New app Gobaby cleverly maps out the most baby friendly tube stations as well as nappy changing facilities to avoid any mishaps. It was created American expat Jen Corlew who lives in Ealing with her husband and toddler. She says “it’s ironic that I’ve created a map app, because I constantly get lost and my friends never allow me to be in charge of directions!” Before creating Gobaby, she managed media operations for charities including Amnesty International, Oxfam and the British Red Cross.
What inspired you to create Gobaby?
I was completely overwhelmed while on maternity leave trying to travel around London with my new baby and pram. I wanted to see friends and enjoy London with my baby, but felt unsafe carrying his buggie up dozens of Tube stairs and didn’t know where to change his nappies.
How does Gobaby work?
Gobaby App finds the nearest baby-changing spots and pushchair friendly London Underground stations to help new mums and dads avoid smelly and stressful journeys across London. Using your current location, it shows the nearest cafes, restaurants, retailers, libraries and museums in your area that have baby changing facilities (over 1,000 locations across London.) You can also plan your journey, finding out if the Tube station you wish to use has lifts, escalators, or more than 10 stairs, so you can compare with others in the area that might be better. It also has Live Underground Service updates to speed up your journey when you’re on your way.
What makes Gobaby unique?
It is the only app that combines baby-changing spots and pram accessible London Underground and DLR locations. It lists locations without Internet Access and saves your favourite ‘searched’ neighbourhoods. You can also share locations with friends, adding new child-friendly spots or sharing your thoughts about existing ones.
What are your plans for the business?
I update Gobaby daily with new locations and features, based on the feedback I receive from parents. The Android version is scheduled for release in the early Autumn.
Where is your favourite place to hang out in West London?
Le Pain Quotidien in Notting Hill (my “second office”) which serves coffee in massive bowls, has free wifi, lots of seats and is child-friendly. But I love Ealing Broadway, my home of 10 years, because of the sense of community and the great cafes, parks and pubs.
Based on your insight – what tube station is the most buggy friendly and which is the worst?
Hammersmith Station has lift access for all tube lines, which can be very handy. Earls Court is also step free for both the District and Piccadilly lines. The worst stations – where do I start? My baby and I were pushed down the escalator stairs during rush hour in Liverpool Street Station, which was terrible. But most stations are best avoided during rush hour if you want a peaceful journey.
Save your back and download this great app:
