition, you may feel the rush to get back on the train in time, which could lead to untimely accidents. Instead, if you require any packaged food, you can buy it from vendors who are passing through the train or at the window.
Carry chocolates, protein bars or any other snacks with you so that you can munch on them whenever you feel hungry.
If it is short train travel during pregnancy in the third trimester, your home food may last for the whole trip, but if it is a long journey, then you may have to rely on the train food. In that case, check with them and buy well-cooked and hot meals.
Avoid salad, curd or any other food that may not be cooked, as they can get spoilt fast and easily.
Drink lots of water to stay fresh and hydrated. Avoid coffee and tea if possible and if not, then limit the intake. Aerated drinks are a strict no-no.
If you are buying any packaged food, then ensure that you check the expiry dates first.

Train travel for most pregnant women can be hassle-free and fun if you have the proper guidance and support. Prepare in advance and meet your doctor before you set out for an enjoyable trip.

Also Read: Travelling By Car During Pregnancy

RELATED ARTICLES
MORE FROM AUTHOR

Spider Veins during Pregnancy - Causes, Remedies & Prevention

8 Things You Should Avoid Doing When Wearing a Saree During Pregnancy

Leaking Breasts During Pregnancy - Is It Normal?

Kidney Stones in Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Pregnancy Belly Growth Chart - Week by Week

Stunning Ideas on What to Wear for Your Maternity Shoot

Popular on parenting.

245 Rare Boy & Girl Names with Meanings

170 Boy & Girl Names That Mean 'Gift from God'

800+ Unique & Cute Nicknames for Boys & Girls

Cookie Monster Coloring Pages - Free Printable Pages For Kids

Robot Coloring Pages - Free Printable Pages For Kids

Cheerleading Coloring Pages - Free Printable Pages For Kids

Essay On Holi - 10 lines, Short and Long Essay for Students and Children

Please rotate your device

We do not support landscape mode, please use the website in the portrait mode for best experience.

Apr 7, 2021 | Countries

Mexico by Train

A Travel Guide For Train Travel In Mexico.

Here you will find information for Mexico about trains, routes, tours, connections, where to buy train tickets and more.

Useful Information

Population: 129 .2 million

Currency: Mexican Peso

Language: Spanish

Capital: Mexico City

Country Code: +52

Time Zone: Central Standard

Train Companies

There is only one passenger train in Mexico: The El Chepe from Los Mochis to Chihuahua that is operated by Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico (ChP) .

Train Tickets

Check shedules and prices for the El Chepe tourist train online at www.CHEPE.mx.

Buy your train tickets online at OMIO and compare trains, buses & flights.

Rail Passes

There are no rail passes available for Mexico.

TrAIN tYPES

National Trains

The Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico also known as “El Chepe” is the only passenger train in Mexico.

Frequently Travelled Routes In Mexico

International, main train stations, good to know, best time to travel to mexico.

The best time to travel to Mexico is during the drier season from December to April. Although this may be the country’s busy season, one can avoid the hurricane seasons on both coasts. Mexico is a long country with a variety of landscapes. From mountainous regions with snow-capped volcanoes to desert to jungle to coastline, each region offers different weather patterns and plenty to do and see! Whether you want to go whale watching, diving, mountain biking, hiking, surfing, jungle trekking, or maybe you just want to see the butterfly migration, there’s always a time of year for you to visit Mexico.

When visiting solely for your train journey, May to June and September to November are the best months to ride the famed El Chepe train which offers views of a blooming flower-filled Copper Canyon during this time. Wonderful festivals and holidays not to miss are Semana Santa, Cinco de Mayo, and Día de Los Muertos as well as the spring and fall equinoxes at Chichen Itza.

Keep in mind, July and August tend to be the hottest months across the country and often seen as the low season throughout the country in terms of tourism, but there are often discounts during this time of year. March and April tend to be more expensive months due to the influx of spring breakers and beach-holiday goers but offer the best weather in terms of the lower heat index and less humidity.

High Season: December – April
Low Season: July – August
Hurricane Season: June – November

Accommodation In Mexico

The best place to find cheap hotels for is to book by www.booking.com . There you will find a large selection of cheap hotels, hostels, and apartments. > BOOK HERE

Hostelworld

If you are looking for a low budget accommodation, then go on www.hostelworld.com . They have the best choice of cheap hostels for backpackers and low budget travelers. > BOOK HERE

Guidebooks For Mexico

Travel with a guidebook ease your journey to find best sights and things to do. Buy it on Amazon.

Deutsch ( German )

Get our Rail Planner app

Plan your trip, get extra discounts, and show your Pass as you go.

