Traveling to Italy with a baby (the complete guide)

Italy is one of the most baby-friendly countries in Europe. Italians have a deep cultural warmth toward babies. Restaurants welcome them and high chairs are standard across most trattorie. Practically speaking, nappies, formula and baby food are widely available in supermarkets and drugstores. Some of the most family-friendly destinations include Lake Garda, Sicily and Tuscany's agriturismi. Venice is the most challenging for strollers. A compact travel stroller and baby carrier are the two most useful items to pack.

Traveling to Italy with a baby is a subject that I’m more than suitable to speak on. 

Along with living in Italy I’m also the proud mamma of a six-month-old baby girl (at the time of writing). 

So, if you’re a parent planning to visit Italy with a baby I hope that this guide answers all of your questions. 

From where to go in Italy with a baby to stroller-friendly cities in Italy this is your ultimate go-to guide. 

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Is Italy baby friendly?

Italy is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Europe.

Its deeply family-centric culture makes traveling here with a young baby much easier than many parents expect.

I've lost count of how many times I've been stopped in the street with my baby.

Many people, usually women, want to see her, admire her and sometimes even try to touch her (I intervene at that point!).

The point is that many Italians are naturally drawn to babies.

It's not performative, it's cultural.

Whether you're traveling to Italy with a 3-month-old or a 6-month-old, Italy is well-equipped and well-disposed toward family travelers.

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Restaurants with a baby

Eating out with a baby in Italy is (usually) easy.

Most restaurants and trattorie have high chairs and every place we've visited has been happy to warm up baby food or milk without any fuss.

Lisa’s tip: if you're traveling with a stroller, mention it when you book. A quick heads-up means that restaurants can seat you somewhere with more room to accommodate your stroller.

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North vs. south

In my experience, both northern Italy and Sicily are equally warm toward babies.

In Sicily, children seem more free to move around, run and make noise without parents feeling self-conscious.

It's a more relaxed, communal approach to family life that makes traveling with a young baby feel even more natural.

This helpful resource will help you plan your family trip to Italy. 

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Map of baby-friendly destinations in Italy

Not all Italian destinations are equally easy with a baby. And knowing which ones suit a stroller, which require a carrier and which are best avoided makes a big difference to your trip.

Use the map below as a planning guide.

Destinations are color-coded by how baby-friendly they are in practice, based on personal experience traveling around Italy with our daughter.

Is Italy stroller friendly?

It depends very much on where you go.

Italy isn’t universally stroller-friendly, and knowing which destinations are manageable and which are difficult will save you long-term frustration.

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Venice: the hardest city for strollers

Venice is a nightmare with a stroller and I say that from direct experience.

The bridges are the problem: some have ramps, many don’t. And even the ones with ramps are regularly blocked by tourists stopping for photos mid-crossing.

With a stroller you're either lifting it over steps or waiting for gaps in the crowd.

My recommendation: use a baby carrier in Venice if at all possible, or travel with another adult who can help lift the stroller over bridges.

If you must bring a stroller, a lightweight compact one makes the experience significantly more manageable.

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Small historic towns: plan ahead

Towns like Limone sul Garda and Arquà Petrarca are beautiful but challenging with a stroller.

Cobblestones, uneven steps and steep inclines make for tiring pushing, and the terrain isn't always predictable.

Towns in the Dolomites are generally more manageable but some have inclines that’ll test your arms.

Where a town is flat with cobblestones, like my city Vicenza, it's perfectly doable. However, watch out for missing stones (buche). A wheel can get trapped in the gap, which stops the stroller abruptly and can cause discomfort to your baby.

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The most stroller-friendly destinations

Lake Garda's larger towns, Riva del Garda, Desenzano, Bardolino, have good flat promenades and are very manageable.

Sicily's cities, like Palermo and Catania, have wide enough streets and pavements to move around comfortably.

Flat cities like Bologna, Padua and Vicenza (away from the cobbled areas) are among the easiest in northern Italy.

My stroller recommendation

We use the Babyzen YOYO. It’s compact, lightweight and small enough to bring onto the plane.

For traveling around Italy with a baby, a travel-friendly compact stroller is far more practical than a full-size pram.

The YOYO folds in seconds and stores easily on planes, which removes the stress of checking a stroller at the gate.

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What Italian baby culture can teach traveling parents

One of the unexpected pleasures of having a baby in Italy is seeing how the culture approaches early childhood.

Italian mammismo, the deep bond between mothers and children isn’t a stereotype.

It's a lived reality that shapes everything from how babies are fed to how they're carried, spoken to and included in daily life.

