Which European cities are the most "child friendly" (especially for a couple traveling with a 6 month old baby)?
Thanks!

I think it would be best if you think first which country you are interested in. And then start to consider cities (I suppose capitals). Europe isn't a country, but there are babies even in Europe, and there are things to consider like climate, streets and strollers, traffic, baby beds in hotels and so on.

Head South!

Italy, Portugal, Spain. In my experience, children seem to be included more in those countries than in Germany or switzerland where quietness & orderliness are more valued/expected.

what do you mean by "child friendly"?

i don't have much comment on this only to warn that you will probably get a lot of answers that stereotype how a country values and its children rather than addressing the real practicalities of travelling with children in these countries. I don't think these are one in the same.

For example, in Italy, the stereotype is that children and family are very important in life. This is NOT an inaccurate stereotype, however, it's not the easiest

I suspect that you want a place where you can easily navigate with a child (perhaps with a pushchair/carriage), eat in restaurants without a bother, and

what do you mean by "child friendly"?

i don't have much comment on this only to warn that you will probably get a lot of answers that stereotype how a country values and its children rather than addressing the real practicalities of travelling with children in these countries. I don't think these are one in the same.

For example, in Italy, the stereotype is that children and family are very important in life. This is NOT an inaccurate stereotype, however, it's not the easiest to navigate around with children (ancient infrastructure, typcially cramped, crowded restaurants, etc).

In my view, countries like Germany, Denmark, netherlands are great for children as they tend to have a more modern infrastructure, playgrounds, etc, larger cars, larger hotel rooms, etc.

In other words, if you are looking for a place where your kids will get a lot of kisses and "ohhhing and ahhhing" then this may be a different place from a country in which it is easy to travel with kids.

travel chef,

I am on my third European trip with 2 small kids. My first trip they were 1 and 3. Generally, I found that everywhere that we went was great. The Italians and Spanish definitely "love children" and are very accomadating and very friendly. Venice is a very difficult city to navigate with a stroller because all the bridges have steps so you have to pick up the stroller and carry it (which is probably not too difficult with a baby) but very cumbersome with a double stroller and two heavier kids. Definitely get a stroller with bigger wheels - they are much easier over the cobbled stone found in many cities in Europe. Germany is a little more "orderly" so they don't think it is so cute when "baby" reorganizes the table cutlery on the floor.

Definitely try to eat outside in cafes etc. since then you will feel much more comfortable with the baby making a mess since it is the sidewalk and not the carpet.

When using the metro, be aware that sometimes there are long stairs that you will have to carry the stroller up and down (I did it, not the biggest deal) but a bit tiring. Bring your own diapers since they are pretty expensive over there and also not as varied a selection - same goes for the wipes.

Bring a good brush to wash out the bottles and bring spares since if you lose them you might not be happy with the replacement.

I think you can go just about anywhere with kids. But we definitely noticed how friendly the Italians and Spanish were towards children. As Rick Steves says - better to change a diaper in Paris than at home - don't let the baby stop you from travelling.

Been in Germany for 3 years, 2.5 of them with a child. Travelling all over had been wonderful. I've not found any cultures to be more or less child friendly than any others. Venice had about the worst infrastructure for a baby carriage. Also hard to find changing tables there - some other very old cities, too.

Rest areas are as a rule nicer than in the US - try not to stop at the little ones with just a tiny bathroom - got to the big ones with restaurants, gas station, etc. Typically they have very good baby rooms, sometimes play areas and will provide diapers or wipes as well.

We've driven all over Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, and made many trips into other Western European countries as well (just about every W.European country). Babies everywhere eat baby food and wear disposable diapers, we usually travel with enough for the first 2 days then hit a grocery store. Our daughter never starved or went nappy-less. Even accidently ate reindeer in Norway. Gack. I saved the label. She had no idea.

We've always been able to find a baby bed. Never had a problem anywhere getting a bottle warmed up or with anyone grouching at us for a baby doing what babies do! In EVERY country and city we've been to, people have been as nice and accomodating as we have been nice and appreciative.

If you can carry a backpack child carrier and a changing pad at all times, you'll be very well equipped, and even places like Venice won't be a problem. If your baby is not very flexible, do carry an extra bottle & nipple. Formula here is great, baby food is great - many more organic options, if that's your wish, as well. Oh, if you have an inflatable baby tub or a bath cushion that will mush into your suitcase, bring it - never have found baby bathing supplies in hotels.

Have fun, Helen

Things are more expensive because of the dollar / euro exchange rate, but not enough to make me suggest that you should bring baby supplies for your entire trip with you... that's a bunch of stuff to carry!!!!!