Can't Decide - Rome Vacation with baby - About to GO CRAZY!!!
Jan 9th, 2009, 08:05 AM
#21
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 684
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll just say what my experience is. Maybe it depends what country you live in presently.
We live in Ireland, where it's colder than Rome!
As a baby our child would generally have spent about 2 hours a day outside, not the 6 hours or so that you would spend walking around, as has been correctly said already.
But for me, the cold would not be a reason to leave a child at home. I mean, we are talking Rome here, not Sweden. Provided your child is well wrapped up and you try to take breaks every so often in heated coffee shops (which you will want to do anyway, for your own comfort), I would be much more relaxed about the cold than Zeppole. It seems parents in Italy have very different views about the cold than here, where as a new mum (in the winter) I would have been encouraged to get out for a long walk every day if possible with a new baby.
Different strokes for different folks I guess. It would help to know where you currently live and what your child is used to.
We live in Ireland, where it's colder than Rome!
As a baby our child would generally have spent about 2 hours a day outside, not the 6 hours or so that you would spend walking around, as has been correctly said already.
But for me, the cold would not be a reason to leave a child at home. I mean, we are talking Rome here, not Sweden. Provided your child is well wrapped up and you try to take breaks every so often in heated coffee shops (which you will want to do anyway, for your own comfort), I would be much more relaxed about the cold than Zeppole. It seems parents in Italy have very different views about the cold than here, where as a new mum (in the winter) I would have been encouraged to get out for a long walk every day if possible with a new baby.
Different strokes for different folks I guess. It would help to know where you currently live and what your child is used to.
Jan 9th, 2009, 08:18 AM
#22
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"you try to take breaks every so often in heated coffee shops"
Well, one of the differences between Ireland and Italy is the ready availability of heated, undrafty interiors in cold weather -- and the availability of nice warm things to drink other than espresso.
By blood and birth I'm not Italian. Genetically, I'm Irish, Scot and German, and although I was raised in California, most of the time I've lived in cold climes like New York, London and Paris. It is very true that Italians have much different attitudes about cold -- and now that I live here, I appreciate that a lot of it has to do with the changeability of the daily weather, and a lot drafts. If you live in Italy, you are most likely living either by the mountains, or the sea, or sometimes both. You may live on a hill. It is surprising how easily a cold wind kicks up, or the sun heats you up -- which is why you see Italians so often with scarves or sweaters around their shoulders, even when it's warm and sunny. They know that at 5pm, they might need it.
I'd rather be in Rome than in Dublin in February with a 20 week old baby. But I'd promise myself that if it turned out to be rainy, chilly or worse, I'd ratchet back my ambitions for walking around drastically, and I'd come armed with plenty of tips about indoor activities apart from unheated churches. And I would pick a cozy hotel or rent an apartment with plenty of heat.
Well, one of the differences between Ireland and Italy is the ready availability of heated, undrafty interiors in cold weather -- and the availability of nice warm things to drink other than espresso.
By blood and birth I'm not Italian. Genetically, I'm Irish, Scot and German, and although I was raised in California, most of the time I've lived in cold climes like New York, London and Paris. It is very true that Italians have much different attitudes about cold -- and now that I live here, I appreciate that a lot of it has to do with the changeability of the daily weather, and a lot drafts. If you live in Italy, you are most likely living either by the mountains, or the sea, or sometimes both. You may live on a hill. It is surprising how easily a cold wind kicks up, or the sun heats you up -- which is why you see Italians so often with scarves or sweaters around their shoulders, even when it's warm and sunny. They know that at 5pm, they might need it.
I'd rather be in Rome than in Dublin in February with a 20 week old baby. But I'd promise myself that if it turned out to be rainy, chilly or worse, I'd ratchet back my ambitions for walking around drastically, and I'd come armed with plenty of tips about indoor activities apart from unheated churches. And I would pick a cozy hotel or rent an apartment with plenty of heat.
Jan 9th, 2009, 08:39 AM
#23
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dennise,
You have a very good reason, and good timing, for visiting Rome with your new baby. Other posters are correct, it would be easier with a small infant than when she is older. Prepare in advance for all events and realize that your happiness resides entirely upon your attitude. IF you expect your child to cry and need attention at the most inopportune moments and are prepared not only physically but with a good frame of mind, it won't be a problem.
As for cold, I live in the coldest region of the US. Babies here do go out for many hours at a time in the winter. We took our infant camping, snowmobiling and ice fishing in his first year and those were the easiest trips of all. Keeping your infant safe and being prepared in advance for your outings will allow you to lead the life you love.
