Help with Italy itinerary - travelling with an 8 month old baby

Sorry, folks. When our daughter was born, we forgave foreign travel until she was old enough to stay with my parents. I cannot imagine traveling with what it takes to deal with a baby.
Our daughter did start skiing in Colorado at age 8, and we did take her to Europe at age 11--when she did appreciate it..
Your itinerary would be okay if just the two of you were traveling. With a baby, I'd skip the Amalfi Coast and just spend more time in Rome.

See RonInRome.com if you have any questions about Rome. His info is the best.

Don't let age deter you! Go for it. Too short in Venice. It is quiet and beautiful. Your 8 month old with like it.
Remember 2 nights give you one day to see things. 3 nights gives you two days. You will likely come back to Venice in the future.

Amalfi coast is hard, uphill and downhill, nothing flat. Hard to get around except by bus. Maybe Sorrento instead? Easier to get to Pompeii and don't forget Herculaneum (Ercolano). Great place to see along with Pompeii.

Florence, The Hermitage Hotel if you haven't been there before. Caters to English speakers.

Boon Viaggio,
RGS

My son and his wife toured Germany with a one year old (pre-walking) for 3 weeks and did just fine. They did it all by train. Even rented bikes in Berlin. I think it gets more complicated when they are running around. I think they used a front or back pack rather than a stroller. It's just a different kind of trip, not so much with museums. They went to Munich, Berlin, Rothenberg, Bacharach and some other places.

Your son will remember this trip and hate you when he's an adult for subjecting him to this abuse at such a young age.
My 3 cents:
1. This is too much running around for a baby that small.
2. I see no reason to bother with Milan at all. You could go straight to Venice and relax there instead. Add the two nights to Venice, maybe take a day trip to Padua and one to the Murano/Burano islands.
3. Skip the Amalfi coast. Too much trouble on buses and boats and climbing up and down in that area with a small baby. Pompeii is a lot of walking and it would be very tiring with a baby on your lap/back. Plus the Neapolitans will steal him from you and resell him in the black market. Add those days to Florence instead and visit the Tuscan countryside and the smaller towns from Florence.

Just take it easy. You don't need to run around to so many places with a toddler on your back.

Traveling in Europe with an 8-month old, you will not be able to see/do as much in a day as you did BK.

I certainly agree with more time in Venice, less in Milan, unless there was something in particular you wanted to see in Milan(?). Also, once you're in the vicinity of Florence, you might want to consider making Lucca your base, instead of Florence - you could stroll the baby around and around on top of the walls, while admiring the views within and without.

I don't have specific advice, but you might want to look at the "9 weeks 23 countries" post - they did that trip with a 6-month-old and might have some tips for you. I agree that going before the baby can walk will make things a lot easier. Have a great trip!

Watch out for delays in train travel in Italy. You'll be happier with fewer train trips, savoring fewer locations longer.

Plan extra transition time for all activities. The more people in your party, the longer every transition takes. Even traveling with teens takes longer than when it's just 2 of you. We stayed here in Florence in 2011: http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p376834#calendar. The owner has a website and can help you plan side trips. She's a parent so can help with that planning, too. The apartment is up several flights of steps but is very comfortable. There's a bakery and produce shop down the street, a supermarket a few blocks over. Stay more than 3 days in Florence!

I have taken my kids everywhere, even when they were infants.

A few thoughts:

1. You must slow down and expect to do about half as much with the baby along. The baby will have jet lag, need naps, etc. I am speaking from experience here.

2. You want to check in and out of hotels probably 1-2 times total with 12 full days. Pick two bases with nice day trip options. We spent a week in Lucca with our little ones over the summer and never ran out of things to do. Maybe Lucca and Rome? If you choose Lucca, we were so happy with the apartment we rented from 2 Italia - very kid friendly (they even had a kid play room).

3. Venice and the hill towns (and other areas) are VERY stroller unfriendly. Be sure to bring a good baby carrier for the day time, such as the Ergo.

4. It might be a bit chilly when you are visiting, so bring enough warm layers for everyone.

You'll see lots of infants traveling (with parents, of course). I agree to having fewer bases for this trip.

Your baby will be a rock star in Italy.

Two nights in a place,, equal one full day in a place.. I would eliminate anywhere that you feel is only worth one full day.. too much hassle for a day! You are likely young enough to contemplate returning to Europe eventually..

I agree babies prewalking are easier to travel with then say toddlers. I have three kids.. and found the ages between 1-3 least fun ... after they are 4-5 it gets easier again.. and we did limit our overseas travel with our kids before 10 yrs old , just doing easy stuff like Hawaii, Disney, cruises etc.. Its all doable though since there is only one child and two adults! You can even work in some museum interests if interested by trading off baby duty.. one goes to a local park and café the other tours on their own for an hour or two. Some places are so crowded its gross taking small children in( like the Vatican or Versailles etc)

I too would get rid of Milan( or is there a particular reason its included) and the Amalfi coast ..

Thanks for all the advice folks - I think we will drop Milan. Sounds like it'd be good to add some more time in Tuscany and/or Venice instead.
Agree it won't be easy travelling with a baby but I wouldn't go without him.
Really appreciate your help! Have a great Xmas all.

Sam,

I'd like to apologize for my initial response which was not in the least helpful to you.

Here is my edited reply:

We've not travelled with a baby before so it could be very interesting!!

Yes, your trip will be interesting, challenging, worthwhile and rewarding... just like your journey through parenthood!
Make the best of it!

A few thoughts...

• Pack light- keep in mind that you will likely be the one lugging around whatever you take
  -you can do laundry there

  - you can buy necessities there (diapers & such)

• You're wise to stay in apartments-- you will appreciate the extra room & kitchen.

• Less is more - I would limit your destinations to 2-3 ( Venice > Florence > Rome) I'd skip Milan & go straight to Venice.
  Take the Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale then high speed train to Venice- check here for train schedules

• Less transit time = less wasted time = more time to enjoy your destinations.

• keep your baby's routine as much as possible (meals, naps, playtime)

• send private message to the other parents ( Emily) who have traveled with infants for more helpful tips.

• Make sure your baby's immunizations are up to date for his age (discuss with your pediatrician)

• Have a wonderful Honeymoon!!!

P.S.
Your son will not remember this trip, so do take lots of pictures & keep a journal so you can share them with him when he's older.

Here are some links you may find helpful:

• http://www.familyvacationcritic.com/traveling-with-infants/art/
• http://www.parenting.com/article/5-smart-tips-for-stress-free-baby-travel
• http://www.parents.com/fun/vacation/planning/how-to-fly-with-baby/