What to bring when travelling to the Netherlands/Germany????

[Anonymous]

I have a 4 yr old DD and a 15 month DD. We are going to the Netherlands and Germany for 2 weeks at the end of the month. What do I need to bring and what can I get there??? I have never gone over seas with kids. HELP!!! Thanks!

[Anonymous]

You should be able to get most things you need there -- unless you are very brand specific about things. They have Pampers diapers and wipes in both places. I think the NL has Huggies, too, but I have not seen them in Germany. Bring raincoats, though. It can be rainly in both places -- moreso the NL.

Have fun!!!! I've found that the Dutch LOVE children. Most restaurants, etc. have play areas. Germany, not as much, but there are family friendly places.

[Anonymous]

Bring clothes to layer. While it should be warm, the weather can change quickly, and when it rains it tends to cool down significantly. Along those lines, make sure you have closed-toe shoes for your kids, not just sandals.

Most hotels and restaurants have very nice port-a-cribs and highchairs. The cribs will not typically have a bumper, so if that's important to you, you may want to ask for an extra sheet in the hotel to tie around the crib slats.

In Germany, many of the taxis have built-in booster seats. It's harder to get a taxi with a toddler seat. Public transportation is usually very extensive, and we rarely have need for a car seat.

Look for dollar stores where you can buy some cheap toys. The playgrounds don't have communal toys as they typically do here.

The only thing I haven't been able to find are the regular Cheerios (honey nut and other flavors are available) and Huggies in Germany.

Have fun!

[Anonymous]

When dining out, remember that glasses of tap water (or asking the server to pour some into your sippy cup) are nonexistent in Germany. Remember to fill up in your hotel room, or get used to asking for mineral water "ohne Gas" -- no bubbles.

On the bright side, this is a great time for your 4 y.o. to learn about the joys of German whipped cream -- on hot chocolate, on dessert, on anything that will stand still.

[Anonymous]

I don;t have any advice on what to take, but be sure to stop by a chemist and buy a case of Nivea Baby Wipes for me!

[Anonymous]

Both Germany and Netherlands will have all the baby products you need available for sale in drug store type establishments and larger supermarkets. I would not waste space bringing diapers - definitely buy some when you arrive. They will have name brands (probably Pampers). You can also buy wipes, baby wash, etc. That stuff can get heavy - I never bring it when I travel unless I have to.

When we traveled throughout Europe with my daughter every hotel had portable cribs available. You may want to confirm that you have one reserved in advance though. And also hotels and family restaurants will/should have high chairs.

Most of Europe is pretty kid friendly - you shouldn't have any problems.