My husband and I are planning our first trip to Rome this August and we're taking a 2 month old. We have both a stroller and a front carrier, but are unsure as to which one will be most practical. The stroller is one of those huge travel systems. Should we take the stroller with us? Will we be allowed to take the stroller inside places (looking at going to St. Peter's, Pantheon, Colosseum, and Domus Aurea)? Any other helpful tips for traveling with an infant would be appreciated!

Hi

I don't think the stroller will be a good idea as it can be pretty crowded and there are a few stairs around. But I guess people with experience should make a statement to your question. My wife and I went to Rome last year and I have posted a trip report with links and pictures on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/rome_italy.htm . Maybe you can find some useful general information there

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Large strollers would be difficult in places like the Vatican Museums where you are packed in very tightly. Restaurants would also pose a problem unless you are lucky enough to find a table outside along the perimeter where you could park the stroller. It would of course be the most comfortable for the baby and provide a place for him or her to sleep, which 2 month olds do a lot. Because the baby is too young for a light, umbrella style stroller, the front carrier is probably the better option. If possible, bring both. The stroller will be good for going through large airports and if it has a carseat, would give the baby a safe place to be on the airplane, rather than your lap.

Click on on "Trip Report - Italy witha toddler" at the left of your screen.

BTW, why not bring both? A front carrier doesn't take much room to pack.

We just returned from Italy with our 23 month old and saw strollers everywhere. I would definitely suggest one with bigger wheels if you have it. We did not brings ours to the vatican I regretted it as we decided to walk back carrying a sleeping baby and I was 6 mos pregnant. I saw several large strollers at the vatican and even saw a jogger!

Since your baby is only 2 mos. I would bring a stroller and the carrier. The carrier would be your best and easiest bet if it doesn't bother you to carry him/her.

Good luck and happy travels.

By the way we even visited Pompeii and Venice with the stroller and although a little tougher it was worht it.

We have a $20, fold-up, umbrella stroller that has literally been all over the world. That is all you need. Although w/a two month old I may bring along one of those baby bjorn 'sling thingys' as well.

OK, you've convinced me. We'll take the baby bjorn and the stroller. We live in Germany so we do have a stroller which can handle uneven cobblestone. I guess the worst that can happen is deciding we don't need it and leaving it in the hotel room. Thanks for the advice.