Overnight bus with a toddler

Why not take a night train instead? I'm sure you'd be more comfortable. A train gives you moving around space that you won't have in a bus (no chance of 'aisle-laps' on a moving bus). I wouldn't dream of taking my 3 year old on such a long bustrip, even if it was at night. Where would you change his (stinky) diapers? You can't always wait for the next stop. I found some information on their site about discounted tickets for 0-3 year olds, but that's all I could find. I'm not sure he'd be allowed to sit in his own seat out of safety-concerns? I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable on the highway without a children's seat. What if the bus has to break suddenly?

The night train gets us into Berlin at 4am, which is a bit too adventurous now that I have the little guy! The bus leaves Amsterdam at 11pm and arrives in Berlin at breakfast time, so the little one will sleep the whole way. I'm blessed with a toddler who travels beautifully.

Diapers aren't so much of an issue... He only has one dirty one each day and that's in the afternoon. He rarely pees overnight so will not need changing until we are in Berlin.

The people at Eurolines replied and told me he gets his own seat, which makes it much more comfortable than the night train where he had to sleep on my lap the whole trip. Our last Eurolines trip was during the day but I remember the two-seat rows as being really comfortable. There was hardly anyone on the bus though, which is why I needed to check if he gets his own seat.

I'm still left with very little knowledge of the night-bus from Amsterdam to Berlin though... Have you made that trip?

A bus is easier than a plane as there are no pressure changes or loud announcements but is a little more bumpy. If you can, take a long cloth to wrap and secure your little one close to your body. That way, you can both rest easier!

Sounds like you'll be fine... especially with those hours!

Wish I had more knowledge about the bus you're looking for. :-/

~mom of a 2 year old adventuror

Hi Quarra,

Thanks for the feedback on general travel with a little one. They're a lot more portable than people think and I'm lucky I've never been the mother of that crying baby that everyone dreads. Well, not yet. Fingers crossed!

I totally agree with the sling. I have two favourites... One is a woven wrap (also doubles as a blanket and occasional towel!). That is perfect for night travel as you say. We're snuggled close and I can actually sleep instead of making sure he is balanced. The other sling is more like an Ergo for quick back-carries during the day.

Hopefully other travellers can help me with an insight into the Ams - Ber night ride. I cross-posted on the Western Europe forum but no luck yet.

Anyway, enjoy your travels with the travel-size-person! I'll update here if/when we take the trip.