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Kids special: Questions about car seat and other things!

Hi folks,

Question of the hour is: are car seats compulsory for local buses? I will have my 8 month old with me. Will be using a Stroller + baby wearing to get around.

Our trip is from Munich - Berchtesgaden - Garmisch-partenkirchen. (4 nights each) and then head to Zurich to fly out.
Day trips to Innsbruck, Salzburg, Hallstatt and others (researching - there's a lot - Königssee, Fussen etc)
We plan on using only public transport buses and trains. I know train is not an issue but will the bus be without a car seat ? My husband will be taking care of all the bags (2 adults + 2 kids + 75 yr old mom - yes, travelling as light as we can!). I will be handling the kids and the stroller and the backpack with essentials (extra change, snacks, toys, diaper stuff). So we have our hands full!

Now onto my specific questions:
1) Will a car seat be needed to get around in the buses? Especially travelling to Zurich?

2) I will not be doing the activities like the salt mines etc but the option is there for the larger group (we are a family of 6 adults + 2 kids). Any recommendations to what I CAN do easily with my 8 month old?

3) Neuschwanstein Castle: heard it's a steep climb up and not stroller friendly. Might be possible to baby wear and do but then the uphill climb might be difficult for my mum.

4) Zugspitze: Not sure about this either. Elevation a problem for 8 month old? I would def want my husband to take my 5 year old here though while I sit it out.

5) Any specific recommendations for my 5 year old? we are celebrating her birthday! I want her to experience the cable cars/ lifts, I'm sure there will be a couple in the areas we are staying.

Food/ Misc: I plan on bringing just a few diapers and food pouches and buying the rest from the grocery store (there are babies everywhere, right?!) Is my planning correct just need some validation lol. Rest we are trying to stay in apartments so something light can be prepared. We are vegetarians so have to plan this out :)

All baby experts unite and help this momma plan a great trip please - I'll be forever grateful!

Thank you!

Posted by
34111 posts

q1 - no. Not on buses, trains or taxis. Rental cars yes.

q3 - yes it is steep.

q2 - hang out in the gift shop?

Posted by
30 posts

Thanks for the laughs..Appreciate the humor but I’m looking for serious feedback and help - traveling with an infant is no joke and I would want to avoid any possible hiccups that can be foreseen. Thank you!

Posted by
34111 posts

every word in my answer was serious, and meant.

Around the salt mine I went to the only thing around was the carpark and the gift shop. You really are not required to use a car seat on public transportation. You really do need one in a car but not in a taxi. And, yes, it really really is steep. I didn't mention the horse carts because it is still steep before and after.

And I understand parenting young kids, although it was some time ago.