Going to Italy

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Italy is the definition of child friendly, children are welcome (and expected!) everywhere. And children are expected to ACT LIKE CHILDREN. Playing or crying during "inappropriate" times just doesn't happen in Italy. There is no such thing as an 'inappropriate' time. It's WONDERFULLY relaxing, actually being 'allowed' to parent 24/7. No one gives you evil looks or is standoffish, there is no embarrassment... and same token... no one will praise 'perfect angels' (although kids are GREAT icebreakers and as well the whole 'no talking to strangers' thing doesn't exist, either. People WILL talk directly to your children. Frequently. And wave. And offer treats. And often then wait for you to pay for said treat. Just a word to the wise. Treats from pockets and kitchens are free, treats from cases/stands -carried or built in- are not). Kids are expected to be normal, though, which -after living in one of the most child-unfriendly cities in a child-unfriendly country- is a HUGE breath of relief.

Although... customs are VERY different (in Rome, families typically dine between 10pm-midnight OUT most nights... it's very common to see games of tag around the fountains and piazzas at 11pm-1am. If you're in southern Italy, follow local custom; sleep from 1pm-5pm during the heat of the day and stay up late. Your body will thank you). Also, only tourists are silly enough to dine indoors... the outdoor seating is where anyone with sense sits (it's quite warm in the summer) and children are often playing within sight of the tables while their parents smoke and eat (smoking never *while* eating, but before and after). Also, crosswalks are, um, interesting. One can watch as parents teach their children how to accurately judge when it's safe to cross (distance and speed of oncoming vehicles). Cross when the GROUP does, NOT when the "light" says to. Cars stop for groups. They do not stop for lights.

As Ina mentioned, most inner cities (and ancient areas/tourist areas) are car free... and even in car zones... most people walk everywhere. While children often walk... on ALSO sees kids as old as 8-10 in strollers. Same token, people will leave infants unattended in strollers outside of shops. A side effect of a child-friendly country, everyone keeps an eye on unattended children of any age. Although they keep an eye on, other adults rarely step in... football is played all over the place, for example. During the numerous squabbles, shopkeepers and passersby are more likely to cheer or smile and wink at the kids than step in in anything less than full on fighting. The kids sort themselves out. But if any adult starts hasseling them... those with 'an eye out' and random passersby come out of the woodwork. (So if you see a baby unattended and walk up and start looking around for it's mother, expect a swarm of people to descend, yelling at you... ditto if a soccerball bounces off a wall and you don't just toss it back, but go to 'have a word with' or glare, etc., you'll have a mob around you in no time flat.) Kids are practically sacred in Italy.

Food IS sacred in Italy. One nearly never finds a hotel that serves breakfast as part of the room rate, but nearly all hotels serve breakfast. One orders from the menu the night before, or the menu that morning, or goes to the buffet. One reason why food is nearly never a part of is that the shopping for food is done on a DAILY basis. The menus change ALL the time based on what is fresh and for sale. We rarely eat in the hotel, however, preferring to eat either on foot or in a cafe after leaving. We usually buy bread/cheese/fruit/salumi on the way home for a nap, though, which keeps overnight quite nicely.

Well, we do Europe every year to visit family, since my daughter was born. I am not going to lie, flying is no pleasure - but it's worth it in my eyes. those 12 hours pass and you have your whole vacation to enjoy! Take plenty of toys and stuff for entertainment and don't feel bad about letting him watch a movie or two (or three) - it's an exception.
European strollers are really different from American ones and most have air tires to deal with the cobblestone streets and sidewalks. If your child is not too heavy think about a carrier instead... when my daughter was that age she either walked or I had her in my Ergo. You should be pleasantly surprised to find that most inner cities, the shopping and tourist streets are car free and it is common for cafes to have their tables out in the street.
As for a hotel with breakfast, I think most include breakfast-buffet. Check a common travel site like orbitz or expedia. Sometimes you can get a better deal if you book your flight and hotel together... though personally I would probably try to find a cozy B&B...
Enjoy your vacation!

What part of Italy do you want to visit? We stayed in Rome at a cute little hotel, Hotel Romulus, not too far from everything and included breakfast. The streets seemed to be stroller friendly, actually. Europeans walk or bike everywhere, far more than we do! The flight is very long, just take a bunch of stuff to play with =)

Sorry, bit more- the buses there have large areas for bikes and strollers, so you should be alright. From the hotel we stayed at you can get a week pass on the buses to take you into town. It was awesome and I think you will be fine =)

Looks like you have some suggestions already. Get ready to be the center of attention, Italians LOVE children. We went as my daughter was turning 2 (turned 2 in Paris) we started in Rome, Venice, too many places to list. I preferred no stroller as there were plenty of arms to help carry and it is much more convenient and faster going in and our of places without having to find elevators. I did use the Infantino hip carrier to help offset my daughter's weight from my arms to my hips-loved it. Have a wonderful safe trip, pack lots of your favorite snacks for your little one. You will do fine :) Lucky you going to Italy :(

I haven't done Europe with kids yet, but most places there, and particularly Italy, are very child friendly! I would suggest a stroller with outdoor terrain tires for cobblestone streets. Better yet, get a hiking child carrier backpack and you can hop on and off buses and subways with ease. My two year old is still comfy in ours, and it's not too taxing to carry him in it. Many hotels offer breakfast. Get a good travel guide like Frommers and check out specific hotel websites. Italy, Germany or Spain would be top choices for me with small children. Friends who have done those countries with kids had a great time, and from my own travel experiences those countries seem very accomodating to children and kid friendly.

Hi. Enjoy. I used to go to Italy once every 2 years to visit friends. Some thoughts:

1. Summer is very hot. Mediterranean sun is strong. bring good sun block and hats.

2. Hotel Manfredi by Spanish Steps is good and reasonably priced. Stayed there prior to having a child so you need to call first. It is wonderfully located and in a good neighborhood!

3. as to stollers, I assume it would be OK as Italians are friendly easy going people. Just make sure you have a good sunshade :)

HTH. Jilly

Hi,
I understand your worries. What part of Italy are you traveling to? Having been in the past, I can see myself taking a 2 year old to Rome and Florence, but Venice would be difficult unless your tot can walk around by her/himself. I can provide you more advice in regards to the hotel if I knew your destination in Italy.

In regards to traveling with your 2 year old, check out this blog for more information:

http://titterblog.wordpress.com/category/traveling-with-y...

Happy travels, let me know if I can be of more help.

Italy will be wonderful! When we went with my in-laws we bought a guided tour package with the bus and everything - they arranged the hotels (they all had breakfast - sorry don't remember which ones).

I would not do the guided tour again for just adults (I like planning it and being able to do what I want and when), but with young kids it may be a really good option for you. In fact, they may even have guided tours geared towards families. It would take a lot of the stress and pressure of getting around off you.

Just a thought and have fun!