Our favorite spring routes

Celebrate spring with these 7 off-the-beaten-path train routes

All about seat reservations

Everything you need to know about booking your seats

Alternatives to Busy Routes

Travel between popular European cities without seat reservations

Through our Chatbot in the bottom right corner.

Ask the Community

Browse questions from fellow Eurail travellers, or ask your own!

Plan your trip
Suggested Itineraries

1 month in Europe: the alternative tour

Order overview
Reservations overview
My Trips & Travelers
{{translatedTraveler}} {{#promotional}} {{currencySign}} {{standardPrice}} {{/promotional}} {{quantity}}x {{currencySign}} {{finalPrice}}
Child {{childPasses}}x FREE
{{translatedPassType}}
{{translatedValidityPeriodDescription}}
{{translatedClass}}
Remove Pass(es)
{{variant.localizedTravelPackDescription}} {{quantity}}x Free
{{variant.localizedPassUpgradeDescription}} {{quantity}}x {{currency}} {{price}}
Your order will arrive by {{expectedDeliveryDate}} 1 x {{currency}} {{price}}

Your cart is empty

This 1-month itinerary skips over some of Europe's tourism hotspots in favor of lesser-visited but equally unforgettable destinations. Ready to go one stop further and experience some of Europe's highlights and hidden gems? This itinerary is for you.

Itinerary highlights

For this itinerary, we recommend:

Eurail Pass: Global Pass
Travel days: 1 or 2 months Continuous Pass
Tip: Travelers can split up long train journeys by exploring stopover cities. For example, travelers going from Zagreb (Croatia) to Bologna (Italy) may choose to stay in Villach (Austria) for a day or two.

Click here or on the map to view this route in our Trip Planner

Ghent, Belgium

Don't miss St. Bavo Cathedral, filled with famous artwork such as the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers.

Ghent's large student population contributes to a lively atmosphere in the medieval center.

Art and music are everywhere during the Gentse Feesten , a spectacular 10-day festival held in July.

Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam's neighbor to the south has a futuristic skyline that's unique in the Netherlands.

Modern architectural landmarks include the Erasmus Bridge and the Market Hall .

Up for a concert? Rotterdam is home to dozens of live music venues.

Leipzig, Germany

Leipzig has been called the " New Berlin" for years, due to its vast creative scene.

Enjoy the city's architectural variety and check out St. Nicholas Church , where Johann Sebastian Bach once played the organ.

Visit the Spinnerei Art Centre, a former cotton spinning mill that is now home to more than 100 artists' studios.

Warsaw, Poland

Catch a live concert of composer Frédéric Chopin's music, performed daily in Warsaw's picturesqure Old Town.

On a sunny day, take a stroll or enjoy a bike ride on the kilometers-long promenade along the Vistula river.

In Warsaw's Praga district , former factories have been transformed into restaurants, art galleries, and beyond.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a visually striking city, split in two by the Danube River. Visit Buda Castle for some of the best views of the city.

Bask in Baroque beauty (and sip a latte or two) at Budapest's famous coffee houses and cafes.

Pick up some groceries and souvenirs and sample local specialties with a visit to Budapest's Central Market Hall.

Belgrade, Serbia

Go for a stroll around Kalemegdan, a large park situated where the Danube and Sava rivers meet.
Take in the view from atop the Belgrade Fortress , which has historical roots dating back to the Neolithic period.
Consider a day trip to Novi Sad (or another Serbian destination) by train. The journey from Belgrade to Novi Sad, included in the Pass, takes under an hour.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Sebilj fountain in Sarajevo's Bascarsija

Begin with a cup of Bosnian coffee at the historic Bascarsij. Nearby, you'll find local artisans selling traditional copper and other souvenirs.
Ride the cable car up to Trebević and soak in a sweeping view of Sarajevo before taking a short hike on walking paths through the forest.
Take the train to Mostar , a picturesque city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. This train ride, included in the Pass, takes under 3 hours.

Zagreb, Croatia

Start your day by getting some fresh fruit at Dolac Market , a beautiful square famous for its red umbrellas used by vendors.
Visit the unique Museum of Broken Relationships and unpack the universal experiences of loss and heartbreak.
After the museum, take a long walk around Zagreb's Upper Town. Don't miss the Church of St. Mark 's colorful tiled roof.

Bologna, Italy

Travelers can lose themselves for days exploring Bologna's medieval churches, long porticoes, and hidden canals.

The University of Bologna is the crown jewel of this lively student city, dating back to the year 1088.

Climb to the top of the Clock Tower for a breathtaking view of Bologna.

Lyon, France

Lyon, home to more than 4,000 restaurants, is said to be the gastronomical capital of France .

