Planning a trip to Paris with a baby? It’s an exciting adventure, but it requires some extra planning to make sure it’s enjoyable for everyone. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Getting There and Around
Flying into Paris? Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is about 25 miles outside the city. While there are a few ways to get to Paris, most options are not super easy with a little one. We recommend booking a car in advance to make your journey seamless.
Tip: Request a car seat when booking, but be aware that quality can vary. Bringing your own car seat might be a good idea.
Diapers, Food, and Baby Essentials
Don’t worry about finding essential baby supplies in Paris! You’ll easily find familiar diaper brands like Huggies and Pampers in all supermarkets, even small ones. Paris has plenty of baby food options, too, including organic choices.
Remember, baby formula can be different in France. If you need help finding the right formula, head to a pharmacy and bring your baby’s formula label with you. They’ll be happy to assist.
Navigating Paris with a Stroller
Paris is full of charming cobblestone streets, but they’re not always stroller-friendly. You’ll want a lightweight stroller that’s easy to maneuver on uneven sidewalks and narrow paths.
Important: You’ll need to be able to carry your stroller and baby short distances to enter museums and restaurants. The Eiffel Tower does not allow large strollers so bring a baby carrier or a compact umbrella stroller for your little one.
Getting Around with Public Transportation
Using Paris’s public transportation system with a stroller? You’ll need to be prepared to carry your stroller up and down stairs as not all stations have escalators or elevators.
The metro can be tricky with a stroller, but buses are getting more accessible. You can enter buses through the back door with a stroller. Just signal the driver and they’ll usually have a designated spot for strollers.
Good news: Babies and toddlers under 4 years old travel for free on public transportation!
Enjoying Paris’s Parks and Gardens
Paris has over 100 parks and gardens, a great resource for families. When choosing accommodation, try to find a hotel or apartment near a park.
Some parks are famous and large, like the Jardin du Luxembourg, while others are small and local. Many parks have playgrounds for toddlers and swings for babies, making them perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Dining with Baby
While not all restaurants are 100% baby-friendly, most Parisian restaurants will welcome you and your little one. They’ll make space for your stroller, warm up your baby food, and generally accommodate your needs.
Tip: Dinner in Paris usually starts around 8 p.m. If you go earlier, between 7-7:30 p.m., restaurants are typically quieter.
Think about bringing a portable high chair. It’s a great way to ensure your baby is comfortable at restaurants.
Finding Comfortable Accommodations
Hotels in Paris usually provide travel cots for babies. This is great for one child, but if you have two little ones, consider renting an apartment or an apartment-hotel with a kitchenette.
Don’t forget to use our family travel advisors! They can help you find a high-quality, kid-friendly apartment that’s been vetted and maintained by a reputable rental agency. They’ve traveled to Paris with their own children, so they know what makes an accommodation perfect for families.
Museum Adventures with a Baby
Paris is famous for its amazing museums, but policies on strollers vary. Be sure to check in advance or at the entrance of any museum you plan to visit.
Some museums may not allow strollers. In these cases, you can usually borrow a baby carrier for free.
Pro-tip: We recommend bringing your own baby carrier just in case!
Public Toilets and Changing Baby
Paris has plenty of clean, free public restrooms, perfect for potty-trained toddlers. However, finding changing facilities for babies can be challenging. Bring a lightweight portable changing mat so you can change your baby comfortably almost anywhere.
Don’t worry, Parisians are used to seeing parents change babies in public.
Breastfeeding in Paris
Public breastfeeding is still not as common in France as in some other countries. However, you can rest assured that you can feed your baby wherever you feel comfortable and safe.
Ready for Your Parisian Adventure?
Camille Spanjaard, founder of baby’tems, is a Parisian mom of two who knows the ins and outs of traveling with babies in Paris. She created baby’tems to make traveling with little ones easier for families, offering baby equipment rentals, diapers, formula, baby food, and more, delivered right to your doorstep.
With a little planning and these helpful tips, you’re sure to have a fantastic family trip to Paris!