Like others, I'd suggest that you get her used to a sling beforehand and if you can afford it, perhaps plan on having at least one person fly business-class with the baby.
--Annie
You have a very good reason, and good timing, for visiting Rome with your new baby. Other posters are correct, it would be easier with a small infant than when she is older. Prepare in advance for all events and realize that your happiness resides entirely upon your attitude. IF you expect your child to cry and need attention at the most inopportune moments and are prepared not only physically but with a good frame of mind, it won't be a problem.
As for cold, I live in the coldest region of the US. Babies here do go out for many hours at a time in the winter. We took our infant camping, snowmobiling and ice fishing in his first year and those were the easiest trips of all. Keeping your infant safe and being prepared in advance for your outings will allow you to lead the life you love.
Like others, I'd suggest that you get her used to a sling beforehand and if you can afford it, perhaps plan on having at least one person fly business-class with the baby.
--Annie
Jan 9th, 2009, 09:40 AM
#24
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would choose an apartment over a B&B. You would have more room and a kitchenette in case the weather turned bad and you had to eat in a few times. Also if the other guests in a B&B might not be thrilled with a baby crying in the next room. The walls in apartments are thick in Rome.
Also I am not sure you can come and go at all times with a B&B, don't you have to be out during the day? In an apartment you can come and go as you choose.
Also I am not sure you can come and go at all times with a B&B, don't you have to be out during the day? In an apartment you can come and go as you choose.
Jan 9th, 2009, 11:26 AM
#25
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Chiming in with a word of advice from long experience: don't go now, but do start practicing for when you do.
If your little one can build up a tolerance of long sits/sleeps in a car seat now, you will all have a better chance of a good in-flight experience later. And, IMHO, that is the hard part about overseas travel with a little one.
If you put a baby or a toddler that has never been in a car seat for more than an hour into an enforced sitting-in-one-place airline situation, baby, you and all the rest of the passengers are in for a grueling 8-10 hours...and then you will spend all the week in Rome dreading that return flight.
If your little one can build up a tolerance of long sits/sleeps in a car seat now, you will all have a better chance of a good in-flight experience later. And, IMHO, that is the hard part about overseas travel with a little one.
If you put a baby or a toddler that has never been in a car seat for more than an hour into an enforced sitting-in-one-place airline situation, baby, you and all the rest of the passengers are in for a grueling 8-10 hours...and then you will spend all the week in Rome dreading that return flight.
Jan 9th, 2009, 11:27 AM
#26
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Another person chiming in to agree that traveling with a small baby is much easier than many people think.
I live in England, which is colder than Rome, and I have had no choice but to drag my now-17 month old baby out in the cold since he was 2 months old. We need things like milk and my daughter has to be walked to school. He was bundled up nice and warm in his stroller and although I personally don't embrace the cold weather, we deal.
Like Zeppole said, Rome is a destination with a lot of walking. When we went in late March of last year, it was warm in the sun and chilly in the shade. But I maintain that Italy is a wonderful destination to take children.
I would not let the weather deter me from visiting, but I would heed the suggestion to stay in an apartment, as we did.
Taking advantage of your maternity leave is a good idea. It is hard to find the time once you go back to work ! And traveling with a breastfed baby is a breeze, as it keeps them happy on the plane, you don't have to worry about packing food or what will be available there, and if you get stuck in the airport for hours, the bambino won't go hungry. (I was sooo thankful my 5 month old was still nursing when I was stuck in Barcelona-inside security with only one tiny juice bar available-for 8 hours. Thanks EasyJet!)
Anyway, if you decide you go, let us know. There are several of us that have taken small babies to Rome and we can help you navigate some of the ins and outs of your planning.
I live in England, which is colder than Rome, and I have had no choice but to drag my now-17 month old baby out in the cold since he was 2 months old. We need things like milk and my daughter has to be walked to school. He was bundled up nice and warm in his stroller and although I personally don't embrace the cold weather, we deal.
Like Zeppole said, Rome is a destination with a lot of walking. When we went in late March of last year, it was warm in the sun and chilly in the shade. But I maintain that Italy is a wonderful destination to take children.
I would not let the weather deter me from visiting, but I would heed the suggestion to stay in an apartment, as we did.
Taking advantage of your maternity leave is a good idea. It is hard to find the time once you go back to work ! And traveling with a breastfed baby is a breeze, as it keeps them happy on the plane, you don't have to worry about packing food or what will be available there, and if you get stuck in the airport for hours, the bambino won't go hungry. (I was sooo thankful my 5 month old was still nursing when I was stuck in Barcelona-inside security with only one tiny juice bar available-for 8 hours. Thanks EasyJet!)
