Shanghai has one of the best public transportation systems in the world, including an impressive metro system with over 831 kilometers of subway line. With all the public transportation options, you can get almost anywhere and everywhere in the city without ever needing to own a car. However, if you’re cruising with a baby, you’re probably wondering how to juggle car seats and strollers and diaper changes, so we have a few tips to make your transportation experience just a little easier.
Table of Contents
Bu Subway
Elevators
Metro stations are equipped with elevators but they are not always located inside the ticketing areas. If you’re at the train platform calling an elevator that delivers you outside the ticketing area, you must request access to the elevator by pressing the call button next to it. Once you’ve exited the elevator, you will need to go to the service desk to either scan your transit card to show you’ve completed your ride, or ask the service desk for help to re-enter the station to continue your journey.
In older stations such as those along Line 1 or Line 2, elevators may be tricky to locate, either tucked into the backside of buildings (such as at West Nanjing on Line 2), or in some cases in malls or hotels attached to the subway line.
Look up and follow the signs for wheelchair accessible elevators and family restrooms.
Hot Tip: Use the Metro大都会 app to locate hard-to-find elevators. Check ‘Station Details’ to view the station map!
Security
Some metro stations using turnstile gates to enter the station may redirect you to the service desk if you try to go through with a stroller. Go to the service desk for them to scan your card and they’ll let you in through the service gate.
Diaper changes and feedings
Many public women’s restrooms are not equipped with a changing table, but some metro stations have either a family restroom for diaper changes or a nursing room（母婴室）if you’d like somewhere more private to feed. It’s also becoming increasingly more common to find nursing rooms in shopping malls, parks, gardens, and other public spaces.
Family restrooms such as this one at Lujiazui Station often have child-sized toilets, changing tables, and even a baby seat.
If you happen to find yourself on the go and want a private place to nurse without exiting the metro, here are a few stops equipped with a nursing room:
- Middle Yanggao Road (line 9/18)
- Minsheng Road (line 18/6)
- Loushanguan Road (line 15/2)
- Yingchun Road (line 18)
- Daduhe Road (line 13/15)
- Guilin Road (line 15/9)
- Lianxi Road (line 13/18)
The nursing room at Yingchun Road on Line 18 is equipped with a comfortable leather chair, changing table, and sink with soap.
By Taxi/Private Car
Taxis and private cars are a fast, convenient way to get around the city if you don’t want to worry about elevators or subway transfers. Taxis and private cars can both be hailed using the Didi app (similar to Uber/Grab/Lyft). While you can still occasionally flag down a traditional cab the old-fashioned way, many of the taxis on the street are busy picking up customers through Didi.
Usging Didi
Fortunately for expats, Didi is available in English! The platform allows you to choose from several different types of rides, including a regular taxi. Other private car options are offered at different price points depending on the services offered.
Private car options:
- Express – value private car experience
- Select – upgraded sedan with certified 5-star driver
- Premier – free bottled water, phone chargers, music choice
Car Seats
You may want to bring a car seat, whether you’re using a collapsible 2-in-1 stroller car seat combo such as a Doona, or a portable car seat. If you’re calling a Didi, we recommend paying a little extra to upgrade your service; some taxi drivers can be impatient while waiting for you to install your car seat. Familiarize yourself with the car seat installation before your journey as much as you can to ensure a smoother experience, and if you’re bringing the Doona, don’t forget the seat protector!
It’s worth to note that although the app works in English, you’ll get the best results if you’re able to input the Chinese characters for your destination (which can be done by just copy-pasting the address if you don’t know how to write Chinese characters).
By Bus
Depending on the bus route and time of day, buses can be crowded, and while we’d hope that someone would offer you a seat while traveling with your baby, should you have to stand, the journey can be a bit bumpier than the metro. In this case, you may want to bring a stroller (we don’t necessarily recommend babywearing on a crowded bus while standing!) A stroller that easily collapses flat might be easier for boarding at the front of the bus so you can scan your card as you board. However, if you signal to the driver your intent, they may let you board at the back with the stroller.
Babywear or Stroller?
Whether you bring a stroller or simply carry your baby is totally a personal preference. Some things to consider before your journey:
- Will you be navigating a lot of uneven, crowded sidewalks?
- Do you want a place to be able to set your baby down (ie. during a meal)?
- Is the need for a stroller enough that you don’t mind taking extra time to search for elevators and ramps (or carrying it up or down stairs)?
- Does your baby sleep better in one over the other?
No matter how you get around, there’s a huge city out there to explore with your little one. We hope these tips can help make it a less overwhelming experience!
About the Author
Paige grew up in a small town in the midwestern United States but has called China home since 2015. She lives with her husband and daughter in the quiet suburbs of Shanghai where in her spare time she can be found either going for a run along the peaceful waterways or cozying up with a pair of knitting needles. Whether far from home or in her own backyard of Shanghai, Paige enjoys exploring new places and learning more about the people and cultures around her.