Signs of the city's history and architectural variety are everywhere you turn, from the ancient Roman theater to the futuristic Musée des Confluences .

Visit the soaring Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of Lyon.

What Pass should I get for one month in Europe?

The Eurail Global Pass allows travelers to explore 33 European countries by train. Choose a 1 or 2 months Continuous Pass for maximum flexibility.

Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

April train strikes: Dates and the services affected

T rain drivers at 16 rail companies are staging a fresh wave of strikes in a long-running dispute over pay, threatening to disrupt families across the country during the Easter school holidays.

The walkouts are the latest in a series of strikes carried out by the Aslef union in a 20-month row.

Union leaders announced separate walkouts affecting the London Underground but these have been cancelled.

Here is everything you need to know about the National Rail strikes:

When will the strikes take place?

Friday April 5 - Monday April 8 : Aslef staff will hold a rolling programme of one-day walkouts between April 5 and 8, coupled with a six-day ban on overtime.
Monday April 8 - Tuesday April 9 : Members will also refuse to work their rest days

Which train lines are affected?

Monday, April 8: Strikes will take place on c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and SWR Island Line.

How will the train strikes affect me?

Train operators warned that on strike days it is likely that little or no services will run across large areas of the network operated by the affected train companies.

Services are also likely to be disrupted and start later on the day immediately following a full strike day.

On days where an overtime ban is in place, the timetable for some train companies may be revised in advance or services subject to short-notice delay or cancellation on the day.

Passengers are warned to expect significant disruption and advised to plan ahead and check before they travel.

A law is now in place aimed at ensuring a minimum level of service during rail strikes, but none of the operators involved in the Aslef dispute have applied to use it.

Why are the strikes happening ?

Aslef has held 14 one-day strikes during the 21-month dispute. The first ballot went out in June 2022 and members first went on strike on Saturday, July 30, 2022.

The union said it wanted to increase the pressure on the “intransigent” train companies and the “tone-deaf” government.

Train drivers have not had a pay rise for five years, since April 2019, Aslef said. Union bosses said they had been in negotiations with the train operators, represented by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), but had heard nothing further since gaining a fresh mandate for another six months of industrial action last month.

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: “Last month, when we announced renewed mandates for industrial action, because under the Tories’ draconian anti-union laws we have to ballot our members every six months, we called on the train companies, and the Government, to come to the table for meaningful talks to negotiate a new pay deal for train drivers who have not had an increase in salary since 2019.

“Our members voted overwhelmingly – yet again – for strike action.

“Those votes show a clear rejection by train drivers of the ridiculous offer put to us in April last year by the RDG, which knew that offer would be rejected because a land grab for all the terms and conditions we have negotiated over the years would never be accepted by our members.

“Since then train drivers have voted, time and again, to take action in pursuit of a pay rise. That’s why Mark Harper, the Transport Secretary, is being disingenuous when he says that offer should have been put to members.

“Drivers wouldn’t vote for industrial action, again and again and again, if they thought that was a good offer. That offer was dead in the water in April last year and Mr Harper knows that.

“We have given the Government every opportunity to come to the table but it is now clear they do not want to resolve this dispute. They are happy for it go on and on.”

What have the train companies said?

A spokesman for Rail Delivery Group, which represents the 16 train operators impacted by the strikes, said: “Nobody wins when industrial action impacts people’s lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers.

“We want to resolve this dispute, but the Aslef leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54m a week just to keep services running post-Covid.

“We continue to seek an agreement with the Aslef leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute.”

What does the Government say?

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “Aslef is the only rail union continuing to strike, targeting passengers and preventing their own members from voting on the pay offer that remains on the table.

“Having resolved disputes with all other rail unions, the transport secretary and rail minister have ensured that a pay offer is on the table – taking train drivers’ average salaries from £60,000 up to £65,000.”

Play The Telegraph’s brilliant range of Puzzles - and feel brighter every day. Train your brain and boost your mood with PlusWord, the Mini Crossword, the fearsome Killer Sudoku and even the classic Cryptic Crossword.

Aslef members are walking out during the Easter school holidays - NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Norfolk Southern reaches $600M settlement more than a year after Ohio train derailment

Norfolk Southern has agreed to a $600 million settlement to resolve class-action lawsuits filed after a freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, spilling toxic chemicals into the community .

The company said in a news release Tuesday that the settlement "is another promise kept by Norfolk Southern to make it right for the people of East Palestine and the surrounding communities."

"The agreement is designed to provide finality and flexibility for settlement class members. Individuals and businesses will be able to use compensation from the settlement in any manner they see fit to address potential adverse impacts from the derailment," it said.