Babies in Italy are not confined to nurseries and early bedtimes. They come to dinner and attend family gatherings. They are, from the very beginning, a part of adult life rather than managed separately from it.

This has a practical benefit for traveling parents: your baby is welcomed in almost every context.

Italian restaurants don't have a 'no children' culture and no-one gives you sideways looks for breastfeeding in public. Trust me I know!

Below are a few things worth observing and potentially adopting to your own children.

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Meal times matter

Italians eat at set times. Lunch typically starts from 12.30pm while dinner starts from 7.30 to 8pm (northern Italy).

Restaurants are usually quieter and more relaxed when the restaurant first opens. Arriving outside peak times with a baby is a calmer experience for everyone.

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We take regular walks

Many Italian parents take babies outside daily regardless of the season.

A walk in the fresh air (una boccata d'aria) is considered essential for a baby's health and mood.

Our baby’s pediatrician advised us to bring our baby out immediately the day after we brought her home. The walk was much more pleasant given she was born in June!

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The nonna effect

You’ll likely encounter one or two older Italian women when out and about who want to admire your baby.

It’s an innocent and sweet interaction that you'll feel the warmth of long after. I lost count of the number of times it happened when my baby was a newborn.

It's one of the most lovely things about having a baby in this country.

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Flying to Italy with a baby 

Fellow parents will understand how much preparation goes into traveling with a baby.  

However, add an international flight to the mix and watch as the list of things to pack gets even longer. If traveling to Italy with a baby from the USA, Canada or Australia there are long flight times to consider. 

Because of this, it’s essential to be prepared for any eventuality. This could be anything from flight delays and changes to bottles breaking and leaky milk bottles.  

Below is a list of things that I personally bring when flying with our baby in Italy. 

Large diaper bag 

A diaper bag is a must have item for any parent traveling with their baby. The one I have is similar to this diaper bag in that it’s expandable and has a lot of storage space.  

This diaper bag also includes a changing pad and straps to attach to the stroller handle. One feature that I really like (which my diaper bag doesn’t have) is the detachable pacifier case.  

It’s so helpful to have on hand rather than trying to rummage around for at the bottom of the bag.  

Needless to say, our large diaper bag holds other essentials like diapers and an extra change of clothes. 

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Sufficient bottles and milk 

It goes without saying that traveling to Italy with a baby requires packing sufficient bottles and milk. 

For domestic flights in Italy, we usually take two bottles and two bottles of ready-made formula just in case. We don’t have a portable bottle warmer but they do look handy when on the move. Instead, we usually ask a waiter at a bar or one of the air stewards to heat it for us. 

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Baby travel accessories 

The following are things that I haven’t yet purchased but are items that I’d consider getting for future (long-haul) trips. 

For long-haul flights to Italy there are several accessories that can help make your baby’s — and your — trip more comfortable. 

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Baby headphones 

Protect your baby’s ears against loud noises and ensure a comfortable sleep with these adjustable baby headphones.  

Providing protection against hearing loss these headphones will fit children up to 4 years old. 

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Sensory toys  

Long-haul flights for babies will no doubt require some form of entertainment. While too young to watch cartoons, sensory toys like this one can help to develop their motor skills. It’ll also give tired parents some much-needed respite. 

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Baby airplane bed/extender 

I haven’t yet used a baby airplane bed and extender simply because our domestic flights within Italy are quite short. However, it may be a wise purchase if traveling to Italy with a baby from afar.  

Flying in first-class and business may be easier to acquire a bassinet for your baby than in coach. But this is something that will differ from airline to airline and may require booking in advance. 

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Book direct flights 

It goes without saying that booking direct flights to Italy with a baby will benefit all parties traveling. 

Direct flights are (usually) less stressful and less tiring for all travelers. 

Flying directly to Italy will be straightforward flying within Europe but less so when flying from countries like the US/Canada/Australia.  

As I outlined in how to travel to Italy from the US direct flights are only available from selected destinations. Two of the most popular US international airports that fly direct to Italy include: 

• New York JFK  
• Los Angeles (LAX) 

Suffice it to say, flight destinations from the US to Italy can change at any time. Make sure to bear this in mind when looking for flights. 

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Relax in an airline lounge 

An airline lounge can be really helpful for families traveling to Italy with a baby and/or young children.  

Many airline lounges offer hot food, quiet spaces, cleaner bathrooms and all the amenities to make your wait more comfortable. 

Accessing airport lounges isn’t free but it’s not extortionate either.  

Something like a Priority Pass can save a lot of money especially if you’re a frequent traveler or travel frequently with your family. A one-off fee guarantees access to independent lounges in Italy and around the world. 

