Traveling with a baby can seem intimidating, and taking your baby to Paris – a city bustling with life, art, and culture – may sound even more challenging. But with the right preparation and tips, your family’s Parisian adventure can be both fun and memorable. This guide provides practical insights on taking your baby to Paris and making the most of your trip.
Planning Your Trip
Choosing the Best Time to Visit Paris with a Baby
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are excellent times to visit Paris with a baby. The weather is usually mild, making it comfortable for you and your little one to explore the city.
Booking Baby-Friendly Accommodations
Paris offers a wide range of accommodations suitable for families. Consider choosing a hotel or rental property in a quiet neighborhood, close to amenities, and offering baby-friendly services like cribs, baby food, and babysitting.
Packing Essentials for Your Baby
Packing for a trip to Paris with a baby involves more than just clothes. Consider packing essentials such as a lightweight stroller, baby carrier, baby food, diapers, a travel crib, and toys to keep your baby entertained.
Navigating Paris with a Baby
Public Transportation
Paris has an efficient public transportation system. However, be prepared to navigate stairs in metro stations if you have a stroller, as not all stations have elevators.
Dining in Paris with a Baby
Most Parisian restaurants welcome babies. High chairs are common, and it’s acceptable to breastfeed in public. Remember to plan your meals around your baby’s schedule to avoid crankiness.
Visiting Parisian Attractions with a Baby
Paris offers many baby-friendly attractions. Places like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and various parks offer a fun and educational experience for your little one.
Things to Do in Paris with a Baby
1. Visit the Eiffel Tower
Begin your Parisian adventure with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. While the crowds might be a bit overwhelming, the view from the top is worth it. Consider going early to avoid long lines. (Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France)
2. Explore the Louvre
The world’s largest art museum is surprisingly baby-friendly. Take advantage of the free admission for children and enjoy works like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. (Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France)
3. Stroll Around the Tuileries Garden
After your visit to the Louvre, take a stroll in the nearby Tuileries Garden. The park is perfect for a picnic and offers plenty of space for your little one to crawl or toddle around. (Place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris, France)
4. Visit the Paris Zoological Park
With its five biozones and diverse species, the Paris Zoological Park is sure to captivate your baby’s interest. Don’t miss the Patagonian sea lion’s feeding time! (Avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris, France)
5. Enjoy the Luxembourg Gardens
These stunning gardens are home to a beautiful antique carousel, an excellent playground, and the delightful Marionnettes du Luxembourg puppet theater. (Rue de MĂ©dicis – Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris, France)
6. Visit the CitĂ© des Sciences et de l’Industrie
This science and technology museum features a dedicated area for younger children, the Cité des Enfants, where interactive exhibits are designed for discovery and fun. (Avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris, France)
7. Take a River Cruise on the Seine
Taking a river cruise on the Seine is a great way to see the city with a baby. Companies like Bateaux Parisiens offer tours with stunning views of the city’s most famous landmarks. (Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France)
8. Explore the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum, especially the Gallery of Evolution, is a hit with young kids. The dramatic displays of animals are sure to enchant your baby. (36 Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, 75005 Paris, France)
9. Spend a Day at Disneyland Paris
With a baby-friendly atmosphere, various characters, and parades, Disneyland Paris is a fun-filled day out. There are also several baby care centers for feeding and changing. (Boulevard de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, France)
10. Discover the Aquatic Life at Aquarium de Paris
Located in the Trocadéro Gardens, this aquarium features a touch pool and over 500 species of fish and invertebrates. (5 Avenue Albert de Mun, 75016 Paris, France)
11. Visit the Champs-ĂlysĂ©es and Arc de Triomphe
Take a stroll down the Champs-ĂlysĂ©es, one of the world’s most famous avenues, leading to the Arc de Triomphe. Plenty of cafes and shops line the avenue for when you need a break. (Avenue des Champs-ĂlysĂ©es, 75008 Paris, France)
12. Unwind at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
This park offers beautiful views, picnic spots, a carousel, and a puppet theater. It’s a great place to relax with your baby. (1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris, France)
Remember, traveling with a baby can be tiring, so don’t try to do too much in one day. Allow for rest breaks and time to feed, change, and soothe your baby. With a little planning, your visit to Paris can be a memorable family adventure.
