danika

Hi... I'm hoping to hear from some veteran travelers who have taken their baby to Italy. What was essential, what wasn't? Where did you stay and were they child-friendly? Any tips would be great. (I have already picked up 'Italy with Kids' and would like some more specifics.) Thanks!

xxx

Whatever you do please don't take him/her to the Vatican Museums and stay three hours. One of those ruined a visit I had eagerly anticipated for years.

julie

I went both places with a young child, not a 15 month old. The only advice I can give you is for Venice. You won't be able to use the stroller easily. There are small bridges with stairs connecting everything. We were glad that we did not bring the stroller there, it would have been too inconvenient. Bring a baby backpack if you have one.
Stroller is okay in Rome.

Ed

A stroller may be "okay" in Rome ... but do be aware there are scads of cobblestones there. A backpack may be better much of the time.

Ed

Tommy

We went to Venice in Florence last April with our 10 month old daughter. We did not bring a stroller but instead used a backpack and that worked out great. I cannot imagine using a stroller in Venice. We did bring along a few days worth of diapers and wipes but had no trouble at all buying those items over there.

In Venice we stayed at the Hotel Bernardi Semenzato. It's recommended by Fodors and it was o.k. but probably would stay somewhere else next time. They provided a crib and that worked out well.

Everywhere we went, stayed, dined people were very child-friendly. We had a great time! I'm sure we met a lot more people because of our daughter than we would have traveling without her.

Have a great trip!