Where to go in Italy with a baby 

Not all Italian destinations are equally easy with a baby.

Larger cities tend to be better equipped for family travel. They have more facilities, flatter terrain and easier access to essentials. Smaller towns can require more preparation, but they're rarely off the table entirely.

Below is a breakdown of destinations I consider baby-friendly, alongside a few that are doable but require more planning.

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Rome 

Italy’s capital will have no issue welcoming families with babies.  

Hotels and (most) apartment buildings will have elevators for strollers and baby supplies. Main attractions like the Colosseum and the Pantheon can accommodate strollers with no problem. 

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Florence 

Like Rome, there’s no issue when visiting Florence with a baby.  

Many of the main attractions are close together making it manageable with a stroller. What’s more, many restaurants and services have baby facilities on hand plus ramps and elevators.  

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Milan 

Milan is another city in Italy that will be easy to navigate with a baby. Modern and flat, Milan’s streets are easy to navigate with a stroller.

For me it’s one of the most stroller-friendly cities in Italy. Using the trams in Milan requires a bit of patience with a stroller but overall, it won’t be a problem. 

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Bologna 

Many of Bologna’s main attractions are within close walking distance of each other. While the foodie city has cobblestone streets Bologna also has many porticoes.

These come in super handy for getting shade from the scorching sun during summer. What’s more, the smooth walkways are perfect for strollers. 

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Lake Como 

The pretty towns around the lake in northern Italy are simple to visit with a baby.

For popular towns like Bellagio and Varenna the only issue could be securing parking in the center. Because of this it might be more of a walk to get to the town if traveling with a stroller. 

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Lake Garda 

Like Lake Como, visiting Lake Garda with a baby will be a straightforward experience. Many towns on the lake have services that are extremely accommodating to parents traveling to Italy with a baby. The only thing to note is that some towns on the lake may be hilly. We had a tiring experience pushing our baby’s stroller up the streets of Limone sul Garda. 

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Sicily 

Traveling to Sicily with a baby won’t be a problem. The island has a mixture of cities, beaches and mountains and it’s more than possible to travel with your baby. 

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More challenging Places in Italy

Venice 

The island city can be highly enjoyable for families with children aged 6 and up. With younger kids and especially babies this could be less so.  

Venice is full of uneven streets and bridges making it more difficult and quite tiring if visiting with a stroller. But babies and young children will naturally get tired more quickly meaning you’ll want to have one to hand. 

One way to get around this is by using the vaporetto in Venice. But while it’ll help you to avoid walking the streets with a stroller, exploring Venice by foot can’t be beat. 

The Dolomites 

A region characterized by mountains, alpine lakes and plenty of curved roads, the Dolomites can be another challenging destination. 

However, visiting the Dolomites with a baby is doable with my first-hand tips. 

• Bring the stroller/carriage when visiting cities in the Dolomites like Bolzano, Cortina d’Ampezzo and Trento. Some of the streets may be paved with cobblestones but it isn’t an issue for using them. 
• Use a sling/carrier like this one from BabyBjörn if looking to do outdoor activities like hiking or to go hands-free. They are also helpful for seeing Venice without a stroller. While they don’t come cheap, they’re extremely comfortable, come with built-in back support and are easy to use. What’s more, the BabyBjörn carries a recommended maximum weight of 35lbs (16kg), meaning it should last for a few years. 
• When looking for where to stay in the Dolomites, especially if an apartment, check that it has an elevator. Alternatively, ask the host what floor the apartment is on. We stayed in a gorgeous alpine-style apartment in the Dolomites on the third floor but it had no elevator. My husband had to make a few trips to bring up all of our baby’s things.  

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Italy with a baby itinerary 

There are countless options to create an itinerary for exploring Italy with a baby. Certain factors can affect your destination choices such as your baby’s age and when you visit Italy. 

Below is a sample 10-day Italy with a baby itinerary. Feel free to customize it as you wish.  

1 to 3 days in Rome 

• Take a tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum  
• Get tickets to see the Pantheon 
• Explore Piazza di Spagna and walk down the Spanish Steps 
• Stroll through the gardens at Villa Borghese 
• Walk through the pretty streets of the Trastevere neighborhood 

2 days in Florence 

• Book fast-track tickets for the Uffizi Gallery  
• Explore Florence’s magnificent Duomo (book tickets in advance) 
• Admire the sunset from Ponte Vecchio (famous old bridge in Florence) 

3 days exploring Tuscany 

• Consider hiring a car to visit smaller towns in the Tuscan countryside like Pitigliano and Montemerano. 
• Visit traditional Tuscan cities like Pisa to see its famous leaning tower and Siena to see its incredible cathedral. 
• Should you prefer not to rent a car in Italy, consider joining a tour instead. This day trip from Florence includes visits to Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano plus a traditional Tuscan lunch. It might also work out much cheaper than renting a car for the day. 