A plume of smoke rises from a Norfolk Southern train that derailed in East Palestine, Ohio

"This could include healthcare needs and medical monitoring, property restoration and diminution, and compensation for any net business loss," the company continued. "In addition, individuals within 10-miles of the derailment may, at their discretion, choose to receive additional compensation for any past, current, or future personal injury from the derailment."

On Feb. 3, 2023, just before 9 p.m. local time, 38 cars of a freight train derailed off Taggart Street. The cars were carrying cargo that included hazardous materials such as vinyl chloride and butyl acrylate, which are known to cause adverse health effects, including respiratory irritation and even certain cancers, with prolonged exposure.

Residents within a roughly 1-mile radius had to temporarily evacuate. Days after the spill and fire, the rail company did a controlled chemical release and burned vinyl chloride — a flammable gas — in a move officials said would alleviate the risk of an explosion .

Class-action lawsuits swiftly followed. For the most part, residents sued over lost income due to the evacuation and health concerns. Even though Norfolk Southern and the Environmental Protection Agency said the town’s water was safe to drink, some residents told "NBC Nightly News" this year that they run air purifiers daily in their homes and drink only bottled water .

In a court filing Tuesday, attorneys for the plaintiffs said they expect to file a motion for the judge to approve the amount no later than April 19.

"We believe this is a fair, reasonable and adequate result for the community on a number of levels, not the least of which is the speed of the resolution, and the overall amount of the awards residents can expect, which will be significant for those most impacted by the derailment," attorneys Seth A. Katz, M. Elizabeth Graham, Jayne Conroy and T. Michael Morgan said in a joint statement.

In addition to the settlement, Norfolk Southern said it has spent $104 million in community assistance to East Palestine and the surrounding areas, $4.3 million to help upgrade the drinking water infrastructure and $500,000 for economic development.

Minyvonne Burke is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News.

Sydney gets a drenching as heavy rain, severe weather forecast for NSW today and tomorrow

It has been a wet and wild day across New South Wales with more extreme weather expected over the weekend.

In Sydney more than 160 millimetres of rain has fallen since 9am on Thursday, its heaviest in 4 years.

More than 45 flood alerts remain active across New South Wales on Friday night after intense rainfall saturated the state with the worst to come overnight.

7:13 AM 7:13 AM Fri 5 Apr 2024 at 7:13am Sydney cops heaviest rainfall in 4 years
7:01 AM 7:01 AM Fri 5 Apr 2024 at 7:01am Six injured in wet-weather crash
6:24 AM 6:24 AM Fri 5 Apr 2024 at 6:24am BOM issues flood warning for Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers

Live updates

Where to find emergency assistance and information.

By Luke Royes

For emergency assistance, contact SES in NSW or QLD on 132 500

If your life is at risk, call Triple-0 (000) immediately

For the latest weather updates visit the Bureau of Meteorology in NSW here

ABC Emergency contains planning and advice, an incident map and more

If you're not sure what to do when there's a flood, here's the best way to plan

Tune in to your local ABC Radio Station

Sydney cops heaviest rainfall in 4 years

By David Hirst

Here's a few facts and figures from our weather boffin Tom Saunders:

Sydney has already received its heaviest rain total in 4 years with more than 160mm since 9am yesterday (highest 48-hour total)
The heaviest rain today has been on the Mid North Coast. Taree with more than 100mm since 9am
A deluge will arrive overnight across parts of Sydney and the Illawarra, Blue Mountains and Hunter leading to severe flash flooding and rapid river rises, including up to 220mm in 6 hours on the Illawarra Escarpment
The torrential falls are part of a broader rain event which is soaking eastern Australia, and has triggered flood watches and warnings from southern Queensland to the NSW South Coast
More than 40 flood watches are current for NSW
The band of torrential rain is moving south and will clear from Sydney by about 8am, clear the Illawarra by late morning and clear from the South Coast by the evening

Six injured in wet-weather crash

Reporting by Adriane Reardon from the ABC South East NSW newsroom.

Six people, including two children, have been taken to hospital with injuries following a crash in wet weather south of Mudgee in the NSW central west.

Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash on the Castlereagh Highway, about 2pm today, where a ute and four-wheel drive had collided.

The male passenger in the ute, believed to be in his 60s, was flown to hospital with serious injuries, while the male driver, 55 was taken to Mudgee Hospital.

The driver of the four-wheel drive, a 34-year-old man, was also flown to hospital with serious injuries, while his 32-year-old female passenger was flown to hospital with critical injuries.

Two children in the back-seat, aged two and six, sustained minor injuries and taken to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead for observation.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation is underway.

