Rome with a toddler. Good idea or not?

[Kittycat023]

Hi all, looking for a bit of advice. DH has a job on in Rome in the next few weeks which is 7 days long and is also the week of our DC’s 3rd birthday. I don’t want him to miss dc’s birthday so I was thinking of coming along for the week. However, it will pretty much just be me solo parenting during the day (including DC’s birthday) as DH is working.
DC is great at walking but still needs the stroller after a while.
Is Rome a good idea with a toddler on my own or am i best to sit this one out? Never been to Rome before so I’m not sure what to expect!

Apologies if I come across as over invested but I can’t fathom people who are saying don’t do it…

Also..your toddler doesnt know any different! Every day is an adventure for them whether its in a city or by the beach ( or in a supermarket!)

Rome has lots of lovely museums and parks and outdoor venues. We did a city and beach break 2 weeks ago to Gran Canaria and I brought the reins which were invaluable around the airport and out and about. We had the buggy too for walking to places then the reins for pottering about museums etc. Everything went well with lots of stops at parks, playgrounds and cafes for ice cream which appeased our toddler and made it a nice balance of culture and kid's stuff. The locals seemed to enjoy my attempts at speaking the lingo and made a fuss of our son, I imagine the Italians will be the same. Enjoy!

I've taken toddlers and babies to Italy several times including the big cities and had a great time. I think if you want to go take him got for it but a few caveats from my perspective and experience:

Italian museums are not kid friendly like they are in the UK. DCs got shushed and frowned at in Uffizi and Galileo museum and they were basically the only under 18s in the buildings.

I would focus on being a family in a city rather than trying to do sites - find playgrounds, cafes, pedestrian only piazzas and parks. Keep expectations of what you can 'do' very low.

Italians love children but 'child-friendly' means something different - really struggled to find high chairs, baby changing and convenience stores in some city centres (in Florence I had to buy bottles of milk from the cafes as the only corner shop I could find was never open.)

We went with a 3yr old and had an amazing time!! So many things to do. We did all the tourist stuff (Vatican, London Forum, Coliseum, etc.) and they loved it. Not to mention all the pizza, pasta, and ice cream!

Me neither! Do they not think the Romans have children?!!

Mine loves museums as toddlers, wandering round looking at interesting stuff or even being pushed around looking at stuff. I was surprised too tbh

I wouldn’t go. I would celebrate her birthday before/after.

Is your DH going to have to attend work events in the evening?

I took DD to Rome when she was 18 months, and again when she was 3. She loved it, and Romans loved her. Like most of Italy, people in Rome generally like kids. The carabinieri police helped me get the buggy up and down the kerbs, they were really kind!

What a sad view some people have of little children.
Go.

What do you think locals do?? Of course you should go! Have fun.

We stayed at a euro camp called Fabulous about 25 mins out of the city was brilliant pools and kids club. Uber in and out or train/bus. City is very pedestrian but lots of steps/hills.

It’s fine but take the buggy

Do it! You, and he, will have a super time. I took my child when they were 18 months and again at 2.5; both were great. There’s a super playground called Area Giochi “Claudio” with toys to play with round the edge and lovely parks and play spaces - Borghese Gardens are super too. Your child might enjoy Explora which is a science space for children with lots of hands on activities. Plus, Italy is so child friendly you can do some of the more traditional tourist bits too. I hope, if you go, you have a super time!

I agree. Say yes to Rome always. Every time.

Children are always welcome in Italy.

Id do it in a heartbeat.

We took our DS3 last year and she loved it

Wouldn’t be my number one choice with a toddler.

I went with my then 5 year old and tbh I wouldn't go with a child younger than that. It's a lot of walking around on cobbled streets with no shade (around the main attractions, that is). I wouldn't find it very pleasurable with a toddler.

Which isn't much in many parts of the EU to be fair

But not where her husband is going to be working on DC’s birthday ….

Yep your toddler may be swooped up and vanish into the restaurant kitchen to be fussed over and fed pasta by every single one of the staff in turn 😄

Explora was amazing! We went last week with our 1 and 5 year old. One of the best children’s museums we’ve been to- and we’ve been to several around the world.

I would say absolutely go, especially this time of year when it’s not too hot. I agree with comments about not trying to do too much, have low expectations and don’t try to do all the sights etc but just enjoy being out in a gorgeous city, having gelato, exploring one thing a day.

And remember to look out for mopeds

What a joyless attitude.

Rome is stunning. For those who can still appreciate the beauty in life and not just the negativity.

It's almost always a good idea to go to Rome. (Except over Easter because it's mental then)

It's a fantastic city, there's loads to enjoy, and plenty of stuff to entertain a 3 year old.