Next year, my wife and I are going to Italy with our infant child. She'll be one in July '11, so depending on what our pediatrician says, we're either going in July (HOT!) and if MMR aren't a big risk, then we'll be there in April or May. Any advice for travelling with a 10 month-1 year old in Italy?
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
If there is a choice take her in April/May rather than July.
a) the heat can be hard to deal with, babies dehydrate even quicker than adults
b) a 10 months old baby is likely less mobile and easier to deal with on a long plane flight than a toddler who wants to run around
Unless there is an acute outbreak of one of the diseases the MMR vaccine would protect a child from the risks of travelling through Italy with an unvaccinated child are pretty much the same as living in the USA with an unvaccinated child.
When travelling through Italy try not to move from hotel to hotel too much. Packing up every other night becomes tiresome very quickly. Stay in one place for a week or so and do daytrips instead.
Also consider renting an appartment instead of a hotel. Having some kitchen facilities can help keeping food for the baby at hand.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
From my heart, I suggest that you wait until your daughter arrives before making plans for such a trip. Babies change EVERYTHING in life as you know it. That said, May is a little cooler and less crowded then July.
Posted by
OP
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
To answer some questions/concerns:
We prefer April/May, but I would like our Doctor's opinion regarding unvaccinated travel. We see tons of <1yo in Europe when we're there, but I just would like to make sure.
We intend to go for 2-3 weeks, staying in Agriturismo's/Apartments for 1 week stints or so.
The child is due in 7 weeks, but we're doing some early scouting for a trip that is a year out, so no decisions have been made yet. Airfare is always refundable for us, so that isn't a big deal either. Just getting some opinions on travel and any tips that someone might have!
Thanks.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Unless you're not planning to vaccinate at all, she will have already received the MMR by age 1, won't she? I agree heartily with the previous poster, though, who said you really should wait until she's born to start worrying about next year's trip. At this point you have no idea what you're getting into with her. Any number of things could affect your plans.
Posted by
OP
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
If we go in July, then yes, she'll be vaccinated. However, to avoid the heat, and to have a less mobile kiddo, we would prefer to go in April/May. Having raised two late teens, I know exactly to what you're referring. However, as stated earlier, I'm trying to gain advice on travelling IN Italy with a child at this point, not about whether or not to go. It's a year out, and nothing is set in stone. We're merely tinkering with ideas. Thanks!
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
We took a 6 month old who is now a very capable traveler (at 7). Wouldn't have missed that experience for the world!
We regretted not taking a cheap umbrella stroller. We thought we could buy one there but only found expensive McClarens. I'm sure if we spent more time in Coops or other similar stores, we could have found one, but we didn't. So we toted the kid around in a Baby Bjornn.
We rented a car and stocked up on diapers and other supplies. It was essential to keep Mommy hydrated. I was very glad to have the car, but that also requires taking the car seat. That has to be checked on the plane.
Go slow.
Posted by
OP
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
Thanks, Doug. This is exactly the kind of info for which I'm looking. I appreciate it.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17401 posts
My family members who traveled to Italy with an infant loved the experience. The Italians love children and they were warmly welcomed everywhere. It opened doors tha they might not otherwise have found.
Go in spring (April/May) if you possibly can. I don't know that the MMR immunization is an issue at all, but check with your pediatrician on that.
Posted by
spokane, wa
5 posts
Me and my husband will be leaving in 3 weeks to Italy and our baby is 10 months old right now. We will be there for 8 weeks. After talking to alot of people and much planning here are a few things we have learned
-night flight so HOPEFULLY she sleeps!!
-we purchased a combi umbrella stroller that is great. 13 lbs, folds easily, has a strap, reclines, and sun visor
-you have to take enough formula to last through the trip
-we also bought a small travel high chair b/c i guess many places don't have high chairs
-we are prepared for it to be hot, but plan on purchasing a fan when we arrive. Lot's of people have children in warm places and they live so I would not be too worried about it. Sippy cup with water, gelato!:), etc.