Flooding at Parramatta River in Sydney's west

ABC photographer Timothy Ailwood is at Parramatta River. He's just filed this pic.

Storm damage to create 'significant work' for SES

NSW SES chief superintendent Dallas Burnes has this afternoon given an update on ABC News 24.

Mr Burnes said storm damage was going to "create more significant work for us".

He said the majority of call-outs had been for leaking roofs and fallen trees and there had been about half a dozen rescues.

Mr Burnes urged people to stay indoors tonight.

"If it's at nighttime and the road is flooded? Do not cross that roadway. You do not know what is under it. "The flood rescues we've undertaken today, the majority related to cars entering floodwater. That puts our volunteers' lives at risk."

Rain and thunderstorms continue in southern Queensland

A south-west Queensland town has shut its flood levee ahead of major flooding, as the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasts heavy falls for the south-east of the state into the weekend.

Senior forecaster Laura Boekel said rain and thunderstorms would continue today and tomorrow, with possible falls of up to 100 millimetres.

"It's very important to note that in some parts of the south and south-east, we're seeing moisture of the soil and the catchments quite high, so that means catchments, rivers, creeks can respond quite rapidly," she said.

"We could see responses from moderate rainfall this weekend."

BOM issues flood warning for Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers

The people at the Bureau of Meteorology have certainly had a busy day. They've just released another weather update.

Major flooding possible at Menangle and North Richmond from Saturday morning
Moderate flooding possible at Windsor and Putty Road from overnight Friday
Minor flooding likely at Camden Weir, Wallacia Weir, Penrith, Sackville and possible at Lower Portland from Friday evening

Rainfall totals of up to 150mm have been observed in the Hawkesbury Nepean catchment since 9am on Thursday.

Further heavy rainfall is forecast through the catchment for the remainder of Friday and into Saturday.

Minor flooding is likely along the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Colo Rivers from overnight Friday. With the forecast rainfall, further river level rises and moderate to major flooding is possible from Saturday morning along the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers.

Transport update for commuters

This is the latest from the Transport Management Centre.

Motorists and public transport passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra travel time due to severe weather in Sydney and surrounding areas.

Wakehurst Parkway is closed in both directions due to flooding between North Narrabeen and Oxford Falls.
Oxford Falls Road is closed in both directions due to flooding between Wakehurst Parkway and Aroona Road.
Other roads where motorists are advised to take extra care due to water on the road include: The Pacific Highway at Pymble, Centenary Drive at Strathfield, Pittwater Road at North Manly and Euston Road at St Peters

On public transport:

Passengers who need to travel on the Sydney Trains network are advised to allow plenty of extra travel time due to severe weather damaging equipment at Redfern, as well as slower boarding times.
Trains are running on all lines but there are some delays and gaps in service.
Plan ahead and avoid travel where possible.
Buses are supplementing trains between Campbelltown and Macarthur, and between Riverstone and Richmond.
Passengers are advised to listen to announcements and check information displays for service updates.
Buses are replacing ferries between Parramatta and Rydalmere due to the weir overflowing.

Parramatta River overflowing

This is the latest from the ABC's Elinya Chenery.

Heavy rainfall has caused minor flooding in Sydney's west this afternoon.

The Parramatta River is overflowing in low lying areas after the water level raised above 2 metres in height.

Areas affected by the flooding include the Parramatta Ferry Wharf and footbridges across the river.

Authorities say further flooding is expected in the area in the coming hours.

Communities on Mid North Coast without power

Some communities along parts of the Bellingen River on the NSW Mid North Coast are completely isolated by flood water and without power.

Residents in the localities of Thora and Darkwood are affected, and NSW SES crews will be undertaking welfare checks.

"We've got some communities there that are completely isolated by floodwater," NSW SES spokesperson Andrew Edmunds said on the ABC statewide drive program.

"They may find themselves without power, water and other essential services."

Isolated residents in those communities are being urged to contact the NSW SES on 132 500 if they need assistance with supplies.

NSW SES advises people not to go outside

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is advising people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as significant rainfall impacts much of the NSW east coast.

A severe storm warning is in place for communities from Gosford in the north, to Batemans Bay in the south, across to Goulburn, with damaging winds and very heavy rain possible. Meanwhile, residents on the Bellingen River at Thora and Darkwood have been advised to prepare for isolation.

Residents in these communities may find themselves cut off by flood water and without power, water and other essential services.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said conditions were likely to worsen over the next few hours.

"There's potential for very large downpours of rain between the Blue Mountains and Narooma, which could lead to life-threatening flash flooding," Assistant Commissioner Kearns said.

The NSW SES said it had responded to more than 800 incidents in the last 24 hours.