2 days in Venice 

• Purchase tickets for the vaporetto (water bus) to see the beautiful Grand Canal.  
• Tour some of Venice’s most famous landmarks like the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. 
• Should you prefer to book a gondola ride a baby sling/carrier will be more convenient. Temperatures can dip to freezing if visiting Venice in winter. Wrap your baby, and yourselves, accordingly. 
• Explore local neighborhoods like Cannaregio and try some cicchetti (Venetian-style tapas) in a few different bacari. 

Where to stay in Italy with a baby 

Families are fortunate in this age of travel that many accommodation types cater to family travelers. 

From hotels to apartments there’s no shortage of accommodations to suit families traveling to Italy with a baby. 

When choosing on where to stay in Italy with a baby there are several things to take into consideration. 

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Hotels and apartments 

When searching for a baby-friendly hotel/apartment in Italy be sure to factor in these things when doing your research. The same points below apply to when researching entire holiday homes/villas in Italy. 

Needless to say, there are many, many kid-friendly hotels and apartments in Italy to choose from. 
The below are a few that I’d personally book for each respective destination based on their locations and amenities. 

• Hotel Monte Cenci, Rome, Lazio 
• UNAHOTELS Decò Roma, Rome, Lazio 
• The Independent Hotel, Rome, Lazio 
• Glance Hotel in Florence, Florence, Tuscany 
• Ottantotto Firenze, Florence, Tuscany 
• Opera Relais de Charme, Verona, Veneto 
• Canne Bianche_Lifestyle Hotel, Fasano, Puglia 
• Grand Hotel Capodimonte, Sorrento, Campana 

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Location  

Is the accommodation close enough to explore the city’s attractions? Is there on-site parking or is it off-road? Are there any public transport options nearby to easily visit the sites? Is the accommodation close to any supermarkets or pharmacies?  

Is the area too noisy for your baby to get a good night’s rest? For example, the Dorsoduro neighborhood in Venice will be a quieter choice (see where to stay in Venice).

It has a mix of both touristy and less-touristy areas compared to the busier San Marco quarter. This could be a better option when traveling to Italy with a baby. 

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Accessibility  

Does the accommodation have sufficient elevator access for a stroller/carriage and ramps inside? What floor is the apartment on?  

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Facilities  

Does the accommodation provide baby amenities like a crib and a high chair? In our experience of traveling with our baby, some of the cribs — especially in apartments — have been less than hygienic. Because of this, it might be worth investing in a lightweight travel crib like one from BabyBjörn or from GuavaLotus.  

Is there a kitchenette/area in which you can wash and sterilize bottles? Are there any babysitting services offered on site? Is the apartment safely secured? Is there a fire alarm/carbon monoxide detector inside the property?  

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Communication  

Are the apartment owners/management company easy to contact? How long do they take to respond? Do their answers sufficiently answer your questions? Is there a language barrier? 

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RV/camping 

Location – choose locations that have campsites and grounds specifically for RVs and camping. They’re more likely to offer services and facilities that are needed for traveling to Italy with a baby.

Places like Lake Como, Lake Garda and sites around the Dolomites are popular destinations among camping enthusiasts.  

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Best places to stay in Italy with a baby

Agriturismo

For families traveling with a baby, an agriturismo (working farm offering accommodation) is one of the best options in Italy.

They typically offer more space than a city hotel and have outdoor areas for strollers and play. Some agriturismos serve home-cooked food, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and better suits a baby's unpredictable schedule.

We stayed at several agriturismo on our 4-day Tuscany road trip and it was one of the most family-friendly accommodation experiences we've had.

The pace is slower, the environment is calm and the hosts are very welcoming of young families.

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Family hotels in Italy

The term 'family hotel' is one that hardly used to exist in Italy.

Essentially, they’re hotels catered to families with children, and offer all-inclusive packages.

We spent a week at the Resort Dolce Casa in Moena in the Dolomites in winter and it was perfect.

Meals, activities and facilities were all covered, as well as skiing lessons for older children.

A family hotel is one of the smartest choices you can make for a stress-free trip to Italy with a baby.

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Riva del Garda

If you're looking for somewhere that combines a resort atmosphere with baby and family friendliness, consider Riva del Garda.

The town on the northern tip of Lake Garda is quieter and surrounded by nature and family-friendly activities.

The Du Lac et du Parc Grand Resort in particular is ideal for new parents. It has top facilities, beautiful grounds and direct lake access.

