Traveling with a Child on a Cross Country Bus Line? Skip that Bus Restroom!

As a young single parent, traveling with a child on a cross country bus line was the only affordable choice for me. Unfortunately, it can be one scary ride. I'm not saying bus line employees don't give their all. In fact, most are quite competent and helpful. It's just that, for whatever reason, cleaning the bus restroom frequently is not high on their list of priorities. So unless it's an absolute emergency, you and your child should avoid that bus restroom entirely.

Don't even sit next to it. That big backseat may look inviting after several hours on a cross country bus. Don't do it! The smells wafting through the door may be hazardous to your health. That bathroom gets a lot of traffic en-route. Be prepared for your child to be awakened frequently in this prime location. Plus, the back of the bus is no place for kids. It's just like a city bus. All the people who have something to hide reside there.

Don't drink the water. If you do stumble into the bathroom with your child in a haze one night, don't drink the water. There are signs up, but let's face it. Traveling with a child is stressful. You might not notice them. Filling your baby's bottle up with non-potable water is not smart parenting. Bring bottled water with you on a cross country bus line. That way you won't get stuck with a thirsty crying baby or toddler three hours before the next stop.

Make like a Boy Scout, be prepared. You never know when or where a cross country bus will stop for breaks. When traveling with a child it's important to keep them entertained, fed, changed, cleaned up etc. en-route. Stock your carry-on bags well. Don't forget that security blanket and a favorite stuffed animal or toy. There's nothing more embarrassing than having your child cry for three hours straight on a bus trip with no relief in sight.

Use rest stops wisely. Head straight for that clean restroom. Fill up your water bottles and wash up while you're in there. Get a bite to eat. Do everything that needs to be done as quickly as possible. Then head back to the bus. They will leave you behind if you're not there when the driver is ready. I've seen it happen. Fortunately not to me. Imagine being stranded in a strange city while traveling with your child. Your bags, ID and all are on the bus you just missed. Don't let it happen to you.

Pack light and keep it with you. There's nothing worse than traveling with a child and too much luggage. Remember, when changing buses, you have to transfer your own bags to the next bus. If all you have are a couple small carry-ons, you're off the hook. Keep your carry-ons with you at rest stops too. Thieves are common on cross-country bus lines.

If you have to change buses, get in line as soon as you get off the other bus. Yes, I know I said use the clean restroom, but this is an exception. The people at the front of the line get the best choice of seats. When traveling with a child, seat choice is vital. You want to be near the bus driver and away from the crazies. When there are delays, you want to get on that bus first. When making a transfer from one bus to another, you'll just have to suck it up. Use the bathroom before you leave the first bus and after you claim a good seat on the second one. Hold your breath. Out of seat covers? Just hover.

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Source:

Personal Experience