Moving with Toddler to Rome!
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Anonymous
| Anybody else been to Rome with a toddler? I have no idea what to expect. DH will be working and I will be at home with DS and freaking out a little because everything I've read says it is impossible to get around in a stroller, there are no high chairs in restaurants, no playgrounds etc. DS is pretty active so I hope this will be an OK city for him. Any one with any experience? Just visiting or living there? Thanks! |
Anonymous
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I would look for an expat boad for Rome-- I am sure there are some.
IME/O Italians are very baby friendly overall so i would expect it will be a great experience. Good luck! |
Anonymous
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European strollers and American strollers are totally different - but yeah, Rome is not a stroller friendly city. For instance, there are not a lot of elevators in places, and most places if you do have a stroller, you need to leave it outside (so most people get cheap strollers, unlike the $500 trucks we cart around in the states). Also, if you try to bring into a small little place to eat - you will get looks.
That being said, Italians LOVE mothers with children. You will go to the front of the line, people will give up their seats, it's just a different way of thinking (not like here). Lots of people will give your child things to eat - so beware if you have an allergic-child. Learn the words before you go. |
Anonymous
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People way Rome isn't for kids, but I think it is a wonderful place for them! You just have to pace yourself a bit and carve out downtime.
There are playgrounds in Rome- nothing fancy or elaborate, but they do the job. We went when DS was ~10months old & had started walking. At that time, we brought a bugaboo stroller. Way too big for little restaurants, but it handled cobblestones fine and was great for long walks. The Sistine chapel handled it like a wheelchair - you get to basically skip the line and enter from the back end - unexpected & so nice! Went back again last year, when DS was 8 and had a blast. This time around, no stroller, of course. But also way more relaxed rules - he got to drive segways, 4-seater bicycle contraptions, and even drive a golf cart - heaven! Plus, checking out the colosseum, dressing up to learn how to fight like a gladiator, and pick-up games of tag and soccer here and there in the piazzas and parks. People are friendly, even if you don't speak much Italian. One group of kids even pulled out an iPhone to try & translate Italian-English for my son! |
Anonymous
| Public bathrooms are free of charge for pregnant women and children. |
Anonymous
Edith is that you? Are you taking Marigold and making a run for it? I had money on America 
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Anonymous
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This is great information thanks so much! You've helped put my mind at ease. And no, my name is not Edith
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Anonymous
| Aaaaaand just realized the Downton reference |
Anonymous
I thought for sure it was Lily, Marshall, and Marvin 
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Anonymous
| So jealous! |
Anonymous
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Anonymous
Plus 1 |
Anonymous
You will love it. The life style is so kid friendly, the food is great, ah...I wish my husband would move us back home. Enjoy! |
Anonymous
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I was there for a few days as a nanny, I recommend an umbrella stroller and good carrier. You can always put him on your back and fold up,the stroller when it's time to climb the Spanish steps
You will want a light weight stroller for the times you need to carry it up and down stairs. It may not handle as well on the cobble stones, but it will fit in tight spaces and easy to carry when necessary. |
Anonymous
| law school classmate of mine did this exact move! check out her blog: http://romanreboot.com/ |