Anyway, if you decide you go, let us know. There are several of us that have taken small babies to Rome and we can help you navigate some of the ins and outs of your planning.
Jan 9th, 2009, 05:05 PM
#27
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You've gotten lots of advice and it looks like you may be able to postpone the trip for a couple of months but if this is the only time can go, I would go for it. I would just bundle the baby up in one of those fleecy buntings and wear a baby carrier to tote her around. She'll be warm next to you, you can even put her under your coat.
My husband and I took our daughter to Rome - she was 9 months at the time - and found it very easy to travel with her there. I think a younger child would be even easier. Here is a link to my trip report http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2.
One thing I would check with her doctor though is whether she's had her immunizations yet and if that makes a difference (if not, she would be more at risk to pick something up on the plane or elsewhere). But then again, it is just as easy to get sick at home.
We had a wonderful trip and I hope you do too.
My husband and I took our daughter to Rome - she was 9 months at the time - and found it very easy to travel with her there. I think a younger child would be even easier. Here is a link to my trip report http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2.
One thing I would check with her doctor though is whether she's had her immunizations yet and if that makes a difference (if not, she would be more at risk to pick something up on the plane or elsewhere). But then again, it is just as easy to get sick at home.
We had a wonderful trip and I hope you do too.
Jan 9th, 2009, 06:56 PM
#28
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Put me in the "go" camp. We've gone to Europe in the winter several times with babies and toddlers. The younger they are, the more they sleep, and the easier it is. We were in Rome in February w/ a 15 mo. old and a six month in utero. We brought a heavy-duty stroller and the older one literally slept all day long while we were moving. The cold weather helps because they go into hibernation mode. Bring a rain cover for the stroller, and an extra blanket. Don't stop for lunch, because then she'll wake up. We walked all over that town. Bathrooms w/ baby changing areas were virtually non-existent. You just have make-do.
We also went to Belgium, Paris, and London w/ a 5 mo. old in March. Again, as long as she kept moving in that stroller, she slept. Museums can be the most difficult because you often have to hold them and they wake up.
On the flight over, make sure you fly an airline that has a baby bassinet behind the bulkhead. It makes it much easier as you don't have to hold her the whole time. Of course, if the flight has an empty seat, they'll usually let you use it for the baby.
Bon voyage!
We also went to Belgium, Paris, and London w/ a 5 mo. old in March. Again, as long as she kept moving in that stroller, she slept. Museums can be the most difficult because you often have to hold them and they wake up.
On the flight over, make sure you fly an airline that has a baby bassinet behind the bulkhead. It makes it much easier as you don't have to hold her the whole time. Of course, if the flight has an empty seat, they'll usually let you use it for the baby.
Bon voyage!
Jan 9th, 2009, 07:02 PM
#29
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was in Rome February 2008 and the weather was sunny and brisk, but not really cold. My children are in college now, but we traveled extensively when they were young and always stayed in apartments or condos. You might want to consider renting an apartment so that you have room and don't have to worry about disturbing others in an adjacent thin-walled hotel room. This would also give you some time to relax with more room than a hotel room would offer. The days were short and we enjoyed relaxing in the apartment in the evening with the heat on and a glass of nice wine in hand. Personally, I would go ahead with the trip!
Jan 9th, 2009, 08:48 PM
#30
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We took our four month old son to the UK with us and personally, it was a much easier trip than when he was fourteen!! I say go, but with realistic expections that you will not have the same kind of trip than if you left Ela home. We never regretted bringing our babies with us on long trips but always went into it knowing we wouldn't cover as much ground...but then again, that's what other future trips are for.
Jan 14th, 2009, 12:11 AM
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone for the posts! It is only a 2,5 hour flight for us, so we decided to go for it in the end. We will stay in B&B de lux 58, which is close to city center, and try to cover as much ground as we can. Any advice for anniversary night? I think wine & luxury dine with a hopefully sleeping baby will be our thing.
Thank you so much! I never been this undeciseful in my life. This will be our first trip with the baby, and grandparents flipped out when we said we will be travelling abroad with baby on February!
Thank you so much! I never been this undeciseful in my life. This will be our first trip with the baby, and grandparents flipped out when we said we will be travelling abroad with baby on February!
Jan 19th, 2010, 07:42 PM
#33
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good for you, Dennise! We're going to Rome in April from the U.S. (A 14+ hour, multi-stop flight) when our baby will be 9 months. We plan to "be" rather than "see." We wouldn't dream of leaving her at home. She's part of our pack now and our feeling is why bother having her if we weren't going to include her on our adventures? PLEASE let us know how your trip went; I'll be eager to hear any advice you have!
