I have an opportunity to go to Rome for a work trip in a month or so. Thinking about bringing my wife and newborn (under 3 months) child with me.

I understand our pace would be a lot slower and am okay with that. I think ideally my wife and I would love to walk around the city of Rome and explore the sites. Perhaps also take a day trip to Florence/Tuscany.

Has anyone done this before? Am I a crazy person for even thinking of this?

Is your wife into baby-wearing? Because between the cobblestone streets and the stairs, pushing a stroller is going to be a challenge. Actually, Rome is known as not being very accessible for the disabled and people in wheelchairs, and I would put a baby in a stroller on par with that. Rome is also a pretty big/spread out city, so she would be walking pretty far distances. We stayed near the center of the city (near Piazza Navona) and The Vatican and the Colosseum were both 20-25 minute walks away, on opposite sides of the city. And a car/cab isn't really an option because of the car seat issue (at least I wouldn't want to have to deal with installing/uninstalling a car seat).

Can you leave the baby with family at home and just take your wife (if she is even open to that)?

Yeah, if you can leave your baby with the grandparents, Rome is not baby friendly.

no no no

I agree that Rome would be harder to travel around with a baby than many US cities. However, as a mom, I'd rather be in Rome with a baby than at home with a baby while my husband is in Rome without me.

It would be a very different kind of trip than one without a baby, but lots of people live in Rome who have babies, so it's not like it's impossible.

We were in Rome a couple of weeks ago, while I did not see many strollers I saw plenty of baby backpacks, so it can be done. Skip the lines with guided tours. Stay in the ancient Rome near the ruins, we rented an airbnb there that was wonderful. It won't be easy but baby's never are.

If it was me I would spend a short time in Rome then rent a car and explore the hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria.

I lose patience quickly. The cobblestone streets and lack of changing stations would make me crazy and miserable. I wouldn't do it.

Prepare to be hated by everyone on your flight

Sounds terrible to me.

Have you talked to your wife about this? It just sounds like a miserable trip for everyone.

dcbowers said:

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capital markets said:

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Am I a crazy person for even thinking of this?

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Yes, you are.

You will be busy with work. Your wife will be exhausted caring for a jet lagged baby. The baby won't remember the trip [not to mention, does the baby have (or need) a passport?]. Exception being if you are wealthy and can bring your nanny to care for the baby while you traipsing around Rome.

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yes everyone needs a passport. Our baby had and used his at 5 months old.

3 mos is young, but you and the fam have a month to adjust. Strollers are out. Plan to carry the young one. And the natives love babies. Don't let the naysayers above me dissuade you. Just prepare.

I would imagine it might be a little cold as well. Not sure carrying an infant around in that weather is a great idea. Ive never been to Rome in November, but December was very cold, especially at night.

I thought parents who bring infants to Kyle Field in September are irresponsible, this would make them look like parents of the year. No, don't take an infant across the ocean, what if the baby gets sick? Do you want some Italian doc treating her/him? Please go alone.

is there something wrong with Italian doctors? Its not like its a 3rd world country, i'm sure their doctors are fine

My wife and I spent 3 weeks in Indonesia with our 10 week old. We did a lots of prep work and it all worked out well.

Go for it. Ya'll may not sleep a lot but that's just part of having a newborn.