Baby on Board badges offered to pregnant train passengers

A railway company has announced that it will offer expectant parents a ‘Baby on Board’ badge.

East Midlands Railway (EMR) said it hoped the measure would give women more comfort and confidence when travelling.

The company added that the idea was suggested by train staff.

The badges have been enthusiastically received by a rail action group operating in Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.

They are intended as a quick way to communicate a passenger’s condition and encourage other travelers to confidently offer their seat.

Philippa Creswell, Customer Service Director at EMR, commented: “We want pregnant customers to feel as comfortable as possible when travelling with us.

“But we understand that it can sometimes feel uncomfortable or uncertain to offer a seat to someone who is pregnant.

“The ‘Baby on Board’ badge sends a clear, respectful message, helps prevent inconvenience and promotes friendliness and consideration among customers.”

David Harby of the campaign group Railfuture called the badges a “really good idea” but added that they came “a bit late”.

“We have pushed for better facilities for pregnant women, but also for better facilities for all parents with young children.

“Unfortunately, many facilities on the trains do not meet the standard that parents expect today.”

According to Mr Harby, badges would help identify passengers who need a seat.

“It will never solve the problems, but at least it will make them clear, and also for the train staff on board and the railway staff on the platforms.”

Pregnant women interested in a Baby on Board badge can contact the EMR Customer Service Center.

EMR’s James Coxon said some people had already got in touch in the first week of the new scheme.

He said the policy would be evaluated “in a few months”.