For couples who want the feel of a babymoon without sacrificing practicality, this is the destination I'd point you toward.

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One note on location

Whatever destination you choose, I'd avoid staying somewhere very remote with a very young baby.

Italy's rural areas are beautiful but healthcare access can be limited. When traveling with a young infant you simply don't know when you might need emergency treatment.

Staying within reasonable distance of a town with medical facilities gives you peace of mind that's worth more than the view.

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Buying diapers in Italy 

Stocking up on diapers in Italy is straightforward; you won't need to pack more than a day or two's supply in your luggage.

Popular brands available across Italy include Pampers and Huggies, as well as own-brand alternatives which are generally cheaper.

These are the places where we regularly buy diapers for our baby in Italy:

• Drugstores – Tigota, DM 
• Supermarkets – Esselunga, Eurospar, Tosano (low-cost option). Other popular chains around Italy include Conad, Familia and Aliper.  
• Pharmacies (farmacie) – contrary to popular belief, many pharmacies in Italy have a very limited selection of diapers. This will vary by town, city and region, so don't rely on a pharmacy as your primary source.

📌 Lisa's tip: if you're staying somewhere rural or in a smaller village, stock up when passing through a larger town. Village shops might be more limited.

Baby food and formula in Italy 

Finding baby food and formula in Italy is straightforward.

The same supermarkets and drugstores that stock diapers will carry a wide range of baby food and milk products.

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Baby formula

Formula milk is widely available in multiple forms and brands, comparable to what you'd find at home.

We use Aptamil tabs for convenience and the ready-made liquid format when we're out and about.

Another popular Italian brand worth knowing is Humana, available in both powder and liquid form.

Baby food

Italian baby food brands are excellent and widely available. Look for:

• Plasmon: one of Italy's most established baby food brands, available in most supermarkets
• Mellin: a wide range of savory and sweet options
• HiPP: organic options, slightly easier to find in larger supermarkets and drugstores

Both savory and sweet options are well catered for. Some flavors to look out for: pollo e patate (chicken and potatoes) and mele e pere (apples and pears). The Italian versions are often made with high-quality local ingredients and genuinely tasty.

📌 Lisa’s tip: if your baby is on a specific formula brand from home, bring enough supply for your trip. While Italian alternatives are good, switching formula mid-trip isn't always ideal for a baby's digestion.

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Emergency services in Italy 

The last thing any parent envisages is taking their baby to the emergency room, more so when visiting another country. 

But, should you find yourself needing emergency services for your baby in Italy the following information is worth noting down. 

• General number for emergency services: 112 – an operator will connect you to the department you need. 
• Medical emergencies (servizio di urgenza ed emergenza medica) – 118 
• State police (polizia di stato) – 113 
• Firefighters (vigili del fuoco) – 115 

Do they speak English in hospitals in Italy? 

Hospitals in Italy typically have people on hand that speak English. Granted this can differ from region, city and town. Rome and Milan will likely have more English speakers than smaller, remote towns in Umbria and Sicily.  

In my experience I’ve met many members of hospital staff in Italy that can speak English. I’ve even seen a ‘USA desk’ dedicated to members of the US military that are stationed in Italy.  

Suffice it to say this won’t be applicable to all English speakers. However, it’s a good indication that someone will speak English at that hospital if traveling to Italy with a baby. 

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Takeaway tips for traveling to Italy with a baby 

• Research the location, amenities and facilities of your chosen accommodation 
• Choose places in Italy that will be easier to visit with your baby 
• Bring (or invest in) a baby sling/carrier 
• Purchase adequate travel insurance that covers any eventuality for your trip in Italy 

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Italian words to know when traveling with a baby 

Make a note of these important Italian words when visiting Italy with your baby.

Pannolini (pann-o-lee-nee) – diapers 
Latte (latt-teh) – milk 
Biberon (bib-ber-ron) – bottle 
Ciuccio (choo-choh) – pacifier 
Culla (kuu-la) – crib 
Carrozzina (carr-rotts-zeena) – baby carrier/pram 
Passeggino (pass-e-geeno) – stroller/pushchair 
Ospedale (oss-peh-da-leh) – hospital 
Pronto soccorso (pron-toh so-corss-oh) – emergency room (ER)/accident & emergency (A&E)  
Farmacia (far-ma-chee-aah) – pharmacy 

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FAQS about traveling to Italy with a baby

What are your thoughts on this travel guide of traveling to Italy with a baby? Has it answered all of your questions about visiting with your baby? Let me know in the comments below. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

Written by Lisa Rivera: Italy traveler and resident for 10+ years. First-hand researched for 2026.

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