My daughter is wondering whether to take a small stroller for her 2-year-old on our upcoming trip to Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre and Venice. With cobblestone streets, etc., would it be usable in enough places to be worth the trouble?
Posted by
Columbia, SC
989 posts
What do you mean by small stroller? If you're talking about the $15 umbrella-style stroller, they have small fixed wheels so NO. I found that type of stroller to be very difficult to maneuver on anything other than smooth pavements. Europeans push their babies and toddlers in strollers so it can be done. It's all in having bigger wheels where all four wheels swivel. Check out some of the Euro brands. I used the Peg Perrego - manufactured in Italy. It pushed easiliy on every surface (except gravel). I think both mom and toddler will be happier with a stroller, than without.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Note that the historical area of Florence has a lot of cobblestone streets. This will make for a bumpy ride. Plus, the sidewalks are narrow and sometimes not all that smooth.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
I think if you take a stroller with big wheels you should be okay but there are many cobbles and uneven pavement in all the cities you mention. I can't even image trying to see the forum while pushing a stroller. It's hard enough to walk without twisting an ankle let alone push a stroller so on that day you may just want to leave it in the hotel. Venice is not very stroller friendly, IMO, with all the bridges you must cross to get anywhere. Donna
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11780 posts
I wonder if you can rent strollers as needed? Is the child small enough to go in a backback-type carrier? That would be easier than a stroller in some locations. In Venice we saw lots of families lifting the stroller and child up and over bridges: one parent had the head and one the bottom. Certainly feasible.
Posted by
Austin
976 posts
I'm with Elaine on this regarding the 2 types of strollers. Daugher and child are both used to the stroller; I'd take one with kids that age. two can be a little heavy to carry around unless you can still put them in one of those backpack carriers ( oooof!).
Venice is probably no worse with strollers than it is with wheeled luggage ( ducking and running!)
Posted by
PNW
194 posts
Definitely take a stroller, but be sure it's a good maneuverable one that you won't mind getting some wear and tear on it. My daughter had a Maclaren for her 9-month old when we were all in Rome for a wedding. It allowed our grandchild to take naps even when we were out all day. Also, Italians LOVE babies!