Prepare to evacuate alert in Chipping Norton

The NSW SES has issued a prepare to evacuate and watch and act notice for people in low lying areas of eastern parts of Chipping Norton.

Those in the following area are being told to prepare to evacuate due to predicted dangerous flooding:

All properties in the following streets in Chipping Norton:
Newbridge Road between Riverside Road and east to Georges River
Riverside Road between Childs Road and Newbridge Road
Davy Robinson Drive
Rickard Road
Arthur Street

You should monitor the situation and prepare to evacuate so that you can safely evacuate when instructed to do so by NSW SES. There's more detail on Facebook here .

More than 100 flights cancelled at Sydney Airport

The wild weather has not surprisingly caused issues at Sydney Airport with more than 100 flights cancelled through domestic arrivals and departures.

A Sydney Airport spokesperson urged passengers to check with their airline regarding the status of their flight.

Is public transport in Sydney affected by the weather?

Sydney Trains and Ferries asked commuters to take "extra care" as surfaces can be slippery when wet
Transport for NSW is advising to allow for extra travel time on the T1, T2, T3, T8 and T9 train lines due to weather damaging equipment at Redfern
Transport for NSW says there are no significant delays on Sydney's bus network

Hundreds of sandbags at the ready in Gosford

SES NSW volunteers fill sandbags in Gosford while seated under tents.

Hundreds of sandbags are ready and waiting for collection at the NSW SES Gosford depot on the Central Coast in preparation for more rain to come.

Members of the community volunteered their time to help fill the bags today, along with those from the Terrigal Rugby Union Club.

Gosford has received more than 70 millimetres so far today, according to data from the Bureau of Meteorology.

BOM updates flood warning

The Bureau of Meteorology has updated its Flood Watch which now includes major flooding on:

Myall River
Lower Hunter River
Upper Nepean River
Hawkesbury and Lower Nepean River
Georges and Woronora River
Macquarie River to Bathurst

Click here for regular Flood Watch updates from the BOM .

Major delays on state's rail networks

Transport for NSW says there are "major delays" across the Sydney Trains and NSW Trainlink networks because of the heavy rain.

Passengers are advised to avoid non-essential travel.

Buses may supplement some services.

If you do need to travel though, Transport for NSW advises you to allow plenty of extra time.

Flooding impacts Newell Highway

Flooding continues to impact the Newell Highway in the state's north, which remains closed between Boggabilla and Moree.

Motorists travelling north from Moree can take a diversion using the Carnarvon Highway and the Barwon Highway to Goondiwindi.

The southbound diversion is the same in reverse and is also suitable for all vehicles.

The alternate route between the two towns is about 2.5 hours long.

Hawkesbury SES commander says it's a 'waiting game' at the moment

By Millie Roberts

Jessica Kidd from the Sydney newsroom spoke to Kevin Jones from the Hawkesbury SES just then.

He said the volunteers were busily checking equipment and making sure everything was "good to go" as the unit prepared for rain in the Hawkesbury expected tonight.

"We're really at the moment just playing a bit of a waiting game, waiting for the rain to come," he said. "It seems to have not been as bad as they were predicting up on the north coast, but as it comes further south it looks like … there's still a chance that it's going to be a bit more intense."

Mr Jones said the local community is "definitely much more aware" on this occasion after going through "so many floods", which has helped with preparations today.

Power restored to hundreds of buildings in Sydney's CBD

Ausgrid says power has been restored to hundreds of businesses and homes after "significant rainfall" caused a major power outage.

It said 1,300 customers were affected after a substation flooded on Goulburn and Pitt streets.

Power has now been restored to more than 1,250 customers after the water was pumped offsite.

It said the "bulk" of affected customers have their lights back on, but a small number may still be out at this point in time.

We have updated our terms and conditions and privacy policy Click "Continue" to accept and continue with ET TravelWorld

We use cookies to ensure best experience for you

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalize content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audience is coming from. You can also read our privacy policy , We use cookies to ensure the best experience for you on our website.

By choosing I accept, or by continuing being on the website, you consent to our use of Cookies and Terms & Conditions .

Leaders Speak
Brand Solutions
Train to Sikkim: Railways completes mining in 10 out of 14 tunnels, sets August 2025 deadline

The project, covering a total length of 44.96 km between Sivok (West Bengal) to Ranpo (Sikkim), has 14 tunnels, 22 bridges (13 major and 9 minor) and five railway stations viz Sivok, Riyang, Teesta Bazar, Melli and Rangpo. At present, trains going towards Guwahati from other parts of the country pass through Sivok railway station which now pave the way for a new rail route to Rangpo in Sikkim via Riyang, Teesta and Melli (all in West Bengal).

