Amalfi Coast with a Baby: It’s Possible!

When I decided to take a trip to the Amalfi Coast with a baby I turned to the Internet for advice. As it was our first trip (not counting coming back home from his birthplace) with a baby I wanted to know what to take and how baby-friendly is Positano and Amalfi.

Upon a day of full-on research, I was terrified and scraped this trip idea altogether. Everyone claimed that while traveling to Italy with a baby is great, Positano with a baby is the worst idea I could have. However, I’m glad I didn’t listen and took the trip after all, as it was amazing and definitely possible with a baby. 

How to Prepare for a Trip to the Amalfi Coast with a Baby:
What to Consider

Where to Stay on the Amalfi Coast with a Family

When you have a pram or a stroller you want to ensure that your destination is easily accessible. Everywhere I looked I was told that we should be staying in Sorrento because of the baby. While the easiness of strolling around Sorrento and the elevator down to the beach seemed tempting, I wanted to experience the sunsets of Positano as well. 

Also Read: Full Guide to Positano

For many parents, a baby carrier could simply solve the problem, but neither do I or my baby like the carrier. Plus, you don’t want to sit with a baby strapped to you at all times in hot weather or at a restaurant.

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Finding Family-Friendly Hotels on the Amalfi Coast

Many couples with small babies choose to stay in fully catered hotels so they can have a break from cooking and cleaning, but it’s not really our travel style. Plus, there are way too many dining options in the area you don’t want to miss out on. 

The issue on the Amalfi Coast, especially in Positano, is that many hotels simply don’t accept children at all, or children under 8 years old. However, just because many hotels and restaurants don’t accept children it doesn’t mean that the whole town, although small, is kids unfriendly. There’s even a giant playground on the beach, so Positano is a place where children can also have fun.

That said, restaurants on the beach are very family-friendly with fancy changing tables and older kids can play on the beach while the adults eat in peace. 

We were able to find some hotels that not only accepted kids but also provided cots and other baby gifts.

In Amalfi, we stayed at NH Convento di Amalfi which was one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever stayed with a private lemon garden, infinity pool and even a 13th-century monastery. 

In Positano, we stayed at Hotel Marincanto which had step-free access, a wonderful view, and I’d definitely stay there again – with or without kids. 

If any of those are fully booked you can also try Hotel Montemare or Hotel Royal Prisco.

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The Most Child-Friendly Towns on the Amalfi Coast

The most kid-friendly towns on the Amalfi Coast apart from Sorrento (technically not on the Amalfi Coast) are Maiori, Minori, and Amalfi. All of them have a short boardwalk where you can go with the stroller without lifting it, a limited amount of stairs and relatively large pebble beaches to bring your pram along. 

Getting to the Amalfi Coast with Kids

If you’re traveling with babies or children it usually means that you won’t be traveling light with a small suitcase or a backpack. I was glad we rented a car and drove ourselves. 

If you’re afraid of driving on the windy roads of Amalfi, you can use public transportation at least to Sorrento, but I highly advise to take the slightly more pricy Campania Express rather than Circumvesuviana that gets way too packed and very uncomfortable for children. 

From Sorrento, while there are public buses, do yourself a favor and arrange private transportation. Even off-season you might take waiting for the next available bus for hours standing on the crowded and narrow side of the road, so you don’t want to do it with small children or strollers. 

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Positano with a Stroller

If I did this trip again, I’d probably bring only my lightweight Yoyo travel stroller instead of the main Uppababy Vista one. We wanted to minimize the number of things we carry through the airport, hence why we just took a car seat with a stroller base.

As a result, it made things heavier and required two people to carry it down the stairs instead of one, on top of making the baby sweaty (like in any car seat). If I was to do this trip again I’d leave the car seat in a car and walk around with a travel stroller. 

That said, we weren’t the only ones visiting Positano with a stroller. There were plenty of other “crazy” people with babies and strollers, so if you don’t want to believe just me that it’s possible. 

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What to Pack for Amalfi Coast with a Baby?

You need to keep your little one out of the sun, which means a hat, sunscreen and shade cloth are a must.

One thing I found quite difficult to get in the area were surprisingly diapers. Most of the time I buy diapers and formula at the destination to limit my luggage when flying with a baby, but you might want to stock up on diapers elsewhere.

I was lucky baby Dylan was still in size 1 and I was able to grab the last and only available pack of diapers at the one pharmacy in Positano and one in Ravello, but they didn’t have diapers in his size in Amalfi. While I usually buy diapers on the go, Positano isn’t a place to do so and the last thing you want on holidays is to run around looking for extra diapers – keep your travel baby items ready.

What to Do in Amalfi Coast with a Baby?

The best part of traveling with a small baby is that he’s pretty much happy with anything and easily amused by the surroundings. Dylan loved the boat ride and slept most of the time due to the calming motion.

We could also easily take him to the beach without having to worry about the sun as most sun loungers have umbrellas. 

Most restaurants were baby-friendly, minus a few fancy hotel-based spots in Positano (I listed them in my guide to Positano), but you can simply avoid those. 

Any questions about traveling to Amalfi Coast with a baby? Post them below and I’ll reply ASAP.