General Italian advice for toddler (Venice)

[JumpJockey]

Am off to Venice for 5 days with DD (nearly 2) and DH (who will be busy a lot of the daytime, so I'm pretty much looking after her alone during the day). We're staying in a B&B, whereas usually we've done s/c with her before.

How do you work bedtime and evening meals - as far as I can see most eating places shut between about 3 and 7, whereas dd's used to having her dinner at 6ish and going to bed at 7.30. I'm happy to take her for a big lunch and then just have a snacky tea from a local supermarket, and B&B can arrange a babysitter while DH and I go out for dinner. But what are the Italians really like when it comes to taking a potentially tired and fractious toddler to a restaurant?! We're used to self-catering so haven't had this experience before.

What is the provision like for baby change facilities in Italy...?! We've got a public loo pass thingy that allows access without having to pay every time we need to use the loo, but do they all have baby change as a matter of course?

Does anyone have any specific recommendations of family friendly places to eat out in Venice? I'm envisioning not doing much touristing with her and mostly just strolling around chasing pigeons, so museums/churches etc won't get much of a look-in, just the eating out side of things

Thanks in advance for any suggestions :)

Can't comment on any of your questions, we went to Venice a couple of years ago when DD was seven. One thing I will say is this, beware the mosquito's. They are the size of Yorkshire terrier dogs. Also, the roads in Venice aren't smooth and easy to push a pram along, they are cobbled and uneven (and gorgeous). Hope someone will be along soon to give you more constructive advice, but do find some repellent and or some after bite stuff.

Thanks for the mozzie info, I'm one of those unlucky people they find delicious at the best of times. I've got a sling but she's 13.5kg and I'm 16 weeks pg so it's pretty hard work unfortunately! Will be taking it in case of emergency but she mostly likes walking so have borrowed a little foldy buggy from a friend for when she runs out of energy.

"but she mostly likes walking so have borrowed a little foldy buggy from a friend for when she runs out of energy."

Do you have reins? Remember that most of the canals in Venice are not fenced so often there is nothing to stop an enthusiastic toddler careening off into the murk.

Might be worth investing in a little life backpack or summat, just in case.

Also when we went in September it was Aqua Alta nearly every day - depending on where you stay, you should probably think about what you'll do if the streets are awash. You can't push a buggy in 2 foot of water

Full toddler backpacks are generally much better than slings by the way, especially when you're pg. They distribute the weight of a toddler much better and keep the strain off your tummy.

BTW I realised my last post was a bit ambiguous - by backpack I meant one for the toddler to wear with a handle, like these

youngvisiter - yes, we have a little life backpack and she's quite happy pootling about with it - we did worry a bit about the canals not being fenced so I wondered about putting on her armbands in the morning and leaving them on til bedtime! We don't have a big toddler backpack, and since DH leaves tomorrow and I'm following on Sunday, a bit late alas to investigate :( (I don't know anyone who's got one)

Aqua alta - hadn't given it a thought tbh but having done a quick google apparently it's very rare at this time of year, usually starts from late Sept. Fingers crossed eh!

oh sorry I didn't realise you were leaving so soon!

Yes - bit late to start shopping

Trip advisor Venice Forum has some really good advice for your trip.
Would echo the mozzie warnings and also a set of reins for your toddler.
Also the Campos are good for letting your toddler run around while you sit and have an ice cream.

Did see a lot of children eating in the restaurants which were on the campos, outside and inside.

There are not many supermarkets but there are markets

Below is a good link about quiet places to sit and also parks

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g187870-i57-k3884995-o30-Nowhere_to_sit_down_for_a_rest_in_venice-Venice_Veneto.html

also a link from somebody who went to Venice with a toddler

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g187870-i57-k1597807-o10-Our_October_Trip_Report_long-Venice_Veneto.html

Thanks for the pointers highriggs, will sit down later and read those, I hadn't thought of tripadvisor.