Europe with a Baby: How to Make It (Almost) Stress-Free

CB! Travel Advisor Mandy Cecchetto, now a mom of three, wasted no time turning her first baby into a seasoned traveler after she was born. In the first year, she and her husband took their daughter on several overseas trips, including a monthlong stay in Italy and Germany. We caught up with her to get her road-tested tips for a successful visit to Europe with a baby in tow. 

Best Advice for Traveling in Europe with a Baby 

The Travel Experience 

Within the first year, Mandy traveled internationally with her first daughter, Alaria, at 3 months, 6 months and 9 months. Their European adventure included the Italian Lakes Region, the Tuscan countryside and coast, and even Rome. They rented a car to wander around Tuscany, but used transfers, public transportation and their feet to navigate busy cities. Afterward, they flew from Italy to Germany and moved around by trains and private transfers. 

Successes and Challenges 

“Our baby was a great traveler — she absolutely loved being in a new environment!” Mandy says. “She was fascinated by the sounds, sights and new faces, and was constantly stimulated by all the beautiful wonders that Italy has to offer. She was easily amused by the birds in the main piazzas, the street performers and the charming waiters who would make her giggle while we enjoyed our meals.” 

While initially nervous about a monthlong European vacation with a baby, Mandy found it surprisingly manageable, especially since her daughter wasn’t walking yet. While Alaria took catnaps in the stroller, Mandy and her husband relaxed with wine and food overlooking Lake Como and the Italian Alps. One unexpected benefit: the priority treatment families with babies often receive, from expedited airport lines to special assistance at car rental offices. 

Jet lag was definitely a challenge, as it disrupted Alaria’s usual schedule. “But don’t stress about routine,” Mandy advises, “as babies are very resilient.”  

Mandy and her husband adapted their usual mode of “go, go, go!” when they started traveling in Europe with a baby. “Changing the pace actually made for a more relaxing vacation as we truly enjoyed la dolce vita. Our pace was much slower than what we usually do; at most, we would have one activity or sight scheduled per day. We certainly didn’t try to tackle sights like the Vatican and did not commit ourselves to jam-packed touring days. Instead, we soaked up the atmosphere, sat in the piazzas and visited local markets.” 

Pleasant Surprises 

One of their favorite aspects of traveling with a baby in Europe? “Italians absolutely love children, and even strangers were very eager to help us,” Mandy says. More than one grandmother (or nonna) would come up to say hello, and give an opinion on what the baby was wearing: too hot, too cold, more clothes, less clothing, etc. 

The hospitality at family-friendly hotels and restaurants was beyond anything Mandy and her husband had experienced on their own. “The waiters would literally entertain Alaria so that we could enjoy our meal. The baby crib was always set up upon arrival; the high chair was ready for us during breakfast; pureed baby food options were available; and our rooms were always conveniently located near the main building, often on the ground floor. The staff really went above and beyond.” 

Mandy was also surprised by how inclusive the environment was for children of all ages. “It was great to see and meet so many other families while at our hotels and traveling around,” she says.

After more than a year of wandering with her infant daughter, Mandy gathered several tips that later helped her adapt to travel with a toddler and, ultimately, with two additional children.  

Essential Tips for Parents Traveling with Babies to Europe

Gear and Equipment 

• Invest in a good travel stroller that collapses easily and has substantial storage space. Keep it with you at the airport until boarding to make navigating terminals easier. 

• Consider a baby carrier or sling as an alternative or supplement to a stroller, especially for crowded areas or places with cobblestone streets and stairs.  

• Pack a portable white noise machine or app to help your baby sleep in unfamiliar environments. It will create a consistent sound as you hop between hotels.  

• Bring a compact travel high chair or cloth harness if you plan on dining out frequently, though your stroller can double as a high chair when dining outside.  

Accommodation Planning 

• Book baby-friendly accommodations with ample space. A suite with a terrace provides extra room and a place to relax while your baby sleeps. 

• Opt for ground-floor rooms or accommodations with elevators if possible. 

• Contact properties in advance to request cribs, high chairs, bottle warmers and even baby bathtubs. 

• Consider apartment rentals for longer stays to have access to kitchen facilities and laundry. Double check if the rental has an elevator, though, as you may find yourself walking up and down five flights of steps every time you go out. 

Packing and Preparation 

• Pack wisely but thoroughly. Bring a small medical kit, extra clothes, sufficient diapers/wipes for at least the first few days, and formula/baby food if needed, especially if your baby has any allergies. 

• Research the availability of baby supplies at your destination. Many European pharmacies carry major diaper brands and baby essentials, but not all. Bring a copy of your baby’s formula label so you can show it to a pharmacist to find something similar. 

• Bring a few familiar items from home such as favorite toys, books or blankets to maintain some consistency in your baby’s routine.   

Planning Your Itinerary 

• Plan for a slow start. Use the first few days to adjust to the time change and new environment. 

• Maintain the same home base for at least four nights when possible. Not only will your baby thank you, but your body will too as you all fight off jet lag.  

• Be flexible with scheduling. Don’t worry about maintaining a strict routine — adapt to your baby’s needs and the local environment. 

• Schedule rest days between busy sightseeing days. 

• Look into family-friendly activities at your destination, including parks, interactive museums, playgrounds and outdoor spaces. 

Travel Logistics 

• Consider flight timing in relation to your baby’s sleep schedule. Overnight flights often work well as they align with bedtime. 

• Book direct flights when possible to minimize travel disruption. 

• Check airline policies regarding traveling with infants, including baggage allowances for baby equipment and car seats approved for the plane. 

• Book advance transportation from airports to accommodations, ensuring car seats are available if needed. 

• Research local healthcare options and know where the nearest hospitals and pharmacies are located. 

The Rewards of Traveling with a Baby 

Traveling with babies creates a lifetime of memories for the family and establishes a foundation for a love of travel from an early age. “Even though our baby won’t remember these trips, we certainly will remember and will share all of these incredible stories with her,” Mandy reflects. “It’s been said that travel changes you. It has changed us in a good way, making us better people, better global citizens and definitely better parents.” 

What was Mandy’s favorite moment in Italy with her daughter? “This is a tough one because every day was so unique and special. The one day that stands out the most for me was in the Tuscan countryside. It was a relaxing day with our baby in the beautiful rolling hills, where our views looked like they were from a postcard. There were so many other children and babies around. 

“Our baby is more resilient and able to adapt to changes due to our travels, and we have created a lifetime of memories with her that we will cherish forever,” she adds. “I’m so happy that we traveled with Alaria and we will continue to travel the world with her, as it is so rewarding.” 

Relevant Links:

Get all tips and ideas for traveling with babies and toddlers on Ciao Bambino

10 surprising places to take toddlers on a family vacation

How to make traveling with toddlers fun (yes, fun!)

Guide to visiting Paris with toddlers

Guide to visiting London with toddlers

How to have a toddler-friendly Barcelona vacation

Photos courtesy of Mandy Cecchetto.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.