When a Tiny Human Depends on You – Call the Most Expensive Transport
There’s a strange clarity that comes when a tiny human suddenly depends on you in a big way. My little one’s temperature had shot up, and suddenly the streets of London felt enormous. I panicked, my partner stayed cool, and we moved through the chaos like an odd little sandwich of headless chicken (me) and calm cucumber(them). Bags, buggy, and general panic were everywhere, and the city suddenly felt like an obstacle course designed for someone much taller. Enter the savior: taxi – the most expensive transport.
Taxis, which I rarely think about, suddenly made perfect sense. Smooth, simple, and unarguably necessary — I was happy to pay for the peace of mind. Sitting in the back, the buggy secured, everything in its place, I could finally breathe. Relief, I realised, is a currency worth spending.
Here’s what I’ve been learning about when it’s worth spending a little extra, and when it isn’t.
Why This Matters
London has a culture of frugality and optimisation — get the cheapest fare, walk everywhere, avoid “unnecessary” spending (this is so we can afford to have a drink down the local pub). And yet, in moments that matter, that mindset can feel absurd. Sometimes, the cheapest option comes with invisible costs: stress, juggling, or even potential danger if things go wrong.
Value isn’t always about the number on a receipt. It’s about what you get in return: calm, clarity, and the ability to focus on what’s important. For me, that means my little one’s wellbeing, and my own peace of mind. In emergencies, the cost of chaos can far outweigh the price of a taxi. And that’s not indulgence — it’s intentional spending for relief.
Even on regular days, small decisions like this shape how we experience London. Recognising when money buys peace rather than stress is a subtle but powerful form of mindfulness.
Emergencies with a Buggy: Simplicity is Key
When my little one is sick, the buggy becomes my lifeline. It holds everything: nappies, snacks, a change of clothes — even me, if necessary. On that particular morning, I remember wrestling with the buggy’s brakes while trying to scoop up a backpack that had slipped off my shoulder. My partner calmly steered us along, an anchor in the chaos. Together, we were a sandwich of panic and calm.
Taxis remove that chaos. They are legally required to take a buggy, which means no awkward folding, no lifting over gates, no battling crowds. In an emergency, simplicity is non-negotiable. One vehicle, one decision, total relief. That £25 ride isn’t expensive when the alternative is juggling bags, baby, and stress while the minutes tick by.
It’s easy to forget, but there’s a real cost to friction. Every second spent wrestling with logistics is energy you could be spending on comforting your child, making decisions calmly, or simply breathing.
The Everyday Cost of Getting Around
For normal days, London’s transport is a financial joy. Trains, buses, and even the occasional Uber give a rhythm to daily life. Here’s a breakdown of short-trip costs:
- Public transport: £1.75 one way
- Uber: ~£12 for 2–3 miles
- Taxi: ~£25 for 2–3 miles
- Car ownership: ~£10/day average, ~£3,500/year
Public transport wins for everyday commuting — it’s cheap, predictable, and gives me a moment to breathe. I love the people-watching, the quiet rhythms of the train, and the fact that I don’t have to deal with car sickness or parking. Owning a car in London isn’t just expensive — it’s decisions, clutter, and admin that I don’t need. The city’s infrastructure makes it easy to get around efficiently, without the stress of ownership.
But when emergencies strike, a taxi becomes invaluable. That £25 ride buys more than a seat — it buys calm, speed, and the ability to focus on what really matters.
Emergencies vs. Everyday Life
The key is distinguishing routine from rare moments. Daily life is for efficiency, cost awareness, and enjoying the small details. Trains are reliable, public transport is accessible, and the city moves under your feet without the burden of extra vehicles.
Emergencies? Those are for frictionless decisions. You want clarity, simplicity, and speed. Paying a bit more isn’t splurging; it’s a deliberate choice to remove chaos. It’s about focusing on what matters most — your little one’s wellbeing, and your own peace of mind.
In a way, this is minimalism in action. Not in the sense of owning nothing, but in reducing decision fatigue, unnecessary logistics, and stress. One buggy, one taxi, one clear path — simple, intentional, and entirely worth it.
Gentle Questions for the Road
Right now: taxis for emergencies, public transport for normal days, no car in the budget.
- When was the last time you gave yourself permission to pay for peace of mind?
- Where in your life do you spend a little more for relief instead of savings?
- What feels worth simplifying, even if it costs more?