Updated On Apr 13, 2024 at 03:15 PM IST

Indian Railways on course to 100 per cent electrification, becoming world's largest green network

The interim budget has allocated INR 6,500 crore for further electrification projects. With 100 per cent electrification, Indian Railways will become the largest green railways of the world. Already many regions in India are 100 per cent electrified. "With a dedicated fund of INR 6,500 crore in FY25 for further electrification projects, India is committed to achieving complete electrification," a senior railway official told ANI

Published On Apr 13, 2024 at 03:09 PM IST

All Comments

By commenting, you agree to the Prohibited Content Policy

Find this Comment Offensive?

Foul Language
Inciting hatred against a certain community
Out of Context / Spam

Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals

Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis., download ettravelworld app.

Get Realtime updates
Save your favourite articles

teesta bazar
Train to Sikkim
sivok-rangpo rail project
ircon international

IMAGES

The 7 Best Luxury Train Travel In The US That You Should Splurge On
Indian Railways allows you to travel in train even with platform
Everything you ever wanted to know about train travel in Italy
An Epic Rail Adventure in the Canadian Rockies
10 Things to Pack for Your Long Distance Train Journey
Rocky Mountaineer: Grand Rail Circle in Canadian Rockies

VIDEO

PATH Train Departing 9th Street #trains #railfan #railroad #portauthority #shorts #nyc
All aboard
Best times to travel in the fall
Third Class Long Distance Train of KAZAKHSTAN
Train #travel #train
NYMR the scene after a steam train hits a ford transit van

COMMENTS

Travelling in 9th month
dj8. Posted 26-06-13. I need to travel to my mom's place just after starting of 9th month. Planning to have my delivery over there . But I am scared of travelling although all my reports and everything is normal except back pain and now some lower abdominal pain may be because of growing uterus.
Travel During Pregnancy
Traveling during the ninth month is usually allowed if there is permission from your health care provider. ... Try to limit the amount of time you are cooped up in the car, bus, or train. Keep travel time around five to six hours. Use rest stops to take short walks and to do stretches to keep the blood circulating.
One Month of Travel in Europe by Train: Costs & Itinerary
With these in mind, here is how much we spent for our month-long trip around Europe: Note: We spent one night in Arad and Timisoara in Romania as they were the cities we departed from and returned to. Transportation Costs. Arad - Budapest - 65 Euros (1st Class train ticket) Budapest - Vienna - 40 Euros.
Plan Your Train Travel
The Unique Amtrak Experience. Start here to get general information about fares and tickets or details about booking your trip like using eTickets or how to modify your reservation. More about Tickets & Reservations. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more.
A guide to train travel in the USA 2024
USA coast to coast from $236. You'll see nothing of America at 35,000 feet, come down to Earth and see world class scenery from an Amtrak train across the United States. You can travel cross-country from as little as $236 (£188 or €220) if you book well in advance, one of the world's great travel bargains. The USA has an excellent rail ...
Travelling With a Newborn on Trains? All That You Need to Know
Bibs to avoid spills. Flask for baby's water. Extra diapers. Extra pair of clothes and warm clothes (if travelling in AC class) Plastic bags. 2. Always carry a first-aid box for your baby. Newborn babies are very delicate. They can catch cough, fever, colic, stuffy nose, burp, nausea, etc. on train journeys.
9 Tips For Train Travel During Pregnancy To A Safe Journey
If you must, carry an extra battery along in case your battery gets low during the journey. 9. Practice Sensible Travel: Don't try to board a moving train. Avoid getting down at the halts unless you're absolutely sure the halt is going to be more than 10-15 minutes for you to get back into the train safely.
What it's like to travel during each trimester of pregnancy
This means that types of travel that are possible at 27 and 28 weeks pregnant may be inadvisable, or even prohibited, at 37 and 38 weeks pregnant. Select destinations and activities carefully. In the final months of pregnancy, some activities are probably going to be more comfortable and enjoyable than others.
Travelling by train while pregnant: 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, etc
Taking the train 2 months pregnant. From the second month of pregnancy, you enter a key period; that of the formation of your baby's first organs. At the same time, the embryo moves to nestle on the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). This is a period of hormonal upheaval because pregnancy hormones double every day!
Travel Guide to Train Fares
Here are some helpful tips on getting the optimal fares: Make your reservations early to get the best fares. Fares are generally higher during holidays and peak travel periods. Fares can vary based on the day of travel and the time of day. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance of travel. For tickets purchased via cash, credit card ...
When Is It Safe to Travel with a Newborn? By Train, Car, & Plane
Follow the 2-Hour Rule. According to car seat manufacturers, babies should not stay in a car seat for more than two hours a day. That said, an occasional longer than two hours journey is safe, given that you take a lot of breaks. Fifteen to thirty minutes breaks are ideal if you are on a long-distance car journey.
Sleep Training a 9-Month-Old
Gently rouse your sleeping baby. Softly tickle your baby's neck or feet until their eyes barely open. As long as your 9-month-old has a full belly and is listening to white noise, they should be able to close their eyes and drift right back to the land of ZZZs after a few seconds. Turn up the white noise if needed.
Amtrak Tickets, Schedules and Train Routes
Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. Book your Amtrak train and bus tickets today by choosing from over 30 U.S. train routes and 500 destinations in North America.
Travelling By Train While Pregnant: Precautions & Tips
Travelling by train means steady movement of the train, the wheels clacking against the tracks and a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery outside. Train travel means more comfort as compared to bus, car or plane. There is enough space to allow more movement. You can sit comfortably, or even lay down if you feel tired.
When Can You Travel With Your Newborn Baby on Train
Yes, you can bring babies on train and travel comfortably as Indian Railways doesn't have any child travelling policy. However, Railway stations are crowded places, and all Railways Stations don't have lifts. So, consider carrying your baby in hand or sling instead of taking the help of a pram.
Travelling in train by 9th month start.
Asked for Male, 25 Years. My wife is pregnant and we are planning to travel to home town by train in 9th month starting week and the distance is 2500kms from Hyderabad to Jammu. Sir /madam please suggest can we travel Her last period is on 4th December and we are planning travelling on 10 August.. 2 scans done till now and normal in reports...
Narayana Health
We do not support landscape mode, please use the website in the portrait mode for best experience.
Mexico
Best Time To Travel To Mexico. The best time to travel to Mexico is during the drier season from December to April. Although this may be the country's busy season, one can avoid the hurricane seasons on both coasts. Mexico is a long country with a variety of landscapes. From mountainous regions with snow-capped volcanoes to desert to jungle ...
1 month in Europe: the alternative tour
Budapest, Hungary. Buda Castle at sunset. Budapest is a visually striking city, split in two by the Danube River. Visit Buda Castle for some of the best views of the city. Bask in Baroque beauty (and sip a latte or two) at Budapest's famous coffee houses and cafes. Pick up some groceries and souvenirs and sample local specialties with a visit ...
Travelling In 9Th Week Of Pregnancy
Consult Now. Travelling is not inherently harmful in pregnancy including the last month, although make sure to drink enough water and make regular stops to get out of the car and get out of the car to stretch out and thus helping reduce risks of blood clots and dehydration. Please travel only if there are no complications or if it is a high ...
Traveling to Europe? Book one of these new train trips.
The success of that project has led to the introduction of the. Deutschland-Ticket. , which will cost around $50 a month and allow unlimited travel on all trains, buses and city subway services ...
April train strikes: Dates and the services affected
"Having resolved disputes with all other rail unions, the transport secretary and rail minister have ensured that a pay offer is on the table - taking train drivers' average salaries from £ ...
Norfolk Southern reaches $600M settlement more than a year after Ohio
On Feb. 3, 2023, just before 9 p.m., 38 cars of a freight train derailed off Taggart Street. Norfolk Southern has agreed to a $600 million settlement to resolve class-action lawsuits filed after a ...
Nine out of 10 of the world's most walkable cities are in Europe
European cities came out on top for walking trails, weather and safety. In some cities, driving is the only option to get around.In others, it's easier to walk, cycle or use public transport.
Amtrak Discounts & Deals
Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. Earn 20,000 bonus points*. Book today and find special Amtrak discounts and promotions on your next train trip. Choose from SmartFares, limited-time offers and everyday discounts.
Africa Live this week: 8-14 April 2024
BBC News. BBC. Police in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa have said three individuals have been killed after a shoot-out with members of the armed group Fano. One of those killed was a civilian ...
Sydney gets a drenching as heavy rain, severe weather forecast for NSW
Passengers who need to travel on the Sydney Trains network are advised to allow plenty of extra travel time due to severe weather damaging equipment at Redfern, as well as slower boarding times ...
Train to Sikkim: Railways completes mining in 10 out of 14 tunnels
Railways: The project, covering a total length of 44.96 km between Sivok (West Bengal) to Ranpo (Sikkim), has 14 tunnels, 22 bridges (13 major and 9 minor) and five railway stations viz Sivok, Riyang, Teesta Bazar, Melli and Rangpo. At present, trains going towards Guwahati from other parts of the country pass through Sivok railway station which now pave the way for a new rail route to Rangpo ...