Travel to Italy with Toddler
 

My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy from Southeast USA with our child who will be 20 months old at the time of the trip. Our flight will depart close to bedtime. Should we purchase two seats in Business class and request a bassinet or purchase three seats in coach and allow her to have her own seat??? We cannot purchase another seat in Business. Also, if we fly Business class should we check our own car seat or rent a car seat from the car rental company? Any advice on general international travel with Toddler and/or Lake Como region would also be appreciated.

I would get 3 seats in coach. I am not sure how big your child is but my child at 20 months wouldn't fit into a bassinet.

There is a ton of information on here for taking toddlers to Italy. A poster named Sally30 wrote a wonderful trip report about taking her daughter to Rome. She lists all the equipment they brought, some logistics, and general observations. Try searching for it.

Couldn't locate the trip report that above poster references, however here are several other threads which may help with your planning.

Toddler Travel Tips ---
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35138201


Kinda of nervous to travel with a 2 and half year old to Italy ---
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35133850


(from 2006 >>>)
Call Me Crazy - I went to Italy with a Toddler , and Loved Every Moment (almost...) A Trip Report: Rome and Tuscany ---
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34802236

I found it! It's really great.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...ly30&fid=2

I agree with BKP that three coach seats are better to give you extra space (and, perhaps irrationally, I'd feel even worse if my child were screaming in biz class. BKP gave you the link to my Rome trip report. I'll top a more recent one to Paris that might be more relevant for a 20 month old. It is called "Elmo in Paris" or you can search under my name. Have fun!

And thanks for the compliment BKP!