Places to Stay in Paris with a Baby
1. Le Bristol Paris
This luxury hotel is extremely family-friendly, offering child amenities like baby cots, high chairs, and child-friendly menus. The central location is ideal for sightseeing. (112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France)
2. Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
Near the Eiffel Tower, this hotel is known for its spacious rooms and offers amenities such as baby cots and a children’s menu. (61 Quai de Grenelle, 75015 Paris, France)
3. Citadines Les Halles Paris
This aparthotel in central Paris is ideal for families, providing fully equipped kitchenettes and separate living areas. (4 Rue des Innocents, 75001 Paris, France)
4. Hotel Lutetia
This Left Bank hotel offers spacious rooms, child-friendly facilities, and it’s close to several kid-friendly attractions like the Luxembourg Gardens. (45 Boulevard Raspail, 75006 Paris, France)
5. Four Seasons Hotel George V
One of the most prestigious hotels in Paris, the Four Seasons offers baby amenities and babysitting services upon request. (31 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France)
6. Aparthotel Adagio Paris Centre Eiffel Tower
This family-friendly aparthotel offers apartments with kitchenettes and is conveniently located near the Eiffel Tower. (14 Rue du Théùtre, 75015 Paris, France)
7. Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Elysées
On the Champs-ElysĂ©es, these suites offer fully equipped kitchenettes, spacious rooms, and baby amenities. (74 Avenue des Champs-ĂlysĂ©es, 75008 Paris, France)
8. Mandarin Oriental, Paris
This luxury hotel in central Paris offers spacious rooms, baby cots, and child-friendly amenities, including a kids’ menu. (251 Rue Saint-HonorĂ©, 75001 Paris, France)
9. Le Meurice
Le Meurice is a family-friendly luxury hotel located near the Louvre and Tuileries Garden. They provide child-friendly amenities and babysitting services. (228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France)
10. Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Located near the Eiffel Tower, this hotel offers baby cots and amenities for babies, as well as spacious rooms. (18 Avenue de Suffren, EntreÌe au 22 rue Jean Rey, 75015 Paris, France)
When booking a hotel in Paris with a baby, always inquire in advance about available baby amenities and services to ensure a comfortable stay.
How Do You Get Around Paris with a Baby?
You can use a combination of walking, public transportation, and taxis. A lightweight stroller or baby carrier can be invaluable when navigating the city streets and metro stations.
Do Babies Need Car Seats in Paris?
Yes, according to French law, children must be in an appropriate car seat or booster seat until they are 10 years old or meet the height requirements. This applies to taxis and rented vehicles as well.
Is France Baby Friendly?
Yes, France, including Paris, is generally baby-friendly. Most public places offer baby-changing facilities and restaurants often provide high chairs.
Can You Take a Baby Up the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, babies can go up the Eiffel Tower. However, it’s essential to consider the potential for long queues and crowded conditions.
Is Baby Stroller Allowed in Eiffel Tower?
Yes, baby strollers are allowed in the Eiffel Tower, but you may need to fold them on busy days or while using the elevator.
Is Stroller Allowed in Paris Metro?
Yes, strollers are allowed in the Paris Metro, but be prepared to fold them and carry them up and down stairs, as not all stations have elevators or escalators.
Where Can I Change Diapers in Paris?
Most public restrooms in Paris, especially those in shopping centers, museums, and large restaurants, have baby changing facilities.
Can Babies Go on Rides Disneyland Paris?
Yes, Disneyland Paris offers several rides suitable for babies. However, certain attractions may have height restrictions.
Can You Get Pampers in France?
Yes, Pampers and other familiar brands of baby supplies are readily available in supermarkets and pharmacies across France.
Can I Breastfeed in Paris?
Yes, public breastfeeding is accepted in Paris, though some mothers prefer to use a cover for their own comfort.
Can I Take a Taxi with a Baby in Paris?
Yes, you can take a taxi with a baby in Paris. However, French law requires appropriate child restraints, so you may need to bring a portable car seat.
How Do I Request an Uber Car Seat in Paris?
Currently, Uber does not offer the car seat option in Paris. You would need to bring your own car seat or choose a local taxi service that provides them.
What Are the Baby Seat Laws in France?
In France, children under 10 years old or below a certain height must use an appropriate car seat or booster seat. Rear-facing car seats are required for children under 15 months.
Can a Baby Travel with Birth Certificate in France?
A birth certificate alone is not sufficient for international travel. Babies traveling to France need a passport.
Can a Baby Travel to France Without a Passport?
No, every traveler, including babies, needs a valid passport to enter France.
Paris with Toddler and Baby
Paris offers numerous attractions suitable for toddlers and babies, such as parks, children’s museums, and interactive exhibits.
Paris with Toddler in Winter
While it can be chilly, winter in Paris can be magical. Dress warmly and enjoy indoor attractions like museums and cafes. Also, Christmas markets and holiday lights are a delight for little ones.
Living in Paris with a Baby
Living in Paris with a baby can be a wonderful experience. The city offers excellent healthcare, numerous parks, and a plethora of child-friendly activities.
Where to Stay in Paris with Toddler?
Choose a neighborhood that is central, well-connected by public transport, and close to parks or attractions. Look for accommodations offering toddler-friendly amenities like cribs, high chairs, and babysitting services.
Keeping Your Baby’s Sleep Schedule on Track with SleepBaby.org
One challenge of traveling with a baby is managing sleep schedules, especially with time changes and busy itineraries. Thankfully, SleepBaby.org can help. With expert advice and resources, SleepBaby.org offers guidance on maintaining your baby’s sleep routine while traveling. Balancing the excitement of Paris with your baby’s need for rest ensures a more enjoyable trip for the whole family.
Conclusion
Taking your baby to Paris can be a fantastic adventure filled with cherished memories. With the right preparation, understanding of your baby’s needs, and support from resources like SleepBaby.org, you and your little one are set for